Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea Recipe (Winter Immunity Booster)

Q: Can I drink this hot?

Absolutely! This Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea is delicious warm. Just skip the shaker and the ice, and add your warm boba pearls directly to the hot tea mixture.

Q: Is Manuka honey worth the price?

For a daily drink? Maybe not. But for a Winter Immunity Drink ? Yes. The texture and health benefits are superior.

Q: How much sugar is in this?

Honey is still sugar! Use my free BobaCal Nutrition Calculator to track the exact calories and sugar content based on how much honey you squeeze in.

Skip to Recipe

While New York City in December is magical, but let’s be honest: it is also a germ factory. Between the packed subway and my twin teenagers bringing home every cold imaginable from school, I feel like I need armour just to leave the apartment.

I am actually packing for my family trip to Mexico next week (can. not. wait.), and the absolute last thing I need is to get sick before I get on that plane. That is why I am drinking this Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea on repeat. It is my secret weapon for staying healthy during the chaos of the holidays.

Unlike the heavy, creamy milk teas we crave in autumn, this Fruit Tea Recipe is light, cleansing, and honestly feels like a hug in a cup. It combines the antioxidants of our Jasmine Green Tea Base with a massive hit of Vitamin C.

Why This Works for Winter

Most people think bubble tea is just a summer treat. They are wrong. When you pair the floral notes of jasmine with bright citrus and earthy honey, you get a drink that actually makes you feel better.

The Vitamin C: We are using fresh orange and lemon juice here. No cartons allowed!
The Honey: A high-quality Raw Manuka Honey creates a depth of flavour that simple syrup just can’t match. Plus, it is soothing for a scratchy throat.
The Base: Your pre-made Jasmine Green Tea Base provides the gentle caffeine kick you need to get through holiday shopping without the jitters.

Moody vertical shot of Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea in a vintage ribbed glass with a gold straw, rosemary garnish, and orange peels on a dark wooden table. — This is my winter survival strategy in a glass. Smoky honey, bright citrus, and absolutely zero bitter aftertaste.

The “Golden” Ingredients

Since this recipe is so simple, the quality of ingredients matters. You cannot hide behind milk or sugar here.

Fresh Citrus: I use a mix of Navel Oranges (for sweetness) and Lemon (for zing). If you want to get fancy, adding a splash of fresh Grapefruit juice adds a lovely bitterness that balances the honey. You will need a good Citrus Juicer to get every drop out.
The Sweetener: You have to use honey. Sugar just doesn’t taste right here. I recommend warming your honey slightly or mixing it with a splash of hot water so it dissolves easily into the cold tea.
The Tea: Use the strong Loose Leaf Jasmine Tea method. If the tea is too weak, the acidity of the orange juice will drown it out.
The Chew: While tapioca is classic, I love using Aloe Vera Jelly in this recipe. It adds a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the citrus. (See my guide on Bubble Tea Toppings).

This As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend the specific tools I actually use in my own kitchen to keep my teenagers happy (and my sanity intact). It comes at no extra cost to you!

Overhead shot of raw honey in a jar, a honey-coated spoon, a halved orange, and loose jasmine tea leaves on a dark wooden table. — The cure for the common cold starts here: Raw honey, fresh citrus, and antioxidant-rich tea.

Choosing the Right Honey

Not all honey is created equal, especially for boba. Here is a quick breakdown:

Which Honey is Best for Boba?

Honey Type	Flavour Profile	Best For…
Orange Blossom	Floral, light, and citrusy notes.	Enhancing the scent of Jasmine Green Tea without overpowering it.
Manuka / Raw	Earthy, rich, medicinal, and thick.	Maximum immunity benefits and coating a sore throat.
Wildflower	Robust, bold, and inconsistent (in a good way).	If you love a strong, distinct “honey” taste in your tea.
Acacia	Very mild, clear, and sweet.	Adding sweetness without changing the tea flavour.

Assembly: Shake it Up

Just like our Strawberry Jasmine Bubble Tea, the secret is in the shake. Because honey is thick, you need to really agitate the mixture to get it smooth.

Pour your chilled tea, fresh juices, and honey syrup into your Cocktail Shaker with plenty of ice. Shake it until your hands get cold! This creates a beautiful foam on top that looks amazing in the glass.

Vertical shot of a glass of amber-colored Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea with boba pearls at the bottom, sitting on a snowy window sill wrapped in a grey knit blanket. — My winter survival kit: Vitamin C, honey, and a view of the snow from the warm side of the glass. ❄️🍯

Table of Contents

Topping It Off: The Boba Tea Recipe Essential

While tapioca pearls are the classic choice, I actually prefer Aloe Vera Jelly for this specific drink. It adds a lovely refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the citrus. You can check out my full guide on Bubble Tea Toppings to see how to prepare them.

The Spicy Twist

When I really feel a cold coming on, I add a slice of fresh ginger to the shaker. The spicy ginger kick combined with the honey and lemon takes this Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea to a whole other level – it’s basically a cold-remedy cocktail!

FAQ: Common Questions

Can I drink this hot?

Absolutely! This Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea is delicious warm. Just skip the shaker and the ice, and add your warm boba pearls directly to the hot tea mixture.

Is Manuka honey worth the price?

For a daily drink? Maybe not. But for a Winter Immunity Drink? Yes. The texture and health benefits are superior.

How much sugar is in this?

Honey is still sugar! Use my free BobaCal Nutrition Calculator to track the exact calories and sugar content based on how much honey you squeeze in.

Shop My Kitchen

Make your kitchen feel like a cafe (and keep the germs away) with these tools:

Raw Manuka Honey (The gold standard for wellness)
Citrus Juicer (Essential for quick prep)
Highball Glasses (These show off the amber colour beautifully)
Reusable Boba Straws

Wide shot of a glass of Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea on a clean white kitchen counter next to sliced oranges and a honey jar. — Quick, easy, and healthy. The perfect clean energy boost for a busy NYC day.

Don’t forget to check out the Ultimate Bubble Tea Guide for more tips on brewing the perfect base.

Winter Immunity Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea

Yield: 1 Serving

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

A refreshing, immune-boosting Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea combining fresh orange, lemon, and floral Jasmine Green Tea Base with a soothing honey finish. Perfect for cold and flu season.

Ingredients

1 cup Jasmine Green Tea Base (Brewed strong and chilled)
1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice (About 1 large orange)
1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tbsp Honey (Dissolved in 1 tbsp warm water to make a syrup)
1/2 cup Tapioca Pearls (Cooked fresh) or Aloe Vera Jelly
1 cup Ice Cubes
Garnish: Orange slices, Rosemary sprig

Instructions

Prep: Mix the honey with a tiny bit of warm water to create a loose syrup. This prevents it from seizing up when it hits the cold tea.
Combine: In a Cocktail Shaker, combine the chilled Jasmine tea, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a handful of ice.
Shake: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
Assemble: Place your warm, cooked boba (or Aloe Jelly) into a Highball Glass. Pour the frothy, shaken tea mixture over the pearls.
Serve: Garnish with a slice of orange or a sprig of rosemary for that winter scent. Add a Wide Boba Straw and enjoy!

Notes

Sweetness: If your oranges are very tart, you may need more honey. Use the BobaCal Calculator to check the sugar content.

Variation: Add a slice of fresh ginger to the shaker for a spicy kick.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 594Total Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 150gFiber: 2gSugar: 38gProtein: 2g

Nutrition information is an estimate only. Values will vary based on brands, add-ins, and portion sizes.

In Summary: Your Daily Vitamin Dose

This Honey Citrus Jasmine Bubble Tea is proof that you don’t need dairy to make a comforting winter drink. It is bright, refreshing, and exactly what your body needs during this busy season. Whether you are fighting off a cold or just dreaming of warmer weather (like I am!), this drink is the perfect pour.

My Favourite Sip

When I really feel a cold coming on, I add a slice of fresh ginger to the shaker. The spicy ginger kick combined with the honey and lemon takes this to a whole other level—it’s basically a cold-remedy cocktail!

Save this Pin for Later! 👇