Move over, hot chocolate bombs - there’s a new TikTok trend in town and it’s absolutely perfect for tea lovers. The ultimate tea DIY we’re obsessed with this summer are tea bombs. Tea bombs are colorful, glittery spheres packed with delicious tea and flowers that unfurl in your cup. Tea bombs are completely customizable, so you can pair different colors with your favorite types of tea and even sprinkle in extra flowers and herbs for a magical flair. Here’s everything you need to know to make your own tea bombs!
Sips by is a personalized tea discovery subscription. Each month, we match tea drinkers across the U.S. with delicious teas from over 150 global tea brands that we’re sure they’ll love. Members receive 4 teas chosen just for them in every box. Learn more about our tea subscription service.
WHAT ARE TEA BOMBS?
Tea bombs look like magical glass spheres filled with tea. Like any regular tea bag or tea infuser, you pop them right in your tea cup or mug and pour hot water over them to steep. But the secret to tea bombs is the delicate shell that gently melts to release your delicious tea! Clear tea bomb shells are typically made with isomalt, a sugar alternative derived from sugar beet. Isomalt is healthier and less sweet than sugar, so it doesn’t interfere with blood sugar or over-sweeten your cup of tea.
All you need for the basic tea bomb recipe is silicone molds, isomalt, and tea. However, it’s fun to experiment with different gel food coloring, gold leaf dust, edible glitter, luster dust, or edible flowers for a truly magical tea experience! Your cup of tea will never be boring with homemade tea bombs. They make amazing DIY gifts for the tea lover in your life or they can be a great way to inspire someone to love tea.
Try these floral teas from our shop to make your own blooming tea bombs!
HOW TO MAKE TEA BOMBS
While there are a few specific supplies you probably don’t have around your house - we’re looking at you silicone molds and isomalt - once you have them tea bombs are a breeze to make!
HOW TO MAKE TEA BOMBS
Makes 8 tea bombs // Prep Time: 10 minutes // Active Time: 15 minutes
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- 1 cup isomalt
- Semi-sphere silicone molds
- Loose tea leaves
- Optional: edible glitter, luster dust, or gel food coloring
- Optional: edible dried flowers
Directions
1. Start by melting 1 cup of isomalt on medium-high heat in a non-stick pan until it’s hot and bubbly (about 5 minutes), consistently swirling the pan. Optional: add gel food coloring, luster dust, or edible glitter to the melted mixture. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
2. Fill your molds with two spoonfuls of the melted mixture. Use the spoon to smoothly push up the mixture to coat the edges completely. Let the shells cool and harden, about 15 minutes.
3. Carefully remove half of the tea bomb shells from the mold and place on a tray. Fill one half-sphere with 2 teaspoons of your favorite loose leaf tea. Optional: sprinkle in extra edible flowers or herbs.
4. Warm a fresh pan on medium-low heat. Taking the empty half of the tea bomb shells, place edge down in the pan for a few seconds to melt the edges. Now, quickly stick the empty shell and the tea-filled shell together, it will only take a few seconds to seal and cool completely.
5. Now you’re ready to steep! Place one tea bomb in a clear mug, fill with hot water, and watch it transform your cup into a beautiful burst of tea!
6. Once your tea bomb has fully dissolved and your tea has steeped around 3-5 minutes, use a strainer to remove the loose tea. Now, you're ready to sip and enjoy!
HOW TO STORE TEA BOMBS
Just like all types of tea, humidity is bad for tea bombs as it makes them sticky or melt. It’s best to store your amazing homemade tea bombs in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, such as a tupperware on your counter, in the pantry, or in a cabinet (never the fridge or freezer). When stored properly, tea bombs can last for up to 1-2 weeks!
TEA BOMB TIPS
- Tea bombs are best steeped in a clear mug for the full effect!
- Tea bombs can be VERY hot so it’s recommended to use heat or sugar gloves when making them. Gloves also prevent fingerprints from smudging up your tea bombs.
- You can substitute isomalt for granulated sugar and light corn syrup, your shells just might be a light brown.
- Don’t use regular liquid food coloring as it changes the consistency too much. Instead, use gel food coloring if you want to make your molds bright bursts of color.
- You can buy silicone molds, isomalt, and luster dust or gel food coloring at most local craft stores or in the baking section of your grocery store.
- The leftover isomalt in your pan will harden. To clean your pan easily, fill it with water and boil until the extra isomalt loosens up.
FLORAL TEA SHOP
Frolic through the aromatic abundance of our Floral Tea Shop. Flowers aren’t only for special occasions anymore when every day can feel like a celebration with a cup of floral tea blooming with flavor! Swap out those boring bouquets for fresh and tasty teas infused will real dried flowers. One sip of these light and refreshing blends will transport you to lush lavender fields or make you feel like you’re strolling through idyllic rose gardens.
Interested in trying these teas and others? Subscribers receive 4 teas chosen just for them in every box. Learn more about our tea subscription box or explore the loose leaf tea shop.
About Sips by: We’re a female-founded and led startup that makes discovering tea fun, personalized, and affordable. The Sips by Box is the only multi-brand, personalized tea subscription box. Each month, we match tea drinkers across the U.S. with delicious teas from over 150 global tea brands that we’re sure they’ll love. Based out of Austin, Texas, we are adept at savoring a hot mug even when it’s seasonally inappropriate.
