Candy Cane Rim Holiday Boba

December 18, 2025
Posted by Karen Chen

If you want a festive holiday drink that looks like it came from your favorite bubble tea shops (but costs way less), this candy cane rim boba is it. You’re basically making a “peppermint glass rim” with honey or maple syrup, dipping it in crushed candy cane, then building your drink with Hakumori boba + your choice of Milk Tea, Matcha, or Taro.

Make this at your next Christmas party! It’s an easy crowd-pleaser, looks super cute in photos, and you can set it up as a DIY boba bar so guests can pick their flavor.

Why you’ll love this

Budget-friendly – makes multiple drinks for the price of one shop drink
Fast + beginner-friendly – simple steps, no fancy tools
Customizable – sweetness, milk choice, ice level, toppings
Holiday-perfect – the candy cane rim makes it instantly festive

Ingredients

For the candy cane rim (works for all flavors)

2–3 candy canes, crushed (or peppermint hard candies)
1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (maple is the best option if you want it vegan-friendly)
Ice

For the boba base

Hakumori Instant Boba Pearls (prepare according to package directions)

Choose your flavor (make 1 or make all 3)

Hakumori Milk Tea Kit
Hakumori Matcha Milk Tea Kit
Hakumori Taro Milk Tea Kit

Equipment

2 small plates (or shallow bowls)
Spoon or rolling pin (to crush candy canes)
Short glass(es) or tumbler(s)
Boba straw

Step-by-step: How to make Candy Cane Rim Boba

1) Crush the candy canes

Place candy canes in a zip bag and crush into small pieces (not powder – you want sparkle + crunch). Pour onto a small plate.

2) Prep the rim

Pour honey or maple syrup onto a second plate.
Dip the rim of your glass into the syrup, then dip into the crushed candy cane until coated.

Tip: If your glass is wet, the rim can slide. Dry the rim first for a cleaner candy edge.

3) Make your boba

Prepare your Hakumori boba pearls according to the package. Add boba to the bottom of each glass.

4) Mix your drink (pick a flavor)

Prepare your Milk Tea, Matcha, or Taro using your Hakumori kit instructions. Add ice, then pour into the glass over boba.

5) Serve

Add a straw and sip from the candy cane rim for that holiday peppermint vibe.

Flavor builds (quick guide)

Candy Cane Milk Tea Boba

Classic, cozy, and the most “holiday latte” feeling. If you like it sweeter, lean into the candy cane rim and keep the drink base slightly less sweet.

Candy Cane Matcha Boba

Creamy matcha + peppermint rim = fresh and festive. Great with oat milk if you want a thicker texture.

Candy Cane Taro Boba

Taro’s naturally dessert-like flavor pairs perfectly with the candy cane crunch. This one tastes the most like a holiday treat.

Tips for the prettiest rim (and best sip)

Crush small, not dusty: tiny shards look better and stick better.
Rim right before serving: candy canes melt if they sit too long.
Don’t over-syrup: a thin coat is enough.
Chill your glass: helps the rim hold up longer.

Variations

Extra topping moment: add coconut jelly for texture contrast.
More peppermint: add a drop of peppermint extract to the drink base (go easy).
No honey: maple syrup works great and has a smoother dip.