Make Bubble Tea with Tapioca Pearls (Print version)
Homemade bubble tea with chewy tapioca pearls, strong black tea, cold milk, ice, and glossy brown sugar syrup.
# Ingredients:
For the tea
01 -
2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose black tea
02 -
1 cup (240 ml) hot water
For the tapioca pearls
03 -
1/2 cup (80 g) quick-cook black tapioca pearls
04 -
4 cups (950 ml) water, for boiling
For the brown sugar syrup
05 -
1/3 cup (70 g) packed dark brown sugar
06 -
1/3 cup (80 ml) water
To assemble
07 -
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or oat milk
08 -
1-2 cups ice
# Instructions:
01 -
Steep the tea bags in 1 cup hot water for 8-10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill if time allows.
02 -
Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir right away. Cook according to the package, usually 5-10 minutes for quick-cook pearls, until chewy with no hard center.
03 -
In a small saucepan, simmer the brown sugar and 1/3 cup water for 2-3 minutes, stirring until dissolved and slightly glossy.
04 -
Drain the cooked pearls and add them to the warm brown sugar syrup. Stir gently and let them sit for 5 minutes so they absorb some sweetness.
05 -
Divide the syrupy pearls between 2 tall glasses. Add ice, pour in the chilled tea, then add the milk. Stir well or shake briefly in a sealed jar for a frothy finish.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use quick-cook tapioca pearls for this timing.
02 -
Drink soon after assembling for the best chewy texture.
03 -
Adjust syrup to taste after adding milk.