How to Make Bubble Tea (Boba Tea, 珍珠奶茶)

2 standard portions

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Ingredients

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1/2 cup instant black tapioca pearls ((*Footnote 1))
• 6 black tea bags (or 4 tablespoons / 40 g loose leaf black tea) ((*Footnote 2))
• 2 cups plant-based milk
• Ice cubes for a cold drink ((Optional))

Method

1. Add the brown sugar and hot water into a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. If the sugar does not dissolve, heat the bowl in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes then stir again.
2. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Cook the tapioca pearls according to package instructions. Drain the tapioca pearls and run under cold tap water for a few seconds, to stop cooking. Drain again and transfer into the bowl of syrup. Let marinate while preparing the bubble tea. (*Footnote 3)
3. Add 1 cup of boiling water and the tea into a glass or a pot that’s easy to pour from. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes to make a strong tea. Strain tea with a very fine colander or coffee filter (or remove the tea bags).
4. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the tapioca pearls along with the brown sugar syrup into each serving glass. Pour in 1/2 cup of the black tea. Add up to 1 cup of plant milk, or according to your taste.
5. Stir to mix before drinking. You can adjust the taste by adding more tapioca pearls with syrup, tea or plant milk.
6. Serve the drink hot, at room temperature, or add ice cubes to serve it cold.