Bubble Tea Recipe

Boil Water

Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.

Cook Pearls

Add 0.5 cup uncooked tapioca pearls to the boiling water, stir once to prevent sticking, then reduce heat to medium-high so the water maintains a steady boil. Cook uncovered for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pearls are mostly translucent with a small opaque center. (Cooking time varies by brand—follow package if different.)

Simmer and Rest

After initial cooking, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2–4 minutes until pearls reach desired chewiness. Turn off heat and let pearls sit in hot water for an additional 5 minutes if you prefer chewier texture.

Rinse and Chill

Pour the cooked pearls into a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water (or place in a bowl with 1/2 cup cold water) to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Drain well.

Make Brown Sugar Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp brown sugar and 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly into a syrup (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.

Coat Pearls

Place drained pearls into a small bowl and pour the warm brown sugar syrup over them. Stir to coat so the pearls absorb flavor. Let sit for at least 5 minutes; keep warm if serving immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours (reheat by briefly microwaving or steaming).

Steep Tea

Place 2 tsp black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags) in a heatproof container and pour 1 cup hot water over them. Steep for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength. Remove tea leaves or bags and let tea cool to room temperature (or chill in refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to speed up).

Sweeten and Cream

While tea is still warm, stir in 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (optional) and 1 tbsp simple syrup or sugar until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness to preference. If using condensed milk, reduce other sugar accordingly.

Assemble Drink

Add ice to a serving glass (about 1 cup). Spoon in 3–4 tbsp of the syrup-coated pearls (adjust quantity as desired). Pour in cooled tea until the glass is about 2/3 full, then add 3/4 cup milk (or milk alternative). Stir gently to combine. Taste and add more syrup or condensed milk if needed.

Insert a boba straw, give the drink a final gentle stir, and serve immediately. If making multiple servings, keep extra syrup-coated pearls in their syrup and refrigerate; warm briefly before using.