Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea Recipe

Make brown sugar syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar and water. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture thickens into a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and let cool.

Cook pearls

In a large pot, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Add dried tapioca pearls and reduce heat to a gentle boil. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pearls are plump and translucent. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 5 minutes.

Sweeten pearls

Drain pearls and rinse briefly with warm water. Return to the pot, add 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and stir until coated. Let pearls cool slightly before using.

Brew tea

Place tea bags in 2 cups hot water and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature (or chill in the fridge).

Prepare milk tea base

In a shaker or tall glass, combine the cooled tea with 1 cup milk. Stir or shake until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

Assemble and serve

Divide the cooked boba pearls among serving glasses. Drizzle a small amount of brown sugar syrup over the pearls to coat. Add ice if desired. Fill glasses with the milk-tea base, stir well, and serve with wide straws.