
Bubble Tea Recipe
A refreshing drink made with tea, milk, and tapioca pearls.
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Ingredients
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Base Ingredients
Milk Ingredients
Tapioca Pearls
Optional Additions
Method
Prepare the Tapioca Pearls
- 1
Cook the Tapioca Pearls
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent sticking. Once the pearls float to the surface, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 2
Sweeten the Pearls
After 30 minutes, remove the pot from heat, cover, and let the pearls sit for an additional 30 minutes. Drain the pearls and rinse them under cold water. In a separate bowl, mix the cooked pearls with 1 cup of brown sugar until well coated. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the sweetness.
Prepare the Tea
- 3
Brew the Tea
In another pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add 2 cups of black tea leaves. Steep for about 5-7 minutes, then strain the tea into a pitcher and let it cool.
- 4
Assemble the Bubble Tea
- 5
- 6
Add Milk
Top off the drink with the milk mixture and stir gently to combine.
- 7
Add Optional Ingredients
If desired, add ice cubes and flavored syrup to taste. Stir again to mix all ingredients thoroughly.