Bubble tea

• Tapioca Pearls1/2 cup
• Ice(optional)as many as you would like
• Brown Sugar1/4 cup
• Black Tea6
• Water2 tablespoons
• Plant-Based Milk2 cups

Ingredient substitutions

No exact bottle on the shelf? These swaps keep Bubble tea close to the original.

• Instead of Tapioca Pearls

  • Popping Boba— bursting texture

• Instead of Brown Sugar

  • Maple Syrup— deeper caramel
  • Sugar— cleaner, less molasses

• Instead of Black Tea

  • Oolong Tea— smoother, toastier

• Instead of Plant-Based Milk

  • Milk— dairy version

Instructions

1. 1

   To prepare the syrup. Add the brown sugar and hot water into a small bowl.

2. 2

   Stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. 3

   If the sugar does not dissolve, heat the bowl in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes then stir again.

4. 4

   To prepare tapioca pearls—the instant type. Bring a small pot of water to a boil.

5. 5

   Cook the tapioca pearls according to package instructions.

6. 6

   Drain the tapioca pearls and run under cold tap water for a few seconds, to stop cooking.

7. 7

   Drain again and transfer into the bowl of syrup.

8. 8

   Let marinate while preparing the bubble tea.

9. 9

   Prepare bubble tea. Add 1 cup of boiling water and the tea into a glass or a pot that’s easy to pour from.

10. 10

    Let the tea steep for 10 minutes to make a strong tea.

11. 11

    Strain tea with a very fine colander or coffee filter (or remove the tea bags).

12. 12

    Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the tapioca pearls along with the brown sugar syrup into each serving glass.

13. 13

    Pour in 1/2 cup of the black tea.

14. 14

    Add up to 1 cup of plant milk, or according to your taste.

15. 15

    Stir to mix before drinking.

16. 16

    You can adjust the taste by adding more tapioca pearls with syrup, tea or plant milk.

17. 17

    Serve the drink hot, at room temperature, or add ice cubes to serve it cold.

18. 18

    Note: Instant tapioca pearls are easy to cook and they taste the best when served fresh.

19. 19

    However, if you want to prepare them a day or more ahead, use the regular type instead.