Bubble Tea
Sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls — the classic bubble tea shop drink, made at home.
Method
1
Cook the tapioca pearls
Bring a pot of water to the boil, add the tapioca pearls, and cook according to the packet instructions (usually 20–25 minutes). Drain and toss with a little brown sugar while still warm.
2
Brew the tea
Steep the tea bags in the hot water for 5 minutes, then remove and stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Let cool.
3
Assemble
Spoon the cooked pearls into the bottom of a glass, then fill with ice.
4
Combine
Pour over the cooled sweet tea, then top with milk. Stir before drinking through a wide straw.
TipCooked tapioca pearls firm up quickly once cold — make them fresh and use within a few hours for the best chewy texture.