Bubble tea, also known as pearl or boba tea, is a fun and delightful drink that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. This popular beverage has spread all over the world, offering a unique combination of sweet, chewy tapioca pearls and flavorful tea or fruit-based drinks. Creating your own homemade bubble tea allows you to customize the flavors and sweetness levels to suit your preferences. Follow this simple recipe to enjoy a refreshing glass of homemade Bubble Tea at any time of day.
**Bubble Tea**
**Ingredients:**
– 1/2 cup black tapioca pearls
– 2 black tea bags
– 3 cups filtered water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
– Ice cubes
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Tapioca Pearls:**
– In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently.
– Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pearls simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
– Cover the saucepan with a lid and turn off the heat. Let the pearls sit for an additional 20 minutes.
2. **Rinse and Sweeten the Pearls:**
– Drain the tapioca pearls using a fine mesh strainer and rinse them under cold water.
– Transfer the pearls to a bowl and mix in the granulated sugar until well coated. Set aside.
3. **Make the Tea Base:**
– In a separate saucepan, bring 3 cups of filtered water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the black tea bags.
– Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes for a strong flavor. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
4. **Assemble the Bubble Tea:**
– Divide the sweetened tapioca pearls into two large glasses.
– Add ice cubes to each glass for a refreshing touch.
– Pour the cooled black tea over the pearls and ice, filling each glass about 3/4 full.
– Add milk of your choice to each glass, filling the remaining space. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Add extra-wide straws to the glasses, perfect for sipping up the chewy pearls along with the tea.
– Give your bubble tea a quick stir before enjoying the sweet and refreshing sip, filled with a blend of textures and flavors.
Bubble tea is a versatile drink that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of tea, sweetness levels, and milk options to create your perfect combination. Enjoy this fun and tasty beverage as a treat for yourself or share it with friends and family. Making bubble tea at home is not only easy but also a satisfying way to enjoy this popular drink at any time.
