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–+ servings
Taiwanese bubble milk tea with creamy black tea, ice, tapioca pearls, and a wide straw.

Classic Taiwanese Bubble Milk Tea

Strong Taiwanese-style black milk tea with brown-sugar syrup, ice, and chewy tapioca pearls.
Servings 2 drinks
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Tea cooling time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Small saucepan
  • Fine strainer
  • Two tall glasses
  • Wide straws

Ingredients

Pearls and Tea

  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking black tapioca pearls
  • 6 cups water for cooking pearls
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 4 bags strong black tea Assam or Ceylon
  • 2 cups boiling water for tea
  • 1 cup whole milk or creamy dairy-free milk
  • 2 cups ice
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook the Pearls:

  • Boil 6 cups water. Add pearls and cook according to the package, usually 20 to 30 minutes, until chewy.
  • Drain and transfer to a small saucepan with brown sugar and 1/4 cup water. Simmer 5 minutes, then cool slightly.

Brew and Assemble:

  • Steep tea bags in 2 cups boiling water for 8 minutes. Remove bags and cool completely.
  • Divide pearls and syrup between two glasses. Add ice, tea, and milk.
  • Stir thoroughly and serve immediately with wide straws.

Notes

  • Use cooked pearls the same day.
  • Brew tea stronger than normal.
  • Adjust brown-sugar syrup after tasting.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 78gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 45g
Calories: 390kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Keyword: Boba Tea, Bubble Milk Tea, Tapioca Pearls