Homemade Bubble Tea

To make the tea:

1. Steep 2 to 3 tea bags in 1 cup of boiling-hot water for about 15 minutes. Remove the tea bag and let the tea cool to room temperature.
2. Make the tapioca pearls (refer to the instructions below for regular and quick-cook tapioca pearls).
3. Make the sugar syrup by mixing ½ cup water and 1/2 cup sugar into a small saucepan. Cook on low and keep stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
4. It’s time to assemble the bubble tea! Add the the tapioca pearls to a tall glass and add a few ice cubes. Pour the tea into the glass and a 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar syrup (or more, depending on how sweet you like your bubble tea) and serve.

Tapioca Pearls

Regular tapioca pearls

Bring 2 cups of water to boil and add the tapioca pearls. Stir and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until pearls float to the top. Drain and rinse the pearls under cold water. Transfer to a large glass (the one you will be drinking from) and set aside.

Quick 5-minute tapioca pearls

Bring 2 cups of water to boil and add the tapioca pearls. Stir and wait until the tapioca pearls float to the surface. Cover and cook on medium heat for 2 minutes. Drain and soak in cold water for 20 seconds. Transfer to a large glass (the one you will be drinking from) and set aside.

Pre-made Bubble Tea Powder Mix

1. Cook the tapioca pearls by following the steps above.
2. Mix 3 tablespoons bubble tea powder mix with water.
3. Add tapioca pearls to a tall glass along with a few ice cubes and pour in the tea mixture. Stir and serve.

Note: add more bubble tea powder mix if you prefer a sweeter taste.