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Black Tapioca Bubble Tea Recipe

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4.7 from 114 reviews

This refreshing Bubble Tea Drink features a robust black tea base combined with chewy black tapioca pearls, served chilled with milk and ice. Perfect for a sweet, creamy, and textured beverage experience that brings the popular Taiwanese tea shop favorite to your home.

Ingredients

Tea Base

  • 10 black tea bags
  • 6 cups boiling water
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar

Bubble Component

  • 8.8 ounces quick-cooking tapioca pearls

To Serve

  • Whole milk or half-and-half, as required
  • Ice cubes, as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tea Base: Bring 6 cups of water to a vigorous boil. Remove from heat and add the black tea bags and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the tea to steep and cool down to room temperature, then discard the tea bags.
  2. Cook the Tapioca Pearls: Fifteen minutes before assembling the drink, bring a small saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Add the quick-cooking tapioca pearls and stir constantly to avoid clumping. Boil them for 5 to 7 minutes until they float and achieve a chewy texture. Drain the pearls, rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking, and transfer them to a clean bowl.
  3. Assemble the Bubble Tea: Evenly distribute the cooked tapioca pearls among four highball glasses. Add ice cubes as desired. Pour approximately 1 1/2 cups of the prepared black tea into each glass. Top each glass with 2 to 3 tablespoons of whole milk or half-and-half to your preferred creaminess. Sweeten further with additional sugar if desired. Serve with large straws or long spoons for sipping and stirring.

Notes

  • Use quick-cooking tapioca pearls for faster preparation, but follow the cooking times carefully to achieve the right chewy texture.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on taste preferences.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk or half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk.
  • Allow the tea base to cool completely before mixing with ice to prevent dilution of flavors.
  • Serve immediately after assembly for the best texture and flavor experience.