Ingredients:

  • Tapioca Pearls (small or medium size): 1 cup (approx. 100g)
  • Water (for boiling boba): 6 cups (1.4 Litres)
  • Dark Brown Sugar (packed): 1 cup (200g)
  • Water (for syrup): 1 cup (240ml)
  • Strong Black Tea Bags (Assam, Ceylon, or similar robust blend): 8 standard bags OR 3 tablespoons loose leaf tea
  • Boiling Water (for tea): 2 cups (480ml)
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: ½ cup (120ml)
  • Granulated Sugar (Optional): 2 tablespoons (25g)
  • Ice Cubes
  • Milk (Whole Milk recommended): ½ cup (120ml) (Optional addition)

Instructions:

  1. Phase 1: Making the Brown Sugar Boba. Prepare the Syrup: Combine brown sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Cook the Tapioca: Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in the medium saucepan. Add the dry tapioca pearls all at once. Stir immediately to prevent sticking.
  3. Simmer: Reduce heat to a medium boil and cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pearls float and are mostly translucent. Turn off the heat, cover the pot tightly, and let the pearls steam/rest for another 15 minutes.
  4. Marinate: Drain the cooked boba immediately through a sieve, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Transfer the drained boba to a clean bowl and pour the prepared brown sugar syrup over them. Set aside to cool and absorb flavour.
  5. Phase 2: Brewing the Tea Concentrate. Steep: Place tea bags (or loose tea in an infuser) into the heatproof pitcher. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the tea. Steep for 5–7 minutes for a strong flavour.
  6. Strain and Sweeten: Remove the tea bags/strain the loose leaves. While the tea is still hot, whisk in the condensed milk and optional granulated sugar until fully dissolved.
  7. Chill: Allow the tea concentrate to cool completely to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until thoroughly chilled.
  8. Phase 3: Assembly. Layer the Glass: Spoon a generous amount (about ¼ cup) of the marinated boba pearls into the bottom of each serving glass.
  9. Ice it Up and Pour Tea: Fill the glass nearly to the top with ice cubes. Pour the chilled Milk Tea concentrate over the ice, filling the glass about ¾ full. Top with a splash of fresh milk if desired.
  10. Serve: Give it a good stir with a wide straw and enjoy immediately!