Discover the secrets to making authentic Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶) with this easy-to-follow recipe. Learn how to prepare the perfect tea base, creamy milk, and chewy tapioca pearls to create a refreshing and popular Taiwanese drink. Perfect for satisfying your cravings for this beloved beverage!

Ingredients:

- For the Tapioca Pearls:

 - 1 cup tapioca pearls

 - 4 cups water

 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)

- For the Tea Base:

 - 2 black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea)

 - 2 cups water

 - 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

- For the Milk:

 - 1 cup milk (whole milk or any preferred alternative)

 - Ice cubes (as desired)

Instructions:

Cook the Tapioca Pearls:

  - Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot. Add the tapioca pearls and cook according to package instructions, usually about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  - Once cooked, drain the pearls and rinse under cold water. If desired, mix in brown sugar for added sweetness.

Prepare the Tea:

  - Boil 2 cups of water and steep the black tea bags for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your taste preference.

  - Remove the tea bags and stir in sugar while the tea is still warm. Let the tea cool to room temperature.

Asemble the Bubble Tea:

  - In a glass, add a generous portion of cooked tapioca pearls.

  - Fill the glass with ice cubes.

  - Pour the cooled tea over the ice and tapioca pearls.

  - Top with milk and stir gently.

Serve:

  - Serve immediately with a wide straw to enjoy the tapioca pearls along with the tea and milk.

Enjoy your homemade Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)! Perfect for a refreshing treat anytime.

Nutritional values

For the Tapioca Pearls:

Tapioca Pearls (1 cup):

 - Approximately 544 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 135g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Provides a source of energy through carbohydrates. Tapioca pearls are primarily starch and do not offer significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Water (4 cups):

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Essential for cooking the tapioca pearls, helps in hydration, and aids in the preparation of the tapioca.

Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons, optional)*

 - Approximately 96 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 24g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness and flavor to the tapioca pearls. Contains trace amounts of minerals like calcium and potassium, but should be used in moderation due to high sugar content.

For the Tea Base:

Black Tea Bags (2 bags) or Loose-Leaf Black Tea (2 tablespoons):

 - Approximately 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Provides antioxidants, supports heart health, and can enhance alertness and focus. Black tea also contains less caffeine compared to coffee.

Water (2 cups):

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Essential for brewing the tea, helps in hydration, and extracts flavors and beneficial compounds from the tea leaves.

Sugar (2 tablespoons, adjust to taste):

 - Approximately 96 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 24g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness to the tea. Adjust according to taste preferences. Use in moderation due to high calorie and carbohydrate content.

For the Milk:

Milk (1 cup, whole milk or any preferred alternative):

 - Approximately 150 calories

 - 8g protein

 - 12g carbohydrates

 - 8g fat

Benefits: Provides protein, calcium, and vitamins D and B12. Aids in the creation of a creamy texture for beverages. Alternatives like almond or soy milk offer different nutritional profiles.

Ice Cubes (as desired):

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Helps in cooling the beverage, making it refreshing, and does not add calories or nutrients.

These ingredients combine to create a refreshing beverage with chewy tapioca pearls and a sweet, creamy tea base.