# Needed Ingredients:
→ Tapioca pearls
01 - 1/2 cup tapioca starch, plus extra for dusting
02 - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1/4 cup water
→ Brown sugar syrup
04 - 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
05 - 1/2 cup water
→ Milk tea
06 - 2 black tea bags or 2 tbsp loose black tea
07 - 1 cup hot water
08 - 1 cup whole milk (substitute oat milk for dairy-free)
09 - 2 tbsp brown sugar, optional and to taste
10 - Ice cubes as needed
# Steps:
01 - In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1/4 cup water and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp of the tapioca starch until smooth to form a thick syrupy binder.
02 - Return the pan to very low heat and stir the binder until it further thickens, then transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the remaining tapioca starch and knead until a smooth, pliable dough forms; add a dusting of tapioca starch on the work surface to prevent sticking.
03 - Pinch pieces of dough and roll into pea-sized spheres, dusting with tapioca starch to keep them separate. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
04 - Bring a pot of water to a rapid boil, add the pearls and stir to prevent sticking. Boil for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.
05 - In a separate saucepan, combine 1/2 cup dark brown sugar with 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Add the cooked pearls and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to infuse flavor; keep warm in the syrup until assembly.
06 - Steep the tea bags in 1 cup hot water for 5–7 minutes for a robust infusion; remove the tea and stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar if using. Add 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative) and chill briefly if you prefer the drink cold.
07 - Divide the warm brown sugar pearls and a little syrup between two serving glasses. Swirl syrup up the sides for a marbled effect, add ice as desired, then pour the milk tea over the pearls. Stir gently and serve with wide straws.
