# What You'll Need:
→ 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 tablespoons loose black tea
07 - 1 cup hot water
08 - 1 cup whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
09 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
10 - Ice cubes as needed
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Combine 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of the tapioca starch until smooth. Return to low heat and stir until the mixture thickens to a paste. Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl, add the remaining tapioca starch, and knead until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Keep dusted with tapioca starch to prevent sticking.
02 - Pinch off small portions of dough and roll into pea-sized balls, dusting with tapioca starch to prevent adhesion. Arrange on a tray lightly dusted with starch so they do not stick together.
03 - Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the shaped pearls and boil, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until they become translucent and chewy. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
04 - In a saucepan combine 1/2 cup dark brown sugar and 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked pearls to the syrup and simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the pearls absorb the syrup flavor. Keep warm until assembly.
05 - Steep two black tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose tea) in 1 cup of hot water for 5 to 7 minutes for a full-bodied brew. Remove the tea and, while still warm, stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar if using. Add 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative) and allow to cool; refrigerate briefly if a chilled beverage is desired.
06 - Divide the brown sugar pearls and their syrup between two glasses. Swirl additional syrup up the inside of each glass for a marbled effect. Add ice cubes, pour in the prepared milk tea, stir gently to combine, and serve immediately with a wide straw.
