Description
This Brown Sugar Bubble Tea recipe offers a homemade take on the popular Taiwanese drink, combining chewy tapioca pearls soaked in rich brown sugar syrup with creamy milk. Perfect for a refreshing treat, this drink balances sweetness and texture beautifully, with an option for dairy-free milk alternatives.
Ingredients
Tapioca Pearls
- 1 cup tapioca pearls
Brown Sugar Syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar (dark for richer flavor)
- ½ cup water
Milk and Serving
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Tapioca Pearls: Boil water in a pot over medium heat. Add the tapioca pearls and cook according to package instructions until they become soft and chewy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make Brown Sugar Syrup: In a separate saucepan, combine ½ cup water and ½ cup brown sugar over low heat. Stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a syrup.
- Combine Pearls with Syrup: Drain the cooked tapioca pearls and briefly rinse them under cold water to halt cooking. Then, mix the pearls with 2 tablespoons of the prepared brown sugar syrup to infuse them with flavor.
- Assemble the Drink: Place the brown sugar-coated tapioca pearls at the bottom of a tall glass, add ice cubes on top, and then pour in milk until the glass is three-quarters full.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle additional brown sugar syrup over the top for a beautiful visual effect and added sweetness. Stir gently with a thick straw and enjoy your homemade brown sugar bubble tea.
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper, richer caramel flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or any preferred plant-based milk.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the tapioca pearls at their best chewy texture.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar syrup.
- Ensure to rinse cooked tapioca pearls to prevent overcooking and clumping.
