# What you'll need:
→ Tapioca Pearls
01 - ½ cup tapioca starch (plus extra for dusting)
02 - ¼ cup brown sugar
03 - ¼ cup water
→ Brown Sugar Syrup
04 - ½ cup dark brown sugar
05 - ½ 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 (or oat milk for dairy-free)
09 - 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
10 - Ice cubes
# Method:
01 - In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup water. Bring to a simmer until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp tapioca starch. Mix until smooth. Return to low heat and stir until thickened. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and add the remaining tapioca starch. Knead until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Roll dough into small balls (about pea-sized), dusting with tapioca starch to prevent sticking. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add pearls and boil for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse pearls under cold water.
02 - In a saucepan, combine ½ cup dark brown sugar and ½ cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and syrup thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Add cooked pearls to the syrup and simmer for another 5 minutes. Keep warm.
03 - Steep the tea bags in 1 cup hot water for 5–7 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cool slightly. Stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar (if using) and 1 cup milk. Chill if desired.
04 - Divide the brown sugar pearls and syrup between two glasses. Swirl syrup up the inside of each glass for a marbled effect. Add ice cubes, then pour in the milk tea. Stir gently and serve with wide straws.
