I first had Boba (bubble) tea with my youngest daughter in Denver. It was so fun and unexpected. Chewy!
Bubble tea is an iced drink that was created in Taiwan in the 1980's. The most basic recipe is tea, milk, sugar and tapioca balls.
Serves 2
Strawberry milk tea:
4 green tea bags (or try Healing House Herbs Chocolate Strawberry, Ginger Strawberry, Green Cherry Rose, Ruby Earl Green, Rose Green)
2 2/3 cup water
3/4 cup milk of choice
1/2 cup strawberry syrup or finely pureed strawberries with sweetener of choice
2 cups ice
Tapioca balls:
4 cups water
1/2 cup tapioca balls (made from the starch of the cassava root)
Make tea:
Boil 2/3 c. water and steep tea bags in hot water for 3 minutes. Discard bags and cool tea. Tea can be made ahead of time and kept in refrigerator up to 4 days. You can also make cold brew discarding bags after 6-8 hours.
Make tapioca balls:
Boil 2 c. water and add tapioca balls. Cook on medium high for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Tapioca balls should be soft all the way through. Follow directions on package if different from my directions. Strain. Bubble tea is best when it is made and served immediately when the tapioca balls are still quite warm. Once the tapioca balls cool, they harden.
Assemble:
Put tapioca balls into a cup and add strawberry syrup, ice, green tea and milk.
Use an extra wide straw to drink and serve. Stir before drinking.
Tea fun!