Boba pearls (tapioca pearls) from scratch:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tapioca starch (plus extra for dusting)
• ½ cup water
• Brown sugar (or white sugar), 2 tbsp

Instructions:

1. Boil water and sugar: Bring ½ cup of water and 2 tbsp of sugar to a boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely.
2. Make the dough: Turn the heat to low and gradually add the tapioca starch while stirring constantly until it forms a dough. The mixture will become thick and sticky.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a surface dusted with extra tapioca starch and knead it until smooth.
4. Form the pearls: Break the dough into small pieces and roll each into tiny balls (around ¼ inch in diameter) to form the boba pearls.
5. Boil the pearls: Boil a pot of water and add the boba pearls. Cook for 20-30 minutes until they float and become translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Cool and sweeten: Drain the cooked pearls and transfer them to a bowl with cold water to cool. For extra flavor, you can soak them in sugar syrup for a few minutes before serving.

Here are some popular boba drink variations that bring creativity and different flavors to bubble tea:

1. Classic Milk Tea with Boba

The most traditional option, made with black tea, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. It has a rich, creamy taste that’s lightly sweetened.

2. Brown Sugar Milk Tea (Add strawberry)

This version uses brown sugar syrup to sweeten the milk tea, giving it a caramel-like flavor. The boba pearls are often coated in brown sugar syrup as well, adding extra sweetness.

4. Matcha Boba Tea

A green tea-based version, this drink uses matcha powder, milk, and sugar, providing a refreshing and slightly earthy flavor.

6. Thai Iced Tea with Boba

A strong, spiced black tea mixed with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice with tapioca pearls. This drink offers a sweet, creamy flavor with a slight spice.

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