Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add 2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose leaf black tea, and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. After steeping, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool completely to room temperature.

In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add 1 cup of tapioca pearls. Stir gently to prevent sticking and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pearls are translucent and chewy. Once done, drain the pearls and immediately toss them in a bowl with a few tablespoons of brown sugar to coat while still hot.

Prepare a tall serving glass by placing the brown sugar-coated tapioca pearls at the bottom. Next, fill the glass with ice cubes, ensuring it’s about halfway full. Then, carefully pour the cooled black tea into the glass until it reaches about three-quarters full.

To finish your Brown Sugar Bubble Tea, slowly pour in ½ cup of whole milk or your preferred milk alternative. Stir gently, being careful to maintain the lovely layered appearance, and prepare for a refreshing sip!