Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Servings: 1 Drink

Trendy? Yes, but also really fun. Boba, also known as bubble tea is a cold, sweet tea concoction from Taiwan. There are hundreds of variations: milk and black tea, juice and green tea, tapioca pearls, or other add-ins. One common denominator is that they all add sweetener and that is where we humbly submit the first-ever Maple Boba. Rather than add corn syrup or simple syrup, we add our maple for a richer drink. Whether milk or juice-based, it makes the drink that much better.

Though not all Boba drinks contain tapioca pearls, they are the most common additive and, in our opinion, what makes the drink unique. If you’ve never tried them, they are mild tasting, with just a little chewiness, and take only five minutes to prepare. We found them at a specialty Asian grocery but you can also order them online.

Another part of the drink that we think is compulsory is the straw which is wider than your typical soda straw. Part of the enjoyment of the drink is sucking up the tapioca pearls from the bottom of the cup along with a big gulp of tea. You sometimes ask yourself if you are eating or drinking this treat but the answer is both. We are aware that plastic straws are a menace to the environment but you can find reusable, wide straws. You might as well because we think this trend is here to stay.

Ingredients

Milk Tea Boba
Juice Tea Boba

Instructions

  • 1 Brew a cup of tea and set aside to cool to room temperature
  • 2 Combine 2 cups of water per 1/4 cup of tapioca pearls and bring to a boil
  • 3 Simmer pearls for 5 minutes or until tender (but not mushy)
  • 4 Drain the pearls and put into a bowl with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup of your choice. Stir to coat and let cool completely.
  • 5 Add 1/2 cup of tea to 1/4 cup of milk or juice
  • 6 Add several spoonfuls of boba (tapioca pearls) and sweeten with maple syrup to your liking (start with 2 teaspoons).
  • 7 Add ice and stir until well chilled.
  • 8 Pop in a straw and enjoy!