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.
Boba Tea: Two Variations
Milk Tea
Black tea
Milk (cow’s milk, oat milk or almond milk)
Tapioca pearls
Sugarmaker’s Cut Pure Maple, Ginger Root Infused Maple or Cinnamon+Vanilla Infused Maple
Juice Tea
Green or black tea
Passion Fruit juice
Tapioca pearls
Sugarmaker’s Cut Pure Maple, Ginger Root Infused Maple or Makrut Lime-Leaf Infused Maple
These instructions are intentionally vague because everyone likes their tea prepared differently. We have given a suggested ratio of ingredients but you can adjust to your liking.
Brew a cup of tea and set aside to cool to room temperature.
Prepare the tapioca pearls by combining 2 cups of water per ¼ cup of pearls in a pot, on a stovetop. Bring to a boil and then simmer for five minutes or until tender but not mushy. Drain the pearls and then put in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup of your choice. Stir to coat and let cool completely. Boba are best if used the same day as cooked.
To make a single glass of boba tea add two parts of tea to one part milk or juice. (If you need more specifics, try ½ cup tea to ¼ cup milk or juice.) Add several spoonfuls of boba (tapioca pearls) and sweeten with maple syrup to your desired degree (start with 2 teaspoons). Add ice and stir until well chilled. Pop in a straw and enjoy.