Instructions

1. 1

   Boil Pearls

   Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently so they don't stick.

2. 2

   Cook Pearls

   Boil for the time indicated on the package (usually 15-20 minutes). Cover, turn off heat, and let sit for 10 minutes until perfectly chewy.

3. 3

   Make Syrup

   In a separate small saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar and the 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

4. 4

   Simmer Syrup

   Simmer the syrup for 5-8 minutes until it reduces into a thick, sticky, dark caramel.

5. 5

   Combine

   Drain the cooked boba pearls (do not rinse them) and add them directly into the hot, bubbling brown sugar syrup.

6. 6

   Thicken

   Simmer the pearls in the syrup for another 3-5 minutes on low heat until the syrup is incredibly thick and coats the pearls heavily. Keep warm.

7. 7

   Create the Tiger Stripes

   While the pearls are hot, spoon them generously into two tall glasses. Tilt and rotate the glass so the thick, hot syrup streaks heavily down the inside walls.

8. 8

   Add Ice

   Add a handful of ice cubes to the glass.

9. 9

   Add Milk

   Carefully pour the ice-cold whole milk into the glass. The contrast between the cold white milk and the hot, dark 'tiger stripes' is the signature look.

10. 10

    Serve

    Serve immediately. Instruct the drinker to admire the stripes, then stir vigorously with a thick straw before drinking.