Bubble Tea Three Ways (Boba Tea, 珍珠奶茶)

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1. 1Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a full boil. Add instant tapioca pearls. Once they come up to the surface, cover with a lid and leave to boil for 3 mins over medium heat.
2. 2Step 2: Turn off the heat. Leave to sit for a further 3 mins (still with the lid on).
3. 3Step 3: Transfer the pearls into a bowl filled with cold water. Drain well once cooled.
4. 4Step 4: If not using the pearls straight away, mix them with a little syrup or honey to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for no longer than 4 hours (do not refrigerate).
5. 5Step 5: Prepare the tea by steeping loose-leaf black tea (or the tea bag) in hot water. Leave to cool naturally.
6. 6Step 6: Put the cooked pearls in a serving glass. Remove tea leaves (or the tea bag) then pour the cooled tea into the glass. Add sweetener of your choice, milk and ice cubes if using. Stir well and serve.
7. 7Step 7: Heat up milk on the hob until small bubbles appear (do not boil). You may also heat it in a microwave for 2 mins.
8. 8Step 8: Add the tea. Leave to steep and cool naturally.
9. 9Step 9: Put dark brown sugar into a pan. Add drained pearls. Cook over low heat until the sugar turns into thick, foamy syrup.
10. 10Step 10: Spoon the pearls, along with the syrup, into a serving glass. Tilt the glass to move the pearls allowing the syrup to stain the glass. Pour in the cooled milk tea. Add ice cubes if using. Stir then serve.
11. 11Step 11: Sift matcha tea powder then add hot water. Whisk to achieve a smooth paste. Pour in milk and stir well.
12. 12Step 12: Put the cooked tapioca pearls into a serving glass. Pour in the matcha milk tea, sweetener and ice cubes if using. Mix well and serve.