Step 1

Brew the tea bags with 3 cups hot water. If you want a stronger tea flavor, use 4 bags. Let the tea steep as you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2

Bring 5 to 6 cups of water to boil in a saucepan or pot. Add the tapioca pearls and cook according to package directions. I used quick-cooking tapioca pearls, which meant boiling them for 3 minutes and then simmering them for another 3 minutes. Other brands may require more time. The tapioca pearls should be floating when they're done. Transfer the cooked pearls to a bowl of ice water. Test one of the pearls by biting into one. They should be soft and chewy. If they're still hard at the center, it means they're not fully cooked.

Step 3

Remove the tea bags and stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey, depending on your desired level of sweetness. If the tea is still very hot, let it sit for another 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches closer to room temperature.

Step 4

Grab 2 glasses and scoop 3 to 4 tablespoons of tapioca pearls into the glass. Pour in the tea, leaving room for milk and ice. Add 2 tablespoons of milk into each beverage and stir. If you want a milkier tea, add another tablespoon of milk into each cup.

Step 5

Top with a few ice cubes and serve with wide tapioca straws.