Originating from Southeast Asia, Bubble Tea has become a popular, trendy drink for many. The frothy concoction is created by adding various cooled teas of your choice, sometimes adding different fruit flavors, and black tapioca pearls, which are shaken into the mixture and eventually settle to the bottom. Then large straws are used to drink the tea as well as the tapioca pearls. (http://www.bubbletea.com/)

Many different kinds of tea can be used for the base of this tea. Black, green and jasmine tea are the most popular kinds of tea that are used. Other tea shops may use Oolong or Earl Grey teas. Sometimes, you may even find a bubble tea boutique that serves bubble coffee. (http://www.ehow.com/about_5102031_bubble-tea.html#ixzz1JVfAdYqz) Then comes the fruit options; some widely available fruit flavors include strawberry, green apple, passion fruit, mango, lemon, watermelon, grape, lychee, peach, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, banana, avocado, and coconut.

The popularity of Bubble Tea has steadily increased in the United States becoming more known each day. There are so many different variations and flavors that the options are endless. For example, another interesting option is the rose tea. This tea is intensely floral. Some like the flavor, but find it a bit overpowering.

(http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/04/bubble-tea-uws-morningside-heights-t-magic.html)

Classic Bubble Tea recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chilled, cooked large tapioca pearls (if substituting smaller tapioca, use 1/3 cup)*
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup very strong chilled black tea (or orange pekoe tea or Lichee tea)
1 cup milk, or to taste
Honey or sugar to taste

Prep: Place the pearls in a large parfait glass. Combine all remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously until the mixture is frothy. Pour into the glass, and serve with extra-thick straws. Yields one (16-ounce) drink. (http://whatscookingamerica.net/BubbleTea.htm)