Of course! A Fruity Tapioca Jelly Drink is a refreshing, fun, and customizable beverage that’s popular across Southeast Asia. It’s like a lighter, fruitier cousin of bubble tea.
Here’s a guide to making it from scratch, including how to prepare the tapioca pearls (or a quicker jelly alternative).
Fruity Tapioca Jelly Drink
This recipe breaks down into three easy parts: the drink base, the sweetener, and the toppings. Feel free to mix and match!
Yields: 2 large drinks
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook time: 30 minutes (for homemade tapioca)
Part 1: The Tapioca Pearls or Jelly Topping
Option A: Quick & Easy Jelly Cubes (No Cooking)
· 1 packet (3-4 oz) of your favorite flavored jelly (like strawberry, lychee, or mango)
· 1 cup boiling water
· 1 cup cold water
· Instructions: Dissolve the jelly packet in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir in 1 cup of cold water. Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate for 3-4 hours until set. Cut into small cubes.
Option B: Classic Black Tapioca Pearls (Boba)
· ½ cup dried black tapioca pearls (boba)
· 4 cups water
· 2 tablespoons brown sugar or dark sugar
· Instructions:
- Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes (or according to package instructions), then turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for another 15 minutes.
- Drain and rinse briefly with cold water.
- Toss immediately with the brown sugar to sweeten and prevent sticking.
Part 2: The Simple Syrup (Sweetener)
This is essential for sweetening the entire drink.
· ½ cup water
· ½ cup sugar (white, brown, or coconut sugar)
· Optional: A few slices of ginger or 2-3 pandan leaves (knotted) for extra flavor.
· Instructions: Combine water and sugar (and aromatics if using) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool. Discard ginger or pandan leaves.
Part 3: The Fruity Drink Base & Assembly
Choose Your Fruit Flavor (Examples):
· Strawberry Lychee: 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries + ½ cup canned lychee syrup + 1 cup green tea or water.
· Mango Peach: 1 cup ripe mango chunks + ½ cup peach juice + 1 cup water.
· Passion Fruit Pineapple: Pulp of 2 passion fruits + 1 cup pineapple juice.
Instructions for Assembly:
- Blend the Base: In a blender, combine your chosen fruit, juice/tea, and 2-3 tablespoons of the simple syrup. Blend until smooth. Taste and add more syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
- Chill: Pour the blended mixture into a pitcher and refrigerate until cold, or serve immediately over ice.
- Assemble the Drink: Add your desired amount of tapioca pearls or jelly cubes to the bottom of a tall glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass ¾ full with ice cubes.
- Pour and Serve: Pour the chilled fruity drink base over the ice. Stir well with a wide straw before drinking.
A Specific Recipe Example: Strawberry Lychee Jelly Drink
Ingredients:
· Toppings: 1 packet of lychee-flavored jelly (prepared as cubes) OR ½ cup cooked lychee popping boba
· Drink Base: 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled; ½ cup canned lychee syrup (from the can); 1 cup strong, chilled green tea; 3 tbsp simple syrup.
· Extras: Ice cubes, mint leaves for garnish.
Instructions:
- Prepare the lychee jelly cubes ahead of time.
- Blend strawberries, lychee syrup, green tea, and simple syrup until smooth.
- Place a few spoonfuls of lychee jelly cubes in a glass.
- Add ice, then pour the strawberry-lychee mixture over the top.
- Garnish with a mint leaf and serve with a straw and a long spoon!
Pro-Tips for the Perfect Drink
· Texture is Key: The contrast between the smooth drink, crunchy ice, and chewy jelly/tapioca is what makes it special.
· Adjust Sweetness: The simple syrup allows you to control sweetness perfectly. Start with less, you can always add more.
· Get Creative with Toppings: Besides tapioca and jelly, try:
· Popping Boba: Store-bought bursting boba in flavors like mango or strawberry.
· Basil Seeds: Similar to chia seeds, they add a fun texture.
· Coconut Jelly: A delicious tropical addition.
· Aloe Vera Cubes: Refreshing and light.
· Make it a Creamy Drink: Add a tablespoon or two of evaporated milk, coconut milk, or sweetened condensed milk on top for a richer flavor.
Enjoy your homemade, refreshing, and customizable tropical treat