- Boil the Pearls
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the tapioca pearls and stir to prevent them from sticking together. Boil for 20-25 minutes until the pearls are tender but chewy. Stir occasionally. - Rinse and Sweeten
Drain the pearls and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Transfer them to a bowl and coat with honey or sugar syrup to keep them sweet and prevent sticking. - Set Aside
Let the pearls sit for a few minutes while you prepare the jelly.
Step 2: Making the Fruity Jelly
- Heat the Juice
In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of fruit juice over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Add sugar if you prefer a sweeter jelly. - Add Gelatin or Agar-Agar
Sprinkle in the gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegan option) and stir well until completely dissolved. For agar-agar, boil for an additional 2-3 minutes to activate. - Set the Jelly
Pour the liquid into a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until it’s firm. Once set, cut the jelly into small cubes.
Step 3: Preparing the Fruit Juice Base
- Mix the Base
In a large glass or mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of fruit juice with the coconut or almond milk. Stir well to blend. - Add Fresh Fruit Bits
For added texture and flavor, mix in small cubes of fresh fruit. This will add a juicy, tropical touch to each sip.
Step 4: Assembling the Fruity Tapioca Jelly Drink
- Layer the Ingredients
Start by spooning the tapioca pearls into the bottom of a tall glass. Next, add a layer of jelly cubes. - Pour the Juice Base
Carefully pour the prepared fruit juice base over the tapioca and jelly layers. This will create a beautiful, layered look in the glass. - Add Ice
Top with a few ice cubes to chill the drink, keeping it refreshing and cool. - Garnish
Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a slice of fruit for an extra touch of color and aroma.
Serving Tips and Variations
- Serve with a Wide Straw: Tapioca pearls are best enjoyed with a wide straw to sip up the pearls along with the drink.
- Customize the Fruit Juices: Feel free to mix and match fruit juices to create unique flavors. Try mango and coconut for a tropical vibe, or strawberry and orange for a sweet and citrusy drink.
- Swap the Tapioca Pearls: If you prefer, try smaller tapioca pearls for a lighter texture, or substitute with chia seeds for a different look and flavor.
Storage Tips
- Jelly and Tapioca Pearls: If you have leftovers, store the jelly and tapioca pearls separately in the fridge. Consume within a day to ensure the best texture.
- Drink Base: The fruit juice and milk mix can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before assembling the drink.
Tips for the Perfect Fruity Tapioca Jelly Drink
- Balance the Sweetness: Depending on the fruit juice you use, you may want to adjust the sweetness of the jelly and tapioca pearls. Add honey or syrup as needed to achieve your ideal taste.
- Experiment with Colors: Using brightly colored fruit juices like mango, berry, or pomegranate creates a visually stunning drink.
- Prepare Just Before Serving: This drink is best enjoyed fresh. Assemble it just before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Enjoy your Fruity Tapioca Jelly Drink—a refreshing, chewy, and visually stunning drink that’s sure to delight with every sip and bite! Perfect for warm days, brunches, or anytime you crave a drink that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy.