Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the tapioca pearls and stir gently.

Cook the pearls for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and chewy.

Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for an additional 15 minutes.

Strain the pearls and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Optional: Soak the pearls in a simple syrup (1 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup water) for added sweetness.

In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the black tea leaves or tea bags.

Let steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain out the leaves or remove the tea bags.

In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

To serve, add a few tablespoons of tapioca pearls to each glass, then pour the tea mixture over the pearls.

Serve with a wide straw and enjoy your homemade boba tea!