This Fruity Tapioca Jelly Drink is a colorful, creamy, and delightfully chewy beverage that brings together tropical flavors, silky milk, and the playful bounce of jelly and tapioca pearls. It’s a festive treat that doubles as a dessert and a drink—perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or simply indulging in a joyful moment. With its mosaic of colors and textures, this drink is a visual and flavorful celebration in a glass.
Ingredients:
For the Jelly:
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 25 grams white unflavored jelly powder
- Red, yellow, and green food coloring
For the Cream Base:
- 250 ml all-purpose cream or heavy cream
- 300 ml condensed milk
- 2 cups evaporated milk or fresh milk
Add-ins:
- 1 cup cooked small tapioca pearls (sago)
- 835 grams canned fruit cocktail (or a mix of fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, and strawberries)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Jelly Cubes
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the sugar and jelly powder until fully dissolved. Divide the mixture evenly into three bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one, yellow to the second, and green to the third. Stir each until the color is uniform. Pour each colored jelly into separate shallow containers and let them cool at room temperature. Once set, cut the jelly into small cubes. These vibrant cubes will add a playful, gem-like appearance to your drink.
Step 2: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
If you haven’t already cooked the tapioca pearls, boil them in water until they turn translucent and chewy—about 15–20 minutes. Rinse under cold water and set aside. You can soak them in a bit of sugar water to prevent sticking and add a touch of sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose cream, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. This creamy mixture is the heart of the drink, offering a rich contrast to the fruity and chewy elements.
Step 4: Assemble the Drink
Gently fold the fruit cocktail (or your choice of fresh fruits) into the cream base. Add the cooked tapioca pearls and the colorful jelly cubes. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break the jelly pieces.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill thoroughly. When ready to serve, pour into tall glasses. For an extra flourish, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a slice of fruit on the rim.
Tips & Variations:
- Flavor twist: Add a splash of coconut milk or a few drops of vanilla extract for a tropical or creamy depth.
- Fruit swap: Use fresh mango, lychee, or kiwi for a more exotic twist.
- Texture play: Add nata de coco or basil seeds for extra chew and visual appeal.
Why You’ll Love It:
This drink is more than just a thirst-quencher—it’s a sensory experience. The creamy base soothes, the fruit refreshes, the jelly jiggles, and the tapioca pearls offer a satisfying chew. It’s a dessert and a drink rolled into one, and it’s endlessly customizable to suit your mood or the season.
Let me know if you’d like a version with a tropical twist or a sugar-free variation!