Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

Add dried black boba pearls and boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for 12-15 minutes.

While the boba is boiling, combine 1 cup of water with honey or sugar in a saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the honey or sugar is dissolved.

Remove the syrup from heat and set aside.

Steep black tea bags in 2 cups of boiling water for 4 minutes.

Let the tea cool.

Drain the cooked boba pearls.

Gently stir the drained boba pearls into the prepared syrup.

Let the boba pearls sit in the syrup for 15 minutes.

Divide the boba pearls into two glasses.

Combine cooled tea, milk (or almond milk or sweetened condensed milk), and any desired flavorings in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously until well chilled.

Pour the tea mixture into a glass over the boba pearls.

If using frozen fruit, blend tea, milk (or sweetened condensed milk), and frozen fruit in a blender until smooth.

Pour the blended smoothie over the boba pearls.

Add additional simple syrup to taste.