The pearl or ball refers to the tapioca or cassava root found at the bottom of the glass. The pearls have been caramelized to a dark blackish color and have a consistency between jelly babies and jelly -- they are sucked up through a thick straw and give you something to chew on between sips. These drinks are usually made with either black or green tea and are shaken in martini shaker with ice cubes.

Endless Variations
There are endless variations, and you can experiment to see which flavor combinations you like best. There are just 4 easy ingredients to making these shakes: Liquid Sweeteners, such as honey, sugar syrup, agave nectar, or rice syrup. Liquids, such as strong brewed Chinese black tea, green tea, Rooibos, or coffee. Flavors, such as fruits and fruit juices, almond meal, chocolate powder or extracts, and ice, crushed or whole.

Pour everything into a Martini shaker and shake for a few seconds. Pour into a large glass. Use this as a base and add anything you want to it such as nondairy cream, ground almond, or fruit juice.

You can make a chocolate almond variation by omitting the tapioca pearls and adding 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons ground almonds.