Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the loose tea to the boiling water and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer tea for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it  steep for 5 minutes.

Using a fine mesh strainer to strain the tea into a large heat-proof bowl. Discard the loose tea leaves. Lett the tea cool to room temperature and then put it in the refrigerator to chill.

Cook the tapioca pearls according to the directions on the packaging. When they're finished, place them in a medium-sized heat-proof bowl and set them aside.

In a medium-sized saucepan, add the brown sugar and water, and stir to combine. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce it to a simmer and simmer for 3 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. Be very careful as this can boil over easily. Remove from the heat if it starts to rapidly boil.

The syrup should be slightly thickened before pouring it over the tapioca pearls. Stir to combine. Let it cool to room temperature, do not refrigerate.

When ready to serve, add the tapioca pearls with some of the syrup to the bottom of four large glasses.

Add ice.

Then add 1 cup of the tea to each iced glass.

Add 1-2 tablespoons of half and half to each tea glass or to your taste.

Gently stir to combine and enjoy.