Boba tea is a popular beverage that combines classic tea varieties with chewy tapioca pearls. Brewed cold, the drink is a refreshing treat any time of day. While it can be made with many different tea types, the following three varieties are widely favored by boba enthusiasts.

3 Popular Teas for Boba

1. Green Tea

Green tea is made from the leaves of evergreen shrubs known as Camellia sinensis, which also produce black tea. Yet green tea doesn’t undergo the oxidation and withering processes that other varieties do; instead, it’s heated immediately. This results in a sweet or bittersweet taste, which drinkers sometimes also describe as floral, fruity, or buttery. The tea takes on a characteristic light green hue but can also appear yellow or almost clear, depending on the steeping method and potency.

2. Black Tea

Black tea is also made from Camellia sinensis leaves but is oxidized longer and attains a bolder flavor and a red or dark orange hue when brewed. There are many varieties of black tea, each of which has its own unique flavor profile. Lapsang Souchong black tea, for instance, is said to have a smoky flavor, whereas Yunnan black tea is full-bodied with some spicy notes.

3. Oolong Tea

While green tea is not oxidized and black tea is fully oxidized, oolong tea falls somewhere in the middle. Also made from Camellia sinensis, the tea leaves are withered under the sun then curled and twisted. The leaves unfurl when steeped.

Popular varieties include Taiwanese oolong teas, which often have light, sweet, and fruit flavors, along with Fujian, which may have a woody, toasty taste, along with some fruity qualities. Oolong tea is often amber in color when brewed.

If you’re looking for delicious boba tea made with one of the varieties above, head to Wave Tea in Honolulu, HI. In addition to boba, these experienced tea mixologists offer delicious, inventive beverages, such as their fruit and cheese teas, made with all-natural ingredients. Browse through their full menu online, or call (808) 591-8668 with any questions.