The Three Base Teas That Make or Break a Boba Drink

When it comes to bubble tea, there’s a world of flavors to explore—chewy boba, creamy milk, fruity syrups, or unique toppings—but at the heart of every great boba drink is one essential element: the tea.

Not just any tea. A good boba drink starts with a strong, flavorful base that can hold its own with milk, ice, or sweetness. After years of sipping and searching, we’ve come to love and trust three essential types of base teas. Whether you’re new to bubble tea or deep into your boba era, knowing these can help you discover your go-to cup.

1. Black Tea: Bold, Rich, and Classic

This is the OG of boba bases. Black tea brings a full-bodied, malty strength that pairs beautifully with milk and brown sugar. It’s the foundation of:

• Traditional Taiwanese milk tea

• Thai tea with condensed milk

• Brown sugar boba milk tea (yes, even when it’s “milk-only,” there’s often a subtle black tea brew behind the scenes)

Black tea stands up well to bold flavors. If you're craving something deep and comforting, this one’s your move.

2. Green Tea: Light, Floral, and Refreshing

Green tea is the brighter, more delicate cousin. It’s often used in:

• Jasmine green milk tea

• Lychee or passionfruit green tea

• Matcha (which is actually powdered green tea, but deserves its own love letter)

Its grassy or floral notes make it the perfect base for fruity teas or lighter milk teas. If you like your drinks crisp, refreshing, or with a touch of elegance, green tea’s the base to explore.

3. Oolong Tea: Smooth, Aromatic, and Balanced

Ah, oolong. Our personal favorite. Somewhere between green and black, oolong offers a world of flavors—ranging from lightly floral to deeply roasted. At Ping Cha Tea, we’ve built our boba journey on high-quality Taiwanese oolong, and for good reason.

You’ll find oolong as the base in:

• Peach oolong milk tea

• Roasted oolong with cream top

• Grapefruit oolong fruit tea

• And more unique blends that balance complexity with smoothness

Oolong gives your drink layers—it's subtle but expressive, and it carries flavor without being too bold or too faint.

Final Sip

At Ping Cha, we believe that the base tea is everything. Whether you’re sipping on a fruit tea on a hot day or cozying up with a creamy oolong latte, the type of tea you choose is what shapes your experience.

So next time you order a boba drink, look past the toppings and sweetness level—and start with the tea. Your taste buds will thank you.

Taste is everything. Choose your base.