Inspired by the commencement of “BOBA FRIDAYS!” here at the tea shop, we bring to you a little boba blurb…a brief history and some light trivia about this sweet, breezy beverage…

Also known as “bubble tea”, or “pearl milk tea,” or “chewy sugar tea” (a nod to Dennis & Always Sunny in Philadelphia) – boba tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980’s and soon this delightful drink spread across the world!

All over the globe it is prized and enjoyed for its uniqueness and customizability. Boba is most often a tea-based drink containing chewy tapioca balls, milk, and flavoring.  It is typically luscious and sweet, served iced or hot (we prefer iced!), and the ingredients are traditionally hand shaken or stirred to mix. 

THE TEA

The tea used for boba comes in many varieties usually consisting of black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and sometimes white tea.  Flavorings are typically added to the tea, although here at tea.o.graphy, we let our robust teas do all the natural flavoring (with the help of a little extra vanilla from time to time).  Some of our favorites include the summery fruit appeal of Georgia Peach or the floral kiss of Fleurs de Provence or Chocolate Rose Oolong.

THE BUBBLES (BOBA) 

• Tapioca pearls (boba) are derived from the starch of the cassava plant and are the most common bubble type used. The pearls are typically boiled until soft and vary in color depending on the ingredients mixed in with the tapioca, but most pearls are black in color from brown sugar.  They are then soaked in a sugary syrup, giving them a slightly sweet flavor.  (We prefer to use this variety in our shop)

• Jelly boba is also common, coming in a variety of different flavors and shapes like cubes, rectangles and stars.

• Popping boba which have different flavored syrups or juices inside and burst when squeezed. 

THE MILK 

Milk based boba tea typically includes whole milk or condensed milk, but may also use milk alternatives like: almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.

Although a lot of boba contains milk, due to the immense diversity of the drink, there are other varieties like fruit based boba that do not contain milk. 

THE SWEETENERS

Typical sweeteners include flavored syrups, honey, or sugar.  The Boba we make a tea.o.graphy uses an organic raw sugar for the boba making process, a honey simple syrup to add sweetness to the iced beverage, and on occasion an organic vanilla syrup for a richer flavor.

TEA.O.GRAPHY BOBA MENU

• PEACH BOBA / Georgia Peach Tea + Tapioca Pearls + Honey Simple Syrup + Milk of Choice

• FLORAL BOBA / Fleurs de Provence or Chocolate Rose Oolong Tea + Tapioca Pearls + Honey Simple Syrup + Milk of Choice

• MATCHA BOBA / Pure Matcha Tea + Honey Simple Syrup + Milk of Choice

• BLUE BOBA / Butterfly Pea Flowers + Vanilla Syrup + Milk of Choice

If you’re in Taos, swing by our little tea shop and give it a try!