What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong is a semi-fermented tea, positioned between green and black tea — depending on the degree of oxidation. Lightly oxidized oolong tastes floral and fresh, while more heavily oxidized oolong develops nutty, caramel-like notes. This range makes oolong one of the most versatile teas in the world — and the perfect base for Bubble Tea.
Why Oolong is Ideal for Bubble Tea
Unlike black tea, oolong has a more complex, less bitter taste. Unlike green tea, it is stronger and has more depth. For bubble tea, this means that oolong provides a nuanced base without overpowering other flavors. It harmonizes particularly well with milk, honey, brown sugar, and floral additions like jasmine or osmanthus blossoms.
The Most Popular Oolong Bubble Tea Variations
- Oolong Milk Tea with Tapioca: Oolong tea with whole milk or oat milk and black tapioca pearls. Creamy, complex, subtly nutty.
- Honey Oolong Boba: Oolong sweetened with honey and popping boba in honey-lemon — an elegant combination.
- Osmanthus Oolong Tea: Classic Chinese — oolong with osmanthus blossoms, slightly floral and fragrant.
- Iced Oolong Brown Sugar Boba: Cold-brewed oolong with brown sugar syrup and tapioca — an autumnal-winter treat.
- Oolong Cheese Tea: Oolong with a salted cheese foam topping — a trend from Taiwan that is currently conquering Europe.
Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
- Antioxidants: Oolong contains polyphenols, which reduce oxidative stress.
- Caffeine with L-Theanine: Like green tea, oolong provides focused, calm energy without heart palpitations.
- Metabolism: Studies suggest that oolong can stimulate fat metabolism.
- Dental Health: The polyphenols in oolong can inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
Make Your Own Oolong Bubble Tea
With our Bubble Tea Set, making oolong bubble tea at home is easy:
- Brew 2 tsp oolong tea leaves with 90°C hot water (not boiling!) — steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook tapioca pearls according to instructions and let them soak in sugar syrup.
- Let the tea cool, mix with milk of choice, and sweeten.
- Add pearls to the glass, add ice, pour oolong latte over it.
- Insert boba straw — done!
Buy Oolong Bubble Tea in Switzerland
You can find all ingredients for your oolong bubble tea in our online shop. We deliver throughout Switzerland — to Zurich, Bern, Lucerne, and everywhere else.
FAQ: Oolong Bubble Tea
Does oolong taste bitter?
Good oolong does not taste bitter. Bitterness occurs if the tea is brewed for too long or with water that is too hot. At 85–90°C and 3–4 minutes of steeping time, you will get a smooth, aromatic oolong.
How much caffeine does oolong have?
Oolong contains approx. 30–50 mg of caffeine per cup — less than black tea, more than most herbal teas. Ideal for the afternoon.
Can I prepare oolong bubble tea cold (Cold Brew)?
Yes! Cold-brew oolong (steeped in the refrigerator for 12 hours) results in a particularly smooth, fruity tea — perfect as a bubble tea base in summer.