What is oolong tea?
Oolong is a partially fermented tea from Taiwan and China that sits somewhere between green and black tea — depending on how far it has been oxidised. Lightly oxidised oolong tastes floral and fresh, while a more heavily oxidised oolong develops nutty, caramel-like notes. That 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 and less bitter flavour. Unlike green tea, it is fuller and carries more depth. For bubble tea that means oolong gives you a nuanced base without overpowering the other flavours. It works particularly well with milk, honey, brown sugar and floral additions such as jasmine or osmanthus blossom.
Oolong vs. black tea – the four advantages
- Fewer bitter compounds → works better with milk and sweetness
- More aromatic complexity → a more interesting drink without added flavourings
- A naturally floral note → no artificial flavouring needed
- Less caffeine → still enjoyable in the late afternoon
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 and lemon — an elegant combination. The natural floral character of oolong comes into its own especially well with honey.
- Oolong fruit bubble tea: Set the oolong up as a cold brew, mix it with peach or passion fruit syrup and add peach popping boba — the most refreshing summer version.
- Osmanthus oolong tea: A Chinese classic — oolong with osmanthus blossom, lightly floral and fragrant.
- Iced oolong brown sugar boba: Cold-brewed oolong with brown sugar syrup and tapioca — the tiger milk tea technique on an oolong base, deep and complex in flavour.
- Oolong cheese tea: Oolong with a salted cheese foam topping — a trend from Taiwan that is currently winning over Europe. To the cheese tea recipe →
Make your own oolong bubble tea – the basic recipe
Ingredients for 1 glass:
- 2 tsp loose oolong tea
- 150 ml water (90°C – not boiling!)
- 100 ml milk or oat milk
- 1–2 tsp sugar or honey
- 3 tbsp tapioca pearls
- Ice
Preparation:
- Brew the oolong leaves with water at 90°C (not boiling!) — let them steep for 3–5 minutes.
- Cook the tapioca pearls and let them soak in sugar syrup.
- Strain the tea, stir in the sugar or honey and let it cool completely.
- Add the milk of your choice and shake vigorously.
- Pearls into the glass, add ice, pour the oolong latte over the top — pop in a boba straw and you are done!
Everything in one go: our bubble tea set makes getting started especially easy.
Brewing oolong properly – the most important rules
- ✓ Temperature: 85–95°C, never boiling – otherwise the tea turns bitter
- ✓ Steeping time: 3–5 minutes
- ✓ Multiple infusions: oolong leaves can be used several times – the second infusion is often the most aromatic
- ✓ Cold brew: let it steep in the fridge for 6–12 hours for a very gentle, fruity aroma
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 a racing heart.
- Metabolism: studies suggest that oolong can stimulate fat metabolism.
- Dental health: the polyphenols in oolong can inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
Buying oolong tea in Switzerland
In our shop you will currently find one oolong: the organic Oolong Almond Chocolate – a semi-fermented oolong with natural almond and chocolate flavours, explicitly intended as a bubble tea base as well. We do not currently stock a pure, unflavoured oolong. If you would rather have a plainer tea base, our mild organic green tea or the organic Russian Earl Grey work just as well – both are lightly flavoured too. You will find all the other ingredients for your bubble tea alongside them – with free shipping from CHF 79. We deliver across the whole of Switzerland — to Zurich, Bern, Lucerne and everywhere in between.
→ Buy the organic Oolong Almond Chocolate
FAQ: oolong bubble tea
Does oolong taste bitter?
Good oolong does not taste bitter. Bitterness appears when the tea is brewed for too long or with water that is too hot. At 85–90°C and a steeping time of 3–4 minutes you get a smooth, aromatic oolong.
How much caffeine does oolong contain?
Oolong contains roughly 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 fridge for 6–12 hours) gives a particularly smooth, fruity tea — perfect as a bubble tea base in summer.
Can I infuse oolong leaves more than once?
Yes, and you really should. Oolong easily handles two to three infusions – and often the second one is the most aromatic.