There’s two ways of drinking bubble tea – hot or cold. But has anyone ever asked which is better? This can depend on numerous factors including whether you’re drinking it with black tapioca pearls, why you’re drinking it, and what flavour of drink!
We will be breaking this question down into 4 key components:
- Fruity or Milky?
- Toppings
- Preparation Time
- Occasion
Based on this analysis, we will then conclude with a totally-not-scientific (but let’s pretend otherwise), definite fact as to whether hot or cold bubble tea is better.
1. Fruity or Milky?
Bubble tea can generally be split into two flavour profiles – fruity or milky. With a lighter and fresher flavour and texture, fruit bubble teas serve as a delicious alternative to other fruit-derived beverages, such as cold-pressed juices (e.g. Preshafruit) or fruit-flavoured soft drinks (e.g. Sprite, Fanta). Fruit tea is usually consumed for a refreshing sensation that’s only complimented by being served chilled with generous portions of ice. However, there are cultural instances where certain fruit teas, particularly the Hong Kong Honey Lemon fruit tea, is served hot with lemon slices perfect for soothing sore throats or instilling warmth during winter.
Milk pearl teas on the other hand, have a thicker, more fragrant flavour profile – typically matched with a warm handful of brown-sugar infused black tapioca pearls. Akin to other milk-based beverages, such as hot chocolate or milk & honey, milk pearl teas can induce a comforting sensation within that is further complimented if served warm with warm tapioca pearls. A warm serving, critically and scientifically, also enhances the flavour profile of milk pearl teas.
Conclusion: Hot: 1 point / Cold: 1 point – whether a bubble tea is fruity or milky determines whether served hot or cold is better.
2. Toppings
Your favourite boba tea toppings play a not-insignificant role in determining whether your bubble tea should be served hot or cold.
Jellies and popping pearls are almost-always served either at neutral temperature or colder. Ever seen a bobarista heat up jellies and popping pearls? Neither have we. That’s because jellies and popping pearls might risk melting and popping when expanded with heat, and the burst of juices of a popping pearl simply tastes better when cold. That’s why jellies and popping pearls are almost always (if not all the time) served best with cold bubble teas.
Tapioca Pearls, on the other hand, are almost always more delicious when served freshly cooked and still warm to the core. The warmer and fresher the pearl, the squishier it is. The longer it sits cold, the faster the pearl’s core hardens. Warm bubble teas are complimented by warm bobas, but equally so, cold bubble teas are also delicious when complimented with contrasting, warm bobas.
Conclusion: Hot: 1 point / Cold: 2 points – cold bubble teas taste better with a variety of jellies, popping pearls, and tapioca pearls whereas hot bubble teas can usually only be paired with rainbow or black tapioca pearls.
3. Preparation Time
There is a noticeable increase in preparation time between hot and cold bubble teas. Warm teas simply require the time it takes to brew the tea, mix in the syrups or powders, and tapioca pearls preparation. On the other hand, cold bubble teas require additional time for its hot tea base to cool, either through being chilled in a fridge or with ice thrown in the mix. This isn’t a process that can be sped up, so additional time is required to prepare cold bubble teas compared to when served hot.
Conclusion: Hot: 2 points / Cold: 2 points – Hot bubble teas take less time to prepare whereas cold bubble teas require additional time to allow the tea to cool.
4. Occasion
Lastly, the occasion during which you drink your boba tea is crucial in determining whether served hot or cold is better. Looking for a warm send-off into the night on a chilly winter evening? A warm cup of Brown Sugar Milk Tea will probably do you better than a Red Guava Fruit Tea with half a cup of ice. Likewise, a chilled fruit tea will be more welcome on a hot summer’s day when you’ve just returned from a jog outside at noon. This determination is completely subjective and dependent on your personal preferences and boba drinking habits. We’l have to award equal points to both hot and cold!
Conclusion: Hot: 3 points / Cold: 3 points – Whether hot or cold, your choice depends on the occasion you drink your bubble tea. Warm weather? Cold’s better. Cold day? Warm’s probably better.
Conclusion
We asked an impossible question, and we arrived at an indeterminate answer. Whether served hot or cold is better, bubble tea’s enjoyment is 100% subjective and dependent on numerous factors. In the end, we simply hope that you enjoy our bubble tea kits – both the brewing and the drinking experiences. Let us know in the comments below whether you like bubble tea hot or cold, and why!
