How to order bubble tea
A Beginner’s Guide to Your Perfect Cup
Whether you’re ordering bubble tea for the first time or just want to make your drink more “you,” this guide will help you navigate all the options — from tea bases to toppings, sweetness, and ice level. At Bubble Love Nashville, we believe bubble tea should be as customizable as your morning coffee — and way more fun.
☕ 1. Choose Your Tea Base
When picking your tea, consider the caffeine level:
Green Tea: Lighter in caffeine, smooth, and slightly grassy
Black Tea: Stronger and richer, with a fuller flavor and higher caffeine
Oolong or Jasmine (if available): Great balance of aroma and body
➡️ Pro tip: Always ask the shop if they use freshly brewed tea — true bubble tea starts with quality tea leaves, not powder.
🍑 2. Pick a Flavor You Love
If it's your first time trying boba, start with what you know:
Love chai? Go for Thai tea or a chai milk tea.
Love fruit teas? Try peach, mango, or strawberry for something light and refreshing.
Feeling adventurous? Explore some Southeast Asian favorites:
🟣 Taro
🍈 Honeydew
🟠 Passion Fruit
🍋 Kumquat
These are staples in authentic bubble tea menus and often become customer favorites.
🔮 3. Select a Topping
Classic boba pearls (aka tapioca balls) are the best place to start. They're chewy, slightly sweet, and a great indicator of a shop’s quality.
Not into chewy textures? Try:
Popping boba – fruit-filled pearls that burst in your mouth
Sweet cream cap – like whipped topping for your tea
No topping at all – and keep it simple for your first time
🍬 4. Adjust the Sweetness
Most shops default to 100% sweetness unless you say otherwise. Tailor it to your taste:
100% – Classic sweet, like a dessert
75% – Slightly toned down but still indulgent
50% or less – Balanced and less sugary
0-25% – Ideal for those avoiding added sugar
➡️ Tip: Fruit teas are naturally sweeter, while milk teas benefit more from added sweetness or sweet cream.
🧊 5. Set Your Ice Level
Hot day? Want more flavor and less dilution? Here’s how to order like a bubble tea pro:
No ice / less ice – More drink for your dollar and stronger flavor
Regular ice – Standard refreshment
Extra ice – Great for slow sippers who love a chilled cup
Shops usually shake your drink to chill it, so you can always ask for it “extra cold, no ice” if you want the best of both worlds.
🧋Customize & Experiment!
The best part about bubble tea in Nashville is how flexible it is. Try your favorite flavor with a new tea base, or test a new topping combo each time you visit.
💡 Whether you're visiting for a party, planning wedding catering, or just grabbing a cup to go, Bubble Love is here to help you build your perfect drink every time.
