As the temperatures start to rise, nothing quenches thirst quite like a tall glass of chilled, aromatic oolong tea over ice. With its crisp floral essence and smooth finish, each sip of iced oolong tea instantly transports you to lush tea gardens in the cool mountain mists. At our Yucoo Bubble Tea shop, we’ve perfected the art of crafting refreshing iced oolong tea to help you stay cool all season long.
The Origins of Oolong Tea
Oolong tea traces its roots to China over 400 years ago. The leaves are only partially oxidized during processing, landing between unoxidized green tea and fully-oxidized black tea. This careful production creates oolong’s characteristic smooth, fragrant flavor.
Originating in the Fujian province, oolong tea culture then spread to Taiwan where it became an integral part of cuisine and tradition. As bubble tea began gaining popularity in the 1990s, chilled oolong tea emerged as a refreshing iced tea option for summertime.
For many in the West, their first taste of real oolong tea was likely chilled over ice at a bubble tea shop. Iced oolong fast became a go-to for its floral aroma and crisp palate-cleansing finish.
The Ingredients: What Makes It Special
At Yucoo Bubble Tea, we take great pride in sourcing only the highest quality ingredients to craft the perfect iced oolong tea.
Premium Oolong Tea
Our oolong comes directly from artisan growers in Taiwan’s high mountain tea regions. Their expertise produces complex oolong ideal for iced tea.
Sparkling Filtered Water
We use purified, mineral-balanced water to allow oolong’s nuances to shine rather than tap water that can dilute flavors.
Thoughtful Sweeteners
A touch of honey or sugar enhances the chilled tea, but we avoid overwhelm the tea’s natural flavors.
Fresh Fruits and Herbs
Local, seasonal fruits and herbs add flavorful dimensions when used in moderation. Think peach, basil, mint, grapefruit.
By starting with premium components, our iced oolong is uplifting, complex, and hydrating – everything an iced tea should be!
Yucoo Bubble Tea’s Iced Oolong Tea Offerings
Our tea masters have crafted a menu of refreshingly cool iced oolong teas using carefully sourced teas and fresh ingredients.
Our classic iced oolong tea spotlights the oolong’s natural floral essence and lingering sweet finish. A touch of sugar balances the slight astringency when chilled.
Feeling exotic? Try our Tropical Oolong with notes of mango, coconut and hibiscus for fruity summer flavors. We also offer seasonal specialties like Watermelon Mint Oolong in summer using fresh produce.
For a creamy twist, our Brown Sugar Oolong Milk delivers subtle caramel sweetness along with smooth dairy. Or sip our Peach Oolong Fizz with effervescent bubbles and juicy peach puree.
We encourage getting creative and customizing your drink. Try different oolong styles like dan cong or Taiwan high mountain oolong. Adjust sugar and ice to your liking. Request add-ins like aloe vera chunks or herbal jelly. The options are endless!
Why Choose Yucoo Bubble Tea?
At Yucoo Bubble Tea, we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality iced oolong tea through our focus on:
- Direct-sourced premium Taiwanese oolong tea leaves
- Using only natural fruits, herbs, and sweeteners
- Customizable sugar levels, ice, and other add-ins
- Handcrafting each drink individually with care
- Providing exceptional customer service
We strive to make every visit and each sip better than the last!
Health Benefits of Iced Oolong Tea
Chilling oolong tea does not diminish its wealth of health-promoting properties. Sipping iced oolong provides all the same wellness benefits as hot oolong.
Powerful Antioxidants
Oolong contains antioxidant polyphenols like EGCG that counter free radicals that damage cells. Regular iced oolong delivers these protective compounds to boost immunity, heart health, brain function and more.
Hydration
Drinking chilled, lightly sweetened oolong all day is an incredibly hydrating alternative to sugary sodas or juice. Oolong’s trace minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium also aid hydration.
Bone Health
The minerals in iced oolong, especially manganese, strengthen bones to help prevent osteoporosis. The polyphenols also suppress bone loss.
Heart Health
Studies show regularly drinking iced oolong tea may lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation – all boosting heart health.
Alertness Without Jitters
Oolong’s caffeine paired with soothing L-theanine amino acids powers prolonged alertness and focus without anxiety or crashes later.
At Yucoo Bubble Tea, we can customize your iced oolong with reduced sugar, dairy alternatives, and other healthy add-ins. Sip mindfully to reap the wellness benefits!
Perfect Pairings for Iced Oolong Tea
Complement your chilled floral oolong tea with sides that enhance the tasting experience:
Light Summery Salads
The freshness of iced oolong is perfect alongside a salad with lychee, snap peas, berries, goat cheese and citrus vinaigrette. The flavors intermingle beautifully.
Fresh Rolls
Crisp Vietnamese summer rolls filled with herbs, vermicelli, shrimp pair nicely with the delicate oolong flavors. The tea cleanses the palate between bites.
Bright Fruits
Enjoy iced oolong tea with fresh sliced mango, pineapple, stone fruits, grapes or citrus fruits. Let the fruitiness balance the tannins.
Tea Sandwiches
Dainty finger sandwiches on artisan bread with cucumber, smoked salmon, or chicken salad taste wonderful with an iced oolong tea.
Sweet Pastries
Indulge with iced oolong and pretty pastries like financiers, macarons, or croissants. The tea cools your mouth between rich bites.
Drink your Yucoo iced oolong tea in a beautiful summer setting outdoors for the ultimate refreshing experience.
How to Make Iced Oolong at Home
Crafting refreshing iced oolong tea with enticing floral aroma and smooth nutty flavor is easy with just a few key steps. Follow this guide to brew delicious Taiwanese-style chilled oolong tea in your own kitchen.
Select High Quality Oolong Tea
Everything starts with using a premium oolong tea. Loose leaf oolong will give you the freshest flavor. Recommended options include:
- Taiwanese High Mountain Oolong – Grown at high elevations, this oolong has a crisp, orchid-like fragrance.
- Tieguanyin Oolong – The most famous Chinese oolong with a buttery, mineral taste.
- Milk Oolong – Made with Camellia sinensis var. sinensis. Has a creamy, savory flavor.
- Jin Xuan Taiwan Oolong – Also called Milk Oolong, it has velvety, floral notes.
If using tea bags, ensure an organic, pure oolong tea with no added flavors. Oolong tea bags will be less complex but offer convenience.
Use High Quality Water
The minerals and pH of your brewing water significantly impact the oolong’s taste. Spring water or filtered water yields a crisp, clean-tasting oolong. Avoid using hard tap water which can make the tea bitter.
Brew a Strong Concentrate
When making iced tea, it’s important to brew the oolong extra strong to allow for dilution from the added ice. Use double the amount of oolong leaves compared to hot tea and steep for 5-7 minutes. This produces a robust concentrate.
Steep Multiple Times
Get more mileage out of your oolong leaves by brewing multiple batches with the same leaves. With short 1-3 minute subsequent steepings, you can brew the same leaves 3-5 times.
Rapidly Cool the Tea
Once brewed, it’s important to rapidly cool down the hot tea to stop the steeping process. Otherwise, oversteeping will result in bitter, astringent flavors. Quick cooling prevents this. Pour the hot tea over ice or chill in the fridge 1-2 hours.
Flavor to Taste with Sweetener and Citrus
Once chilled, add fresh lemon juice or slices and your choice of sweetener like organic honey, agave, or simple syrup. The citrus and sweetener help mellow the tannins and highlight oolong’s floral side. Taste and adjust the flavor balance to your liking.
Serve Over Fresh Ice
Pour your cooled oolong tea concentrate into tall glasses filled with fresh ice cubes to fully dilute and chill. Garnish with lemon wheels or mint for additional refreshment. Drink immediately before ice dilutes further.
Storage Tips
Store any unused oolong concentrate in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze into ice cubes for convenient chilling power later.
Additional Flavor Variations
Customize your iced oolong tea with fresh fruit like peaches, berries, pineapple, or mango. Herbal additions like basil, lavender or rosemary can provide complementary notes as well.
Oolong Tea Cocktails
For a boozy twist, use the oolong concentrate as a base for tea-tinis. Mix with gin or vodka and shake with ice. Garnish with fresh herbs.
With these simple tricks, you can easily make restaurant-quality iced oolong tea at home. The complex floral notes of oolong paired with bright lemon and sweetener creates a refreshing chilled tea ideal for warm weather sipping.
Customer Testimonials
See what real customers say about Yucoo’s refreshing iced oolong tea:
“On sweltering summer days, I always order the chilled Tropical Oolong tea from Yucoo Bubble Tea. The floral oolong with hints of bright mango, coconut and hibiscus instantly transports me to the tropics! It’s my healthy hydration oasis.” – Lauren D., Raleigh, NC
“I’ve never been an iced tea person until I tried Yucoo’s Watermelon Mint Oolong. It’s so crisp and refreshing, especially with the fresh juicy watermelon puree and mint. Now I’m hooked on this summer staple!” – James C., Durham, NC
“I love how the staff at Yucoo Bubble Tea let me customize my iced Brown Sugar Oolong Milk Tea with soy milk, less sugar, and extra boba. They make sure my drink suits my taste preferences perfectly.”- Sofia R., Chapel Hill, NC
We pride ourselves on crafting the perfect refreshing and flavorful iced oolong tea tailored just for you. Come escape the summer heat with us!
Conclusion
With its balancing floral aromas, lingering velvet smoothness, and ability to be endlessly customized, iced oolong tea is the perfect way to quench your thirst and cool down this summer. At Yucoo Bubble Tea, we use premium oolong sourced straight from Taiwan and pair it with real fruits, herbs, and sweeteners to craft beverages as authentic as an island getaway. Sip our Watermelon Mint Oolong or sumptuous Brown Sugar Oolong Milk for a refreshing treat handcrafted just for you. However you enjoy it, our iced oolong tea brings the tranquility of mist-shrouded tea gardens right to your glass. Beat the heat and try one today!
