Matcha Wafchi -- a hybrid between a Belgian Waffle and Mochi, creating a crunchy texture on the outside and a chewy texture on the inside, that's topped with fresh blueberries, lavender gelato and sweetened with organic condensed milk -- from Milk Tea People.
Sweet, creamy tea swimming with chewy tapioca boba pearls -- otherwise known as bubble tea -- was originally invented in Taiwan in the 1980s, but it's never been more popular in the U.S. That trend is in full swing here in Colorado, where Taiwanese franchises such as Happy Lemon and Gong cha have been popping up along the Front Range to satisfy thirsty customers. There are plenty of independently run homegrown concepts as well, with their own unique takes on the trendy teas.
What's behind the beverage boom? While the classic iteration involves brewed black tea, non-dairy creamer, ice and boba (plus the requisite oversize straw to suck up the pearls), part of the drink's current popularity can be attributed to the proliferation of flavor innovations and customizations.
Behind the bar, bobaristas (yes, that's really what they're called) are mixing up tea drinks infused with fanciful flavors such as ube (sweet purple yam), taro (a nutty root vegetable), black sesame and cucumber-y winter melon fruit. Bubble tea enthusiasts know that one key to the drink's appeal is the bouncy textural sensation of the boba, but there's also an ever-expanding repertoire of mix-ins and toppers to contribute an even wider range of textures to each drink. These include "popping boba," which burst with fruit juices, cubes of flavored jelly, custard-like puddings, sweet red beans and luxurious mousse-like toppers, including the slightly salty "cheese" foam made with cream cheese.
There are also more health-conscious options than ever, including drinks made with fresh dairy and plant-based milks (rather than powdered creamers), real fruit, probiotic yogurt and antioxidant-packed matcha green tea. The drink menus continue to grow beyond milk tea as well, expanding to incorporate espresso-based beverages, fruit teas, frappes, slushes, punches and more.
Whether you're craving a sweet, milky treat or a light, fruity refreshment, bubble tea shops encourage exploration and customization. It's common to choose the sweetness level of your drink as well as the amount of ice and which add-ins and toppers you want in pursuit of your own slurp-able masterpiece. Here are a few of our favorite bubble tea shops in Denver and Colorado Springs.
Milk Tea People
Located in downtown Denver, this minimalist tea shop is the height of artisan milk tea. Inspired by traditional tea ceremonies of Kyoto, Japan, expect to find premium teas, house-made syrups and foams, and grass-fed dairy at this tucked-away destination. Try the ceremonial-grade matcha, which is whisked by hand. milkteapeople.com
Tea Street
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Independently owned by siblings Patrick and Victoria Lam, this Denver favorite for high-quality milk teas recently expanded with a Parker location. The number of add-ins is truly dizzying, from clear "crystal" boba and house-made taro pudding to lychee bits and coconut sea salt foam. The roasted caramel milk tea, which combines Taiwanese roasted tieguanyin oolong, non-dairy cream and scratch-made caramel, is heavenly. teastreetdenver.com
Kochi Boba
Located in downtown Colorado Springs, this Vietnamese- and veteran-owned bubble tea shop is committed to sustainability and uses plastic-free packaging. Enjoy your drink -- plus handcrafted Vietnamese fare and mochi donuts -- in the bright, welcoming space. Try the honey green milk tea infused with tropical longan fruit or add bouncy boba to the traditional Vietnamese coffee. kochi-boba.restaurants-world.com
Bubbles N' Bites
True to its name, this Colorado Springs destination serves appetizers including fried dumplings, chicken wings and bubble waffles alongside its extensive menu of milk and fruit teas, slushes, smoothies and lemonades. All of its drinks are brewed with alkaline ionized Kangan water, which supposedly makes for more delicious beverages. Try the bright purple butterfly pea tea or indulge in a bit of fusion with the Mexican-inspired sweet and tangy mangonada smoothie. bubblesnbites.dine.online
Sharetea
This global franchise -- which has grown to hundreds of locations since its inception in 1992, including five in Colorado -- offers an authentic bubble tea experience with ingredients shipped directly from Taiwan. Lovers of the chewy texture of boba will delight in the QQ Happy Family, a classic milk tea loaded with big boba, mini boba, red beans, caramel pudding, herb jelly and lychee jelly. 1992sharetea.com