Customize Your Gong cha Like a Pro
Choosing Your Tea Base: The Foundation of Your Perfect Gong cha Drink
Your tea base sets the tone for your drink, and Gong cha offers something for every taste. Whether you prefer creamy, refreshing, fruity, or ice-blended, there’s a tea base for crafting your perfect drink.
Milk Tea: Rich, Smooth, and Classic
Milk tea balances the robustness of brewed tea with the richness of milk, creating a smooth, comforting sip. Classic options like Black Milk Tea or Oolong Milk Tea deliver traditional flavors, while Taro Milk Tea or Matcha Latte add a unique twist.
Best for: Creamy drink lovers who enjoy a balanced sweetness.
Pro Tip: Pair with pearls (boba) or milk foam for extra texture and depth.
Classic Tea: Light, Refreshing, and Pure
If you enjoy the natural flavors of tea, classic options like Black, Green, or Oolong Tea provide a refreshing, aromatic base without the added creaminess of milk.
Best for: Tea purists who enjoy bold or floral flavors.
Pro Tip: Enhance with herbal jelly or aloe vera for a refreshing twist.
Fruit Tea: Sweet, Tangy, and Vibrant
Gong cha’s fruit teas combine premium tea with real fruit flavors for a naturally sweet and tangy profile. Favorites include Mango Green Tea, Passionfruit Green Tea, and Lychee Oolong Tea.
Best for: Those who love a fresh, fruity taste with a slight tartness.
Pro Tip: Add popping boba or basil seeds to enhance the fruity explosion.
Slush & Ice Blended: Cool, Creamy, and Indulgent
Mastering Your Sugar and Ice Levels
Understanding Sugar Levels
Gong cha allows you to adjust your drink’s sweetness:
- 0% (No Sugar): Best for enjoying tea’s natural taste.
- 30% (Lightly Sweet): A subtle sweetness, ideal for floral and fruit teas.
- 50% (Half Sweet): Balanced sweetness that lets the tea flavor shine.
- 70% (Medium Sweet): Great for richer milk teas like Thai Milk Tea.
- 100% (Full Sweet): Ideal for those who enjoy a dessert-like experience.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to customizing, start with 50% sweetness and adjust from there.
Why Ice Levels Matter
Ice does more than keep your drink cold—it affects flavor and texture.
- No Ice: A stronger, more concentrated tea flavor.
- Less Ice: A chilled drink with less dilution.
- Standard Ice: The perfect balance for a refreshing sip.
- Extra Ice: Best for hot days or slush drinks.
Pro Tip: If ordering a slush or ice-blended drink, extra ice keeps it thick and refreshing.
Topping Combinations for Maximum Flavor
The Classics: Tried-and-True Favorites
- Pearls (Tapioca Boba): A must-have for milk tea lovers. Best with Black Milk Tea or Brown Sugar Milk Tea.
- Milk Foam: A rich, slightly salty contrast to sweet teas. Best with Oolong Tea or Green Tea.
- Pudding: A silky, custard-like addition for a smooth finish. Best with Taro Milk Tea or Thai Tea.
Refreshing & Fruity Toppings
- Popping Boba: Juice-filled spheres that add bursts of fruity flavor. Best with Passionfruit Green Tea or Lychee Oolong Tea.
- Aloe Vera: Hydrating with a mild sweetness. Best with Peach Green Tea or White Grape Oolong Tea.
- Aiyu Jelly: A citrusy, refreshing jelly. Best with Honey Green Tea or Lemon Black Tea.
Unique Textures for a Fun Experience
- Herbal Jelly: A subtly sweet, light topping. Best with Oolong Milk Tea or Matcha Latte.
- Basil Seeds: Tiny, chewy, and mild in flavor. Best with Grapefruit Tea or Hibiscus Tea.
- Coconut Jelly: A firmer, tropical topping. Best with Mango Slush or Pineapple Green Tea.
Pro Tip: Stick to one or two toppings per drink to maintain a balanced flavor and texture.
The Art of Balancing Flavors
Matching Toppings with Tea Flavors
- Bold Teas (Black, Oolong, Earl Grey): Best with milk foam or pearls.
- Delicate Teas (Green, Jasmine, Hibiscus): Pair well with popping boba or aloe vera.
- Rich & Creamy Teas (Taro, Thai, Brown Sugar): Complemented by pudding or coconut jelly.
- Fruit Teas (Mango, Lychee, Passionfruit): Work well with basil seeds or popping boba.
How Sweetness Affects Taste
- 30-50% sugar lets tea flavors shine.
- 50-70% sugar balances milk teas without overpowering them.
- 70-100% sugar enhances fruit teas by offsetting tartness.
Pro Tip: If your toppings are naturally sweet, consider reducing sugar levels to keep flavors balanced.
Insider Tips for Pro-Level Gong cha Customization
- Pair chewy toppings (pearls, pudding) with creamy add-ons (milk foam).
- Mix refreshing elements (popping boba, aloe vera) for a juicy experience.
- Combine soft toppings (herbal jelly, aiyu jelly) for a smooth texture.
- For a stronger tea taste: Request less milk.
- For a richer drink: Ask for extra milk or milk foam.
- For a light and refreshing sip: Stick to classic teas with aloe vera or popping boba.
- Half-and-half toppings: Request split portions for more variety.
- Custom flavor blends: Mix two fruit teas, like Mango + Passionfruit Green Tea.
- Extra milk foam on the side: A great dipper for a richer experience.
Final Thoughts: Your Drink, Your Way
With endless ways to customize your Gong cha drink, no two orders have to be the same. Whether you prefer a creamy milk tea, a fruit-forward infusion, or a slush with layers of toppings, there’s always a way to make your drink uniquely yours.
Next time you visit Gong cha, experiment with flavors, toppings, and sugar levels to craft your signature drink. Ready to customize like a pro? Visit your nearest Gong cha and start sipping.
