Boba and booze – our idea of ‘the best of both worlds’. Here’s where to find them when regular boba just isn’t enough to satisfy your cravings.
The bubble tea craze that’s going around in KL right now is no joke. While the one- to two-hour queues may eventually subside to more agreeable waiting times, we have no doubt the drink is here to stay as part of our lifestyles.
With so many new outlets popping up though, the competition is only building up. The only way to stand out from the rest is to offer unique flavours, pearls, toppings and forms of presentation. (Fun fact: did you know that the original bubble tea didn’t even have pearls?)
On that note, we have come across a few establishments that offer a more “adult” version of bubble tea: alcoholic boba. That’s right, boba and booze – our idea of ‘the best of both worlds’. Here’s where to find them when regular boba just isn’t enough to satisfy your cravings.
Coley Cocktail Bar, Bangsar
This cosy bar in Bangsar isn’t awarded The Best Bar in Malaysia in Asia’s 50 Best Bars for nothing. Known for their bizarre yet surprisingly brilliant concoctions using ingredients such as assam boi, homebrewed barley and mata kucing, it’s not surprising that the black pearls in bubble tea should make an appearance too. Cue the Whisky & Bubble Tea ‘koktel’, made with Jameson whisky and of course, chewy tapioca balls. F @LongLiveColey
Location: 6-G, Jalan Abdullah Off Jalan Bangsar, 59000 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5pm to 1am (Mondays to Saturdays). Closed on Sundays.
myBobaLab/myPizzaLab, Seapark
A sister establishment of famed local burger joint myBurgerlab, myPizzaLab sparked controversy (think the pineapple-on-pizza debate) when it introduced Boba Milk Pizza with black pearls for pizza toppings. But that’s not all, it also offers Boba Beer – featuring jasmine or pu er tea with Tiger beer, black pearls and burnt rosemary – to complement your favourite pizzas. F @mypizzalab
The two creations are actually served by myBobaLab, which shares its outlet (the two labs are under the same joint venture, anyway). You’ll also find a selection of bubble tea drinks made with fresh milk instead of creamer and/or additives for a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, the drinks are served in biodegradable cups and paper straws in a bid to stay environment-friendly! F @myBobaLabMalaysia
Location: 12, Jalan 21/22, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 5pm to 10pm (Tuesdays to Sundays) Closed on Mondays.
Young Masters, TTDI
It can’t get any better for Pokemon, boba and alchohol enthusiasts than enjoying a drink combining all three. And that’s exactly what Young Masters had in mind with their signature Pokemon-themed boozy bubble tea drinks. There’s the Teagly Puff, made with milk tea, Malibu rum, Jameson whisky and brown sugar boba; and Milo Bobasaur, a blend of milo dinosaur (yes, your favourite childhood drink), Bailey’s Irish cream and brown sugar boba. Gotta drink ‘em all! F @youngmastersmy
Location: 100A, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6pm to 2am (Sundays to Thursdays); 6pm to 4am (Fridays & Saturdays)
Images courtesy of respective establishments