The bottom line: Lollicup Coffee and Tea
Trendy Boba tea a unique concoction
Sarah Stern
Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: Entertainment

Although these small black pearls seem out of this world, they are the key element to any Boba tea. Lollicup Coffee and Tea, located on the Hill, is one of several places in Boulder that features Boba tea as part of their drink menu.

Boba tea, often called "bubble tea," is a peculiar beverage trend catching the attention of many large coffee and tea corporations, including Lollicup Coffee and Tea.

This low-calorie creamy tea with gummy tapioca balls at the bottom of the cup was developed in Taiwan in the 1980s and has become a popular staple in Boulder among CU students.

"I like it because there is a wide range of flavors you can pick from, and the quality varies," said Tiffany Ching, a freshman open-option major. "Sometimes I hope I don't suck too hard and choke on one of the bubble things."

Lollicup Coffee and Tea, a new business that recently opened on the Hill, serves the drink and is located at 1142 13th St. There is a variety of drinks that come in interesting flavors like Kiwi Slush, Champagne Grape Snow and Coconut Milk Tea.

The teas can come hot or cold, or even blended into fruity or milky flavors. Each drink comes with a wide straw so that the black balls, which are almost flavorless and have a fabulously weird texture, can be enjoyed.

Lollicup started in California, and it now has over 80 chain stores across the country.

"We want to provide a place for students to hang out," said store manager Cher Wang.

Lollicup also carries a variety of snacks and free wireless Internet.

"People like the little balls in it," said employee Darren Reid.