There are different types of boba teas and drinks that use various liquids as a base. The tapioca pearls must be cooked before use, and any leftovers should be used the same day. They are typically combined with a milk and tea base, while popping boba can be used directly from the tub in a wider variety of drinks. Fruit syrups often pair well with popping bobas, offering versatility in flavour combinations without the need to use both in the same drink.

For the base, there is a wide range of options due to fruity flavours available. You can use soda water, Sprite, juice, iced tea, or traditional teas like rooibos or green tea. While some may hesitate to combine boba with a tea base assuming it will simply taste like tea, adding syrups or powders can completely alter the flavor profile. For instance, if creating a drink with a Sprite base, you could add popping boba along with plenty of ice and around 30ml of syrup before topping it off with Sprite.

The only scenario where I skip using syrup and solely add boba is when my chosen base is fruit juice since it naturally provides sweetness already.