Drink Categories
Overview of all drink categories available at Muse & Co.
Menu Structure
Our menu is organized into several main categories to help customers navigate options:
1. Milk Tea
Description: Tea-based drinks with milk (dairy or alternative)
Popular Items:
- Classic Milk Tea
- Thai Tea
- Taro Milk Tea
- Matcha Milk Tea
- Brown Sugar Milk Tea
Customization Options:
- Ice level (no ice, light, regular, extra)
- Sweetness (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%)
- Milk type (whole, oat, almond, soy)
- Toppings (boba, jelly, pudding, etc.)
Learn More: Milk Tea Base Recipe
2. Fruit Tea
Description: Refreshing tea-based drinks with fruit flavors
Popular Items:
- Passion Fruit Green Tea
- Lychee Black Tea
- Peach Oolong Tea
- Strawberry Green Tea
- Mango Green Tea
Customization Options:
- Ice level
- Sweetness
- Add fruit bits/popping boba
- Mix with cream foam
3. Specialty Drinks
Description: Unique signature drinks and seasonal offerings
Examples:
- Thai Tea (our signature!)
- Osmanthus Oolong
- Brown Sugar Boba Milk
- Cheese Foam series
- Seasonal specials (pumpkin spice, etc.)
Learn More: Specialty Drinks
4. Coffee Drinks
Description: Espresso-based drinks made with Starbucks espresso beans on De'Longhi machine
Our Espresso Drinks:
- Americano - Espresso with hot water
- Latte - Espresso with steamed milk (hot)
- Cappuccino - Espresso with thick foam (hot)
- Iced Latte - Espresso with cold milk and ice
Customization Options:
- Milk type (whole, oat, almond, soy)
- Extra shot of espresso
- Flavor syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut)
- Size: Regular (16oz) or Large (20oz)
Equipment: See Espresso Machine GuideRecipes: See Espresso Drinks Guide
5. Smoothies & Blended
Description: Blended drinks with fruit and ice
Popular Items:
- Mango Smoothie
- Strawberry Banana
- Taro Slush
- Matcha Frappe
- Protein Smoothies
Note: These are caffeine-free and great for kids/families
6. Seasonal & Limited Time
Description: Drinks available only during certain seasons
Examples:
- Fall: Pumpkin Spice, Apple Cider
- Winter: Gingerbread Latte, Peppermint Mocha
- Spring: Cherry Blossom, Strawberry Matcha
- Summer: Watermelon Slush, Tropical Passion
Important: These rotate - check current menu
7. Toppings & Add-Ons
Not drinks themselves, but customers can add to any drink:
Boba (Tapioca Pearls):
- Regular black boba
- Brown sugar boba
- Crystal boba (clear, lighter texture)
- Popping boba (fruit-filled)
Jellies:
- Grass jelly
- Coffee jelly
- Aloe vera
- Lychee jelly
Other:
- Pudding
- Cream foam
- Ice cream scoop
- Extra shot of espresso
Pricing: Usually $0.50-$1.00 per topping
Menu Organization Tips
By Caffeine Content
High Caffeine:
- Coffee drinks
- Black tea drinks
- Matcha drinks
Moderate Caffeine:
- Green tea drinks
- Oolong tea drinks
Low/No Caffeine:
- Herbal teas
- Fruit smoothies
- Milk-only drinks
By Temperature
Hot Drinks:
- Available for most tea and coffee drinks
- Recommended for fall/winter
- Some customers prefer hot drinks year-round
Iced Drinks:
- Default for most orders
- Essential for summer
- Can adjust ice level
By Dietary Preferences
Vegan Options:
- Any drink with oat, almond, or soy milk
- Fruit teas without cream foam
- Most toppings are vegan (check boba preparation)
Dairy-Free:
- Same as vegan options
- Always confirm milk alternative
Low Sugar:
- Offer 0%, 25%, or 50% sweetness
- Recommend fruit teas (naturally sweet)
- Avoid drinks with pre-sweetened syrups
Allergen Info:
- Dairy: In milk teas, cream foam, some toppings
- Nuts: Almond milk, some flavor syrups
- Soy: Soy milk option
- Always check ingredient lists for allergies
Pricing Structure
| Category | Base Price Range |
|---|---|
| Milk Tea | $5.00 - $7.00 |
| Fruit Tea | $5.00 - $6.50 |
| Specialty | $6.00 - $8.00 |
| Coffee | $4.00 - $7.00 |
| Smoothies | $6.00 - $8.00 |
| Toppings | $0.50 - $1.00 |
Prices subject to change. Check POS system for current pricing.
Recommendations by Customer Type
Use this quick reference guide when helping customers decide! This section is referenced in Greeting Customers and Taking Orders.
"I've Never Had Boba Before"
→ Classic Milk Tea with regular boba - The quintessential experience → Thai Tea - Our signature, most popular drink
Why these work: Simple, classic, not too adventurous. Lets them experience the tapioca pearls with familiar creamy flavors.
"I Don't Like Tea"
→ Smoothies - No tea, pure fruit → Espresso drinks - Latte, Cappuccino, Americano, Iced Latte → Fruit Water - Refreshing, no caffeine
Why these work: No tea flavor, appeals to coffee drinkers or those who want pure fruit.
"I'm Dairy-Free"
→ Fruit teas - Naturally dairy-free → Milk tea with oat/almond milk - Best alternatives
Why these work: Safe for lactose intolerance or vegan customers. Oat milk is creamiest alternative.
"I Want Something Light/Refreshing"
→ Osmanthus Oolong - Light, floral, not too sweet → Passion Fruit Green Tea - Tart and refreshing
Why these work: Not heavy, lower sugar, refreshing. Perfect for hot days or health-conscious customers.
"I Want Something Sweet and Indulgent"
→ Brown Sugar Boba Milk - Rich and sweet → Thai Tea - Creamy and sweet
Why these work: Decadent, dessert-like. For customers treating themselves.
"I Need Caffeine!"
→ Americano - Strong espresso with hot water (highest caffeine) → Latte or Cappuccino - Espresso with milk (high caffeine, smoother) → Iced Latte - Cold espresso drink (high caffeine) → Matcha Latte - Smooth, focused energy (moderate caffeine)
Why these work: Various caffeine levels for different needs. Americano for serious caffeine seekers, matcha for sustained energy.
Using This Guide
When taking orders: Ask discovery questions (see Taking Orders guide), then match their answers to these categories. You can combine categories too - "I'm dairy-free AND want caffeine" → Vietnamese Coffee or Matcha with oat milk.
Menu Updates
The menu changes seasonally. Stay informed:
- Check staff announcements
- Review new recipes when added
- Ask about new items you haven't made
- Taste new drinks during training (with permission)
Related Guides
Questions about drinks? See specific recipe pages or ask your trainer!