This is the Phoenix Aroma Punched Lemon Tea ($8.20 for large, +$1.00 for osmanthus jelly, no ice, 50% sugar, keep lemon) from Order Lemon, which boasts of being home to ‘the best lemon tea in the universe’. It features a yā shǐ xiāng dān cóng base, a fragrant oolong from the Phoenix Mountains in Guangdong province, China, commonly known as ‘duck shit’ or ‘duck poo’ oolong. Here, this tea is paired with ‘punched’ or crushed lemons.
The drink had a translucent red-brown hue, with lemon pulp and slices on top and osmanthus jelly at the base. Sipped chilled, the oolong immediately delivered a bold honeysuckle or honeyed fruit aroma, blending seamlessly with the fresh lemon juice. At 50% sweetness, the lemon’s sourness was perfectly balanced. This fusion created a flavour reminiscent of honey lemon tea, enriched by the minerality and floral notes of the oolong. The osmanthus jelly provided a gently bouncy texture without being chewy. Overall, this unique beverage stands out in Sydney’s bubble tea market, worthy of a return purchase.
Phoenix Aroma Punched Lemon Tea was purchased from Order Lemon located at Kiosk 201a, Level LG1, Top Ryde City Shopping Centre, Cnr Devlin St & Blaxland Rd, Ryde NSW 2112 in April 2024.