The most nostalgic Taiwanese-style hand-shaken drink: Frost River Tea Shop revives classic flavors with an old-school twist

By Spotting Traveler (compiled and reported)
 
Hand-shaken drink “Frost River Tea Shop” draws inspiration from traditional Taiwanese tea houses, with an interior full of nostalgic charm and a simple, warm human touch that makes you feel like you’re in an old Taiwanese tea shop. It serves a variety of best-selling drinks from 1980s bubble tea shops, infused with creative elements of modern hand-shaken drinks—each one classic and incredibly refreshing. Signature drinks include: Cheese Frost Milk Cap, Heartfelt Tieguanyin, and Winter Melon series drinks.

The origin of “Frost River Tea Shop” pays homage to the profound wisdom and tea-making philosophy of traditional Taiwanese tea houses. From the rigorous tea-making spirit and brewing techniques of various tea houses, the rise of 1980s bubble tea and tea art houses, to the flourishing of innovative hand-shaken drinks, “Frost River Tea Shop” aims to serve as a bridge between the past and the future. “Frost” refers to the signature Cheese Frost Milk Cap, while “River” symbolizes the nurturing quality of water, representing abundance and life.

The store’s space design is inspired by traditional Taiwanese tea houses. Metal tea tins on the shelves represent the care taken in selecting tea leaves and the attention to brewing techniques. The open design of the tea-picking and serving area is thoughtfully arranged to bring customers closer and let them feel the uniquely warm hospitality of Taiwan. The geometric triangular floor tiles showcase a creative yet retro imagination, telling the story of the collision between old and new in revived tea drinks.

“Frost River Tea Shop” is based on the best-selling drinks of 1980s bubble tea, evoking youthful memories of gathering with friends at tea houses during school days. Combined with modern hand-shaken drink creativity and carefully selected ingredients, it meets consumers’ demands for both flavor and quality. Among them, the “Cheese Frost Milk Cap” series is a must-try—its ultra-thick, savory cheese milk cap has a rich, velvety texture, paired with freshly brewed black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and Tieguanyin tea, blending the salty-sweet milkiness with the refreshing taste of tea, resulting in a smooth and layered tea experience.

The signature “Heartfelt Tieguanyin” uses high-quality Taiwanese tea leaves and a charcoal-roasting technique, delivering a rich smoky aroma, smooth and mellow taste without any bitterness. Its lingering aftertaste is slightly sweet with a hint of milkiness, earning widespread praise. This has led to the development of two new series: “Large Leaf Red Oolong” and “Bud Tip Green Oolong,” which blend black and green teas with Tieguanyin tea broth. The charcoal-roasted aroma combines with gentle and refreshing flavors, adding depth and complexity to the drinks. The new “Large Leaf Red Oolong” and “Bud Tip Green Oolong” series will be launched nationwide on February 17.