When someone tells you to meet them in the alley, run away kids.
But when someone tells you to meet them at The Alley, well, the least you could do is lead the way.
Founded in Taiwan in 2013, The Alley is the latest bubble tea franchise to open in Edmonton. They're located far south in the Currents of Windermere, right behind the Cineplex. For someone who lives on the complete opposite end of the city, it's quite the trek. Thankfully my cousin lives close by, so I'm actually in the area quite often.
The Alley opened its doors back in September. I remember driving by during opening weekend just to scout things out. One look at the line and NOPE, we got out of there real quick. A couple months later, things seem to have settled down a bit. We visited on Sunday afternoon and it was decently busy. There were a few groups ahead of us in line but it didn't take very long to order and receive our drinks. They seem quite well-staffed for the weekend rush.
What sets The Alley apart from their competitors is their commitment to quality. Their signature tapioca pearls, or "Deerioca" as they call them, are handmade from scratch, along with the sugar cane syrup they use to sweeten their drinks.
Prices hover between $5.00-$6.00, and only some drinks can be upsized to a large for $0.50 more. Most drinks are available hot or cold, and sweetness and ice levels are customizable. The only drinks that can't be customized are their signature Brown Sugar Deerioca.
I can't tell you the difference between all seven types of milk tea they carry but what I can tell you is that the garden milk tea ($5.50) has the cutest presentation. Topped with Oreo crumbs and a sprig of mint, it looked like a potted plant! I had the drink made with half sugar, which was a good amount, especially since the Oreos add to the sweetness. The milk tea itself was creamy but the flavour was on the lighter side.
AL requested a classic milk tea ($5.00), served hot with no sugar. She liked her drink and thought it tasted quite creamy.
All hot drinks also come with an adorable cup sleeve. I would be wary about carrying the drink by the string attachment as it didn't seem strong enough to balance the cup when full.
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Brown sugar bubble tea has been popping up all over the place and the Brown Sugar Deerioca series is basically the Alley's hat in the ring. Tapioca is slow cooked in brown sugar so it absorbs a smoky, caramel flavour. It's still warm at the bottom of the cup before fresh cold milk (or you can sub in soy milk) is poured over top. With the deerioca puff, they also mix in custard pudding and a crème brûlée topping. With no opportunity to adjust sugar levels, the drink is understandably quite sweet -- but it's deliciously thick, creamy, and just super tasty. I also really enjoyed the tapioca pearls. I found them to be smaller than the norm, which made it more pleasant and tender to chew.
I don't know if I should be relieved or disappointed that The Alley is such a far drive from home. All I know is what I'll be ordering to myself next time!
The Alley
6183 Currents Drive NW
Edmonton, AB
Edmonton, AB
(587) 469-6880
- CT
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