Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is a mesmerizing drink that captivates both the eyes and the palate. With its stunning blue hue, this tea transforms into a beautiful purple when mixed with a splash of citrus, creating a visual delight before you even take a sip.
The delicate, earthy flavor of butterfly pea flower tea pairs wonderfully with creamy milk, offering a smooth and refreshing experience. Served over ice, this latte is a sensory journey that blends vibrant color with subtle taste, making it an exciting addition to any tea lover’s repertoire!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Stunning Visuals: The vibrant blue color that shifts to purple with citrus makes this drink a showstopper, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
- Mild and Refreshing Flavor: The subtle, earthy taste of butterfly pea flower tea combined with creamy milk creates a smooth, refreshing drink that’s easy to enjoy.
- All-Natural Ingredients: Made with natural butterfly pea flowers, this latte is free from artificial colors and offers a unique, natural experience.
- Caffeine-Free: Butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, making this latte a great option for anyone looking for a soothing drink without the jitters.
- Great for Kids’ Parties: The color-changing effect is sure to fascinate kids, making it a fun and magical drink for birthday parties or special occasions.
Want more kid-friendly recipes?
Check out this guide: Tea Time with Kids – Joyful Tea Moments for Little Ones!
Butterfly Pea Tea: A Brief Overview
Butterfly pea tea, made from the vibrant blue petals of the butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea), originates from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Malaysia, where it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking.
The plant, also known as Asian pigeonwings, is a tropical vine that thrives in warm, humid climates but can be grown in containers or gardens in temperate regions with proper care.
The plant can also be grown at home in the right conditions, making it accessible for those interested in cultivating their own butterfly pea flowers for tea and other uses.
The tea is known for its striking blue color, which turns purple when mixed with acidic ingredients like lemon juice. It has a mild, earthy flavor, often described as similar to green tea but with a more floral note.
Butterfly pea tea has gained popularity worldwide for its antioxidant properties, natural color, and visual appeal in beverages and culinary creations.
Ingredients
Here are some tips for choosing the ingredients for your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte:
Butterfly pea flowers, whether dried or fresh, are the heart of this recipe. The dried flowers are more commonly available and provide a strong, vibrant blue color when steeped. If you have access to fresh butterfly pea flowers, they offer a slightly more delicate flavor and still produce that signature blue hue.
The milk you choose is also crucial, as it adds creaminess and balances the earthy notes of the butterfly pea tea. Dairy milk provides a rich texture, while plant-based alternatives like almond, coconut, or oat milk can add unique flavors and are great options for those who prefer or require a non-dairy version. The choice of milk can also influence the final color of the drink, especially when combined with lemon juice.
Sweeteners such as honey or sugar are optional but can enhance the flavor of the latte. Honey adds a subtle floral sweetness that complements the earthy tones of the tea, while sugar offers a more straightforward sweetness. It’s best to dissolve the sweetener while the tea is still warm to ensure it blends smoothly.
Fresh lemon juice is an optional ingredient that can be added to transform the blue tea into a stunning purple color, thanks to the natural pH-sensitive properties of the butterfly pea flower.
Ingredients for making a Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte:
- 1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers or 5-6 fresh butterfly pea flowers (or 1 butterfly pea tea bag), more for garnish
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, like almond, coconut, or oat milk)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of your choice (optional)
- Ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for color change effect)
How to Make a Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
Instructions for making a Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte:
Instructions:
- Brew the Tea:
- Boil 1 cup of water and pour it over the dried butterfly pea flowers, fresh flowers, or tea bag in a heatproof container.
- Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes until it turns a vibrant blue color.
- Strain the tea to remove the flowers or remove the tea bag, and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
- Sweeten the Tea (Optional):
- If you prefer a sweeter latte, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey or your preferred sweetener while the tea is still warm. Mix until fully dissolved.
- Prepare the Milk:
- In a separate container, froth the milk using a milk frother or by shaking it vigorously in a tightly sealed jar or shaker. You can also use a blender to make the cold milk foamy.
- Assemble the Latte:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice.
- Slowly add the frothy milk to the tea, creating a layered effect.
- Optional Color Change:
- If desired, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the latte. Watch as the vibrant blue tea transforms into a beautiful purple hue.
- Garnish and Serve:
- You can garnish the drink with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte!
- Brew the Tea:
Tips & Variations
- Use Vanilla: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the milk for a hint of sweetness and a creamy, smooth flavor that complements the tea.
- Infused Milk: Steep the milk with a few cardamom pods or a cinnamon stick before adding it to the tea, creating a spiced version that adds warmth and complexity to the latte.
- Butterfly Pea and Matcha Blend: Combine butterfly pea tea with a shot of matcha for a striking layered drink that merges the vibrant blue with matcha’s green, offering a unique flavor combination and extra antioxidants.
- Coffee Fusion: Pour a shot of espresso over the iced butterfly pea tea before adding the milk, creating a bold, earthy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the floral notes of the tea.
- Almond Butter Swirl: Blend in a spoonful of almond butter with the milk before pouring it over the tea for a nutty, creamy flavor that adds richness and a smooth texture to the latte.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp dried butterfly pea flowers or 5-6 fresh butterfly pea flowers (or 1 butterfly pea tea bag) more for garnish
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup cup milk dairy or plant-based, like almond, coconut, or oat milk
- 1-2 tsp honey or sweetener of your choice optional
- Ice cubes
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional, for color change effect
Instructions
- Steep the dried butterfly pea flowers, fresh flowers, or tea bag for 5-7 minutes in boiled water. Strain the tea to remove the flowers or remove the tea bag, and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
- If you prefer a sweeter latte, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey or your preferred sweetener while the tea is still warm. Mix until fully dissolved.
- In a separate container, froth the milk using a milk frother or by shaking it vigorously in a tightly sealed jar or shaker. You can also use a blender to make the cold milk foamy.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice. Slowly add the frothy milk to the tea, creating a layered effect.
- If desired, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the latte. Watch as the vibrant blue tea transforms into a beautiful purple hue.
- You can garnish the drink with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy your refreshing Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte!
