Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte

Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is a stunning, color-changing drink featuring vibrant blue butterfly pea flower tea, creamy milk, and a citrusy twist that transforms the drink into a magical purple hue. It’s a refreshing, lightly floral beverage that’s as fun to look at as it is to sip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte because:

• It’s visually mesmerizing, with a dramatic color change when you add citrus.

• The combination of floral tea and creamy milk is both refreshing and delicate.

• It’s customizable with different sweeteners, milk options, and flavor enhancers.

• It’s a fun, Instagram-worthy drink that’s perfect for hot days.

• It’s naturally caffeine-free, making it a great option for any time of the day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers (about 15-20 flowers)

• 2 cups hot water (just below boiling)

• 2-3 tablespoons honey or simple syrup (to taste)

• 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, or coconut work well)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Ice cubes

• Lemon or lime wedges (for the color-changing effect)

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Tea Infusion: Place the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-resistant container. Pour hot water over the flowers, steeping for 5-7 minutes until the water turns a deep indigo blue.

2. Strain the Tea: Strain the tea into a separate container, discarding the flowers. The color should be a rich, vibrant blue.

3. Sweeten the Tea: Add honey or simple syrup to the hot tea, stirring until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.

4. Cool the Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until chilled. You can prepare the tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Assemble the Latte: Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, about halfway. Pour the chilled blue tea over the ice, filling the glasses about ⅔ full. If using vanilla extract, add it now and stir gently.

6. Add the Milk: Slowly pour milk into each glass, watching as it swirls through the blue tea, creating a beautiful effect.

7. Create the Color Change: For the magic color transformation, squeeze a lemon or lime wedge into the drink. Watch as the blue tea turns purple when it comes in contact with the citrus.

8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, and serve immediately with a reusable straw for stirring.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 tall glasses

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Sweetener: If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using maple syrup, agave nectar, or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey.

• Milk options: You can use coconut milk for a tropical flair, oat milk for creaminess, or almond milk for a lighter touch.

• Flavor enhancers: Add a drop of food-grade butterfly pea flower extract for an even more vibrant color and flavor.

• Hot Version: Skip the ice and steam the milk for a warm version of this latte.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover blue tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To enjoy a warm version, reheat the chilled tea and pour over steamed milk.

FAQs

1. Where can I find butterfly pea flowers?

You can find dried butterfly pea flowers at specialty tea shops, online, or at many Asian grocery stores. Look for flowers labeled as “butterfly pea” or “blue tea,” and make sure they’re food-grade.

2. Is butterfly pea flower tea safe for everyone?

Yes, it’s generally safe for most people. However, pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before consuming it. As with any herb, it’s best to consume in moderation.

3. Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes! Prepare the butterfly pea flower tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Keep the milk and citrus separate until serving for the best color-changing effect.

4. Can I use powdered butterfly pea tea?

Yes, powdered butterfly pea tea works well. Use about 1 teaspoon of powder for the same effect as dried flowers.

5. How do I prevent the milk from curdling when I add citrus?

To avoid curdling, make sure the milk is at room temperature and add the citrus at the end, right before serving. This will keep the milk smooth and creamy.

Conclusion

Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is a beautiful and refreshing drink that combines visual magic with delicate floral flavor. The vibrant blue tea and the color-changing citrus reaction make it a showstopper, while the creamy milk and sweetener balance out the floral notes perfectly. Whether served at a party, a summer gathering, or just as a treat for yourself, this drink is bound to become a favorite!