Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Meet your new favorite refreshment: the magical, mesmerizing, and oh-so-delicious Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a show-stopping, color-changing marvel layered with creamy milk and subtle floral goodness. Whether you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary (and caffeine-free!), this Thai-inspired beverage weaves together simple ingredients into pure, sippable beauty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Dried Butterfly Pea Tea:
- 2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers
Tea Base:
- 1 cup hot water
Sweetener:
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or simple syrup
Milk:
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Ice:
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Color Enhancer (optional):
- lemon juice for color change
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Start by combining the dried butterfly pea flowers and hot water in a small bowl or cup. Let this steep for about five minutes—you’ll watch the water turn a deep, brilliant cobalt blue right before your eyes. Strain out the flowers once the color is vivid and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Sweetener
While your tea is still warm, stir in your preferred sweetener—honey or simple syrup both work beautifully. This step dissolves the sweetener evenly, ensuring every sip of your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Prepare the Glass
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. This not only chills your drink instantly but also helps create those beautiful, defined latte layers.
Step 4: Pour in the Milk
Gently add your chosen milk over the ice. If you’re aiming for the creamiest possible treat, coconut or oat milk are fantastic options, but any milk works. The milk layer is the soft canvas for your blue tea.
Step 5: Layer the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Slowly pour the vibrant blue butterfly pea tea over the milk and ice. Pouring gently helps maintain the lovely separation between the layers, giving your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte its signature look.
Step 6: Make It Magical with Lemon Juice (Optional)
If you’re in the mood for a color-changing experience, add a few drops of lemon juice. Instantly, you’ll watch the blue tea swirl into a vivid purple—it’s guaranteed to wow anyone watching.
Step 7: Stir and Enjoy
Just before sipping, give your drink a gentle stir to bring all those layers—and flavors—together. Sit back, sip, and savor every refreshing, creamy, and enchanting mouthful.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh mint or a wedge of lemon on the rim makes your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte extra inviting. Edible flowers or even a twist of citrus zest add a touch of elegance, turning a simple beverage into a celebration.
Side Dishes
This latte shines alongside light snacks: think homemade shortbread cookies, coconut rice crackers, or a fresh fruit plate. The subtle sweetness and floral notes pair well with mild, buttery nibbles or tropical fruits.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving in clear glasses so the layers and colors really pop. For parties, set up a “color-changing latte bar” with little bowls of lemon juice and have guests add drops and swirl their own. Or freeze butterfly pea tea into ice cubes for a melting jewel effect!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any extra butterfly pea tea, store it in a jar in the fridge for up to two days. Wait to assemble the latte until you’re ready to drink for the freshest taste and the cleanest layer effect.
Freezing
Turn brewed butterfly pea tea into ice cubes and keep them in an airtight container. These naturally colorful cubes can be dropped into milk or sparkling water for a quick, delightful treat whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
This drink is best enjoyed icy cold, but if you have leftover butterfly pea tea, gently warm it to room temperature on the counter if you wish before mixing with milk and ice. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the lovely color and delicate flavors.
FAQs
What does butterfly pea flower tea taste like?
Butterfly pea flower tea has a very mild, earthy flavor with subtle floral notes. It’s not overwhelming, which makes it a fantastic base for this iced latte, letting the sweetness and creaminess shine through.
Is the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte caffeinated?
Nope! It’s completely caffeine-free, making it perfect for evenings or for anyone looking to cut back on caffeine but still enjoy a gorgeous and satisfying drink.
Can I make a vegan version of this latte?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite plant-based milk—oat, coconut, almond, or soy all work well in an Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte, keeping it creamy and 100% vegan.
How do I get the color-changing effect?
The magic happens when you add lemon juice: the citric acid shifts the pH, transforming the blue tea into a vibrant purple or pink. Add a few drops at a time and watch the transformation right in your glass!
Where can I buy dried butterfly pea flowers?
You can find dried butterfly pea flowers online, in specialty tea shops, and occasionally at stores that carry Thai or Southeast Asian ingredients. They’re becoming more popular, so keep an eye out in the tea section of your local market, too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience something uniquely beautiful and delicious, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to an Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte. It’s simple, customizable, and guaranteed to brighten your day—one magical, color-changing sip at a time!
Print
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the mesmerizing beauty and refreshing taste of this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte. A stunning blue-hued drink that transforms with a splash of lemon juice, creating a vibrant purple hue. This vegan beverage is perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening treat.
Ingredients
Dried Butterfly Pea Tea:
- 2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers
Tea Base:
- 1 cup hot water
Sweetener:
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or simple syrup
Milk:
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Ice:
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Color Enhancer (optional):
- lemon juice for color change
Instructions
- Steep the Butterfly Pea Tea: Steep the dried butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5 minutes, then strain to remove the flowers.
- Sweeten the Tea: Stir in honey or simple syrup until dissolved.
- Prepare the Latte: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour in the milk. Slowly pour the brewed butterfly pea tea over the milk to create a layered effect.
- Color Transformation: If desired, add a few drops of lemon juice to watch the color shift from blue to purple. Stir gently before drinking.
Notes
- For a creamier latte, use coconut milk or oat milk.
- You can brew a stronger tea by using more flowers or steeping longer.
- This drink is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great evening treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
