The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is a visually captivating drink that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. This vibrant beverage features a stunning blue hue that magically transforms into a beautiful purple when mixed with citrus, making it an exciting drink to enjoy or serve to guests.
The earthy, delicate flavor of butterfly pea flower tea pairs perfectly with creamy milk, creating a smooth, refreshing taste. Served over ice, it’s the ideal drink for warm days, offering both visual appeal and a mild, soothing flavor. Whether you’re looking for a drink to impress or simply want something fun and relaxing, this latte is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Showstopping Visuals: The striking blue color that turns purple with the addition of citrus makes this drink a conversation starter, perfect for entertaining or simply treating yourself.
- Smooth and Refreshing Flavor: The mild, earthy taste of butterfly pea flower tea combined with creamy milk creates a subtly sweet and refreshing experience.
- Natural Ingredients: Made with all-natural butterfly pea flowers, this latte is free from artificial dyes and offers a unique, natural beverage option.
- Caffeine-Free: Since butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, this latte is perfect for anyone looking for a calming, gentle drink.
- Fun for Kids’ Parties: The magical color change makes it a hit at kids’ parties, offering a fun and unique drink for birthdays or special celebrations.
What is Butterfly Pea Flower Tea?
Originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Malaysia, butterfly pea flower tea (made from the petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant) has been cherished for centuries. Known for its vibrant blue color, the tea turns purple when combined with acidic ingredients like lemon juice. It has a light, earthy flavor and is often described as similar to green tea but with floral notes.
Not only does it offer a stunning visual effect, but butterfly pea flower tea is packed with antioxidants and is gaining popularity for its aesthetic appeal and health benefits. The flower itself grows as a tropical vine and can even be cultivated at home in suitable conditions.
Ingredients for Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
- 1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers (or 5-6 fresh flowers or 1 butterfly pea tea bag), more for garnish
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based such as almond, coconut, or oat milk)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (or sweetener of choice, optional)
- Ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for color-changing effect)
How to Make an Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
- Brew the Tea:
- Boil 1 cup of water and pour it over the butterfly pea flowers (dried, fresh, or a tea bag) in a heatproof container.
- Let it steep for 5-7 minutes until the tea turns a vibrant blue color.
- Strain the tea to remove the flowers or tea bag, and let it cool to room temperature.
- Sweeten the Tea (Optional):
- If you’d like a sweeter latte, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey or your preferred sweetener while the tea is still warm, mixing until fully dissolved.
- Prepare the Milk:
- Froth the milk using a milk frother, or by shaking it in a tightly sealed jar, or blending it for a foamy texture.
- Assemble the Latte:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice.
- Slowly pour the frothy milk on top of the tea to create a layered effect.
- Optional Color Change:
- For the signature color transformation, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the drink. Watch the vibrant blue tea shift to a stunning purple!
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte!
Tips & Variations
- Vanilla Twist: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the milk for extra sweetness and a smooth flavor that complements the tea’s floral notes.
- Spiced Version: Steep a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods in the milk before adding it to the tea for a spiced latte with added warmth.
- Matcha Fusion: Combine butterfly pea tea with a shot of matcha for a layered drink that blends the blue of the tea with the green of matcha, offering a unique flavor and extra antioxidants.
- Coffee Variation: Add a shot of espresso for a coffee twist that pairs wonderfully with the floral notes of the butterfly pea tea.
- Nutty Flavor: Blend almond butter into the milk before adding it to the tea for a rich, creamy texture with a nutty flavor.
A Beautiful and Refreshing Beverage
Whether you’re looking to enjoy something visually stunning, caffeine-free, or simply want to experiment with unique flavors, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is sure to impress. Its combination of beauty, flavor, and the fun color-changing effect will make it your new favorite drink for any occasion!
Enjoy!