If you’re looking for a drink that combines stunning visual appeal with a delightful, refreshing flavor, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is an absolute must-try. This enchanting beverage captures the magical deep blue hues of butterfly pea flowers, transforming into a mesmerizing purple cascade once touched by lemon juice. It’s light, naturally sweetened, and topped with creamy milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative, making it the perfect way to brighten any warm day or impress your guests with a colorful twist on a classic tea latte.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret behind the magic of the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the vibrant butterfly pea flowers that give the drink its unique color to the milk that softens the flavors and lends creamy texture.
- Butterfly pea flowers: These dried blossoms create the signature deep blue tea base, rich in antioxidants and totally caffeine-free.
- Water: Fresh, clean water is crucial for steeping the flowers to release their color and delicate flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright citrus zing and triggers a magical color change in the tea from blue to purple.
- Sweetener (honey or sugar): A touch of sweetness balances the earthiness of the tea and complements the lemon’s tartness.
- Milk (or non-dairy alternative): Creamy milk smooths the flavor and enhances the latte-like experience.
- Ice cubes: Keeps the drink refreshingly cool and perfect for sipping on warm days.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Start by boiling 2 cups of water and then removing it from heat. Immediately add 1/4 cup of dried butterfly pea flowers and let them steep for about 10 minutes. This process is where all the magic happens, as the deep blue pigments slowly infuse the water, creating a naturally vibrant tea base.
Step 2: Strain and Sweeten
Once steeped, strain the flowers through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or pitcher. While the tea is still warm, stir in your preferred sweetener—honey or sugar work beautifully here. Sweetening while warm ensures that it dissolves evenly, enhancing the drink’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice for Color
Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the sweetened butterfly pea flower tea. This step is essential, as the acidic juice instantly transforms the tea’s color from a striking blue to a mesmerizing purple. It’s such a fun visual moment you’ll want to watch every time you make this latte!
Step 4: Chill and Serve Over Ice
Allow the tea to cool down to room temperature before pouring it over a tall glass filled with ice cubes. The icy chill makes the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe especially refreshing, perfect for brightening up hot afternoons or offering a colorful alternative to your usual iced beverages.
Step 5: Top with Milk and Stir
Finally, add a generous splash of milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative. Stir gently to create a silky, swirled effect where the vivid tea blends with the creamy milk. This layering adds a luxuriously smooth texture and balances the floral and citrus notes perfectly.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your iced butterfly pea flower tea latte with thin lemon slices or even edible flowers makes for a picture-perfect presentation. These little extras not only elevate the aesthetic charm but also add subtle hints of flavor and aroma that enhance the overall sensory experience.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs wonderfully with light snacks such as delicate macarons, fresh fruit, or subtly flavored biscuits. These complements won’t overpower the delicate floral and citrus notes but will instead create a balanced and enjoyable tea-time spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the tea and milk carefully in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful ombré transition from deep blue-purple to creamy white. Another fun idea is to serve the latte in mason jars or glass bottles with colorful straws and ice chunks shaped in creative molds for an Instagram-worthy refreshment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover butterfly pea flower tea or milk latte blend, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the color vibrant, so you can enjoy a quick iced drink without having to start from scratch.
Freezing
While not recommended to freeze the entire latte because the milk may separate, you can freeze the plain butterfly pea flower tea in ice cube trays. These flavorful ice cubes can later be used to chill other drinks without watering them down.
Reheating
This tea latte is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not ideal if you want to preserve the refreshing qualities. However, if you prefer a warm version, simply reheat the butterfly pea flower tea before adding warmed milk and sweetener to maintain its subtle flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh butterfly pea flowers can also be steeped, but you might need to adjust the quantity and steeping time since fresh flowers are less concentrated than dried ones.
What non-dairy milk works best with this recipe?
Coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk all make excellent non-dairy choices, each lending a slightly different creaminess and flavor that pairs beautifully with the floral tea.
Is the color change guaranteed every time?
Yes, as long as you add fresh lemon juice or any acidic component to the brewed butterfly pea flower tea, the color will shift from blue to purple due to the natural pH sensitivity of the flowers’ pigment.
Can I make the tea in advance?
You can definitely brew and sweeten the butterfly pea flower tea ahead of time, then refrigerate it. Just add lemon juice and milk when you’re ready to serve to preserve the freshest flavor and color.
Is this tea caffeinated?
No, butterfly pea flowers are naturally caffeine-free, making this a soothing, colorful beverage that’s perfect any time of day or evening.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe that goes beyond just a pretty drink — it’s an experience that delights the eyes and soothes the soul. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon or sharing it with friends, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So grab those butterfly pea flowers and get ready to sip on a cup of color and creativity!
Print
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and visually stunning iced latte made with butterfly pea flower tea, enhanced by a splash of lemon juice that transforms its color, sweetened to taste, and topped with creamy milk or a non-dairy alternative. Perfect for a vibrant, caffeine-free beverage that delights both the eyes and palate.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers
- Sweetener (honey or sugar) to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Latte
- 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy alternative (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- Ice cubes as needed
Garnish (Optional)
- Lemon slices
- Edible flowers
Instructions
- Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add 1/4 cup of dried butterfly pea flowers to the hot water and steep for 10 minutes to extract vibrant color and flavor.
- Strain the Tea: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the steeped flowers into a bowl or pitcher, ensuring a smooth and clear tea base free of any flower particles.
- Add Sweetener and Lemon Juice: While the tea is still warm, mix in your preferred sweetener, adjusting to taste. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, which will change the tea color from deep blue to a beautiful purple hue.
- Cool the Tea: Allow the tea mixture to cool to room temperature to prepare for the iced beverage.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice, then gently top with 1/2 cup of milk or your chosen non-dairy alternative.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, add lemon slices or edible flowers as garnish for a decorative touch. Stir gently and serve immediately for a refreshing drink.
Notes
- Use filtered water for the clearest, freshest taste.
- Adjust lemon juice to control the color and tartness of the tea.
- Sweetener amount can be altered depending on preference; honey adds a floral note while sugar provides straightforward sweetness.
- Try different non-dairy milks for varied flavor profiles and creaminess.
- For a more concentrated latte, brew with slightly less water or increase butterfly pea flowers.
- This drink is caffeine-free and naturally hydrating, suitable for all ages.
