If you’ve been curious about a refreshing, visually stunning drink that brings a little magic to your taste buds and your Instagram feed, you’re in for a treat with this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe. It’s not only gorgeous with its vibrant blue-to-purple hues but also delightfully simple to make. The gentle earthiness of the butterfly pea flower balances beautifully with a splash of fresh lemon juice and creamy milk, creating a beverage that’s both soothing and energizing. Whether you want to surprise a friend, elevate your afternoon break, or just sip something calming on a warm day, this tea latte is the perfect choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this enchanting drink. Each one plays a meaningful role, from the natural color bursts to the creamy, smooth texture that will make every sip memorable.
- Butterfly pea flowers: The star ingredient, these dried flowers give the tea its stunning blue color and a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Water: Essential for steeping the flowers perfectly to extract their vibrant color and delicate taste.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright citrus zing and magically shifts the tea’s color to a delightful purple hue.
- Sweetener (honey or sugar): Sweetness is key to balance the floral notes and make the latte smooth and enjoyable.
- Milk (or non-dairy alternative): Creamy texture from milk softens the tea’s flavor while adding richness to the latte.
- Ice cubes: Keeps the latte chilled and refreshing, perfect for a hot day or just to cool down after a long afternoon.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Start by boiling 2 cups of water and then removing it from the heat. Add 1/4 cup of dried butterfly pea flowers into the hot water and let them steep for about 10 minutes. This allows the water to soak up the vibrant blue pigments and delicate floral flavors that make this tea so special.
Step 2: Strain the Tea
Once the steeping is complete, carefully strain the flowers using a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher. This step ensures you have a smooth, flower-free tea base to work with, leaving no bits to interfere with the silky texture of the latte.
Step 3: Sweeten and Add Lemon Juice
While the tea is still warm, add your choice of sweetener—whether honey or sugar—to taste. Then, stir in fresh lemon juice. This is the fun part because the acidity of the lemon instantly transforms the tea’s color from a deep blue to a striking purple, adding both visual interest and a refreshing citrus brightness to the flavor profile.
Step 4: Chill and Pour Over Ice
Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before pouring it over ice cubes in a tall glass. The ice not only keeps your latte cool but also dilutes it gently as it melts, maintaining the perfect balance of flavor and chilliness.
Step 5: Add Milk and Stir Gently
Top your iced butterfly pea flower tea with your preferred milk or non-dairy alternative. Gently stir to create that dreamy swirl of blue and purple blending beautifully with creamy white, showcasing the latte’s irresistible look and silky texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For an extra special touch, garnish with lemon slices or edible flowers. These additions not only enhance the presentation but also amplify the tea’s fresh aroma, making every sip an experience to savor immediately.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet elegant garnishes like a thin lemon wheel or a few edible flowers elevate the drink’s stunning appearance and add a subtle fragrance. They show off the latte’s changing colors beautifully and add enticing bursts of aroma that complement the tea’s delicate flavor.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs wonderfully with light treats, such as buttery scones or delicate fruit tarts. Its refreshing floral notes balance the richness of baked goods, making it perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy brunch spread with friends.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the milk and tea separately to showcase the striking ombré effect, or serve in clear glass mugs to highlight the vibrant colors. You can also experiment by adding a splash of rose or lavender syrup for a flavor twist and even more visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover butterfly pea flower tea, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep it plain without milk to preserve freshness and color. When ready to enjoy, pour over fresh ice and add milk and lemon juice as desired.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy this drink fresh, you can freeze the brewed tea (without sweetener and lemon) in ice cube trays. These cubes can later be used to chill drinks without diluting flavor or added to smoothies for a natural color boost.
Reheating
This iced latte is designed to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you wish to enjoy it warm, prepare a fresh batch of butterfly pea flower tea and warm it gently before adding honey, lemon juice, and warm milk to keep the best flavors intact.
FAQs
What is butterfly pea flower tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the petals of the butterfly pea plant. It’s known for its vibrant blue color and subtle earthy flavor, often used in Southeast Asian drinks and desserts for its natural color-changing properties.
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Yes, fresh butterfly pea flowers can be used if available. Use about twice the amount compared to dried flowers for a similar strength and saturation of color, and steep them in hot water just as you would dried petals.
Is this latte vegan-friendly?
Absolutely. By using a plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk, you can enjoy the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe as a vegan treat without compromising on creaminess or flavor.
How does lemon juice change the tea’s color?
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which lowers the pH of the tea and causes a chemical reaction that shifts the butterfly pea tea’s color from blue to purple or even pink, creating a magical visual effect perfect for this latte.
Can I adjust the sweetness in this recipe?
Of course! The sweetness level is entirely up to your personal taste. Start with a small amount of honey or sugar and add more if needed, ensuring the tea complements the creamy milk without becoming overly sugary.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you give this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe a try. It’s such a joyful experience to watch the colors change and to savor every sip of this cool, creamy, and naturally vibrant drink. Whether for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, this recipe brings a little bit of magic straight to your glass.
Print
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte features a vibrant blue tea made from butterfly pea flowers that transforms to a lovely purple hue with the addition of lemon juice. Sweetened naturally and topped with creamy milk or a non-dairy alternative, this visually stunning and deliciously floral beverage is perfect for a cooling treat on warm days.
Ingredients
Tea
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or sugar, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Latte
- 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy milk alternative (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- Ice cubes, as needed
Garnish
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the Tea: Boil 2 cups of water, then remove from heat and add 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers. Allow the flowers to steep for 10 minutes to extract the vibrant blue color and floral flavor.
- Strain the Flowers: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the tea into a bowl or pitcher to remove the flower petals, leaving a clear blue infusion.
- Add Sweetener and Lemon Juice: While the tea is still warm, stir in your preferred sweetener to taste (honey or sugar). Then add fresh lemon juice, which will naturally change the tea’s color from blue to a beautiful purple shade.
- Cool the Tea: Let the tea cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to settle and preparing it for the iced latte.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice. Top with your choice of milk or non-dairy milk alternative, then stir gently to combine the layers.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with lemon slices or edible flowers for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant, refreshing iced latte.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk and sweeten with sugar or agave syrup instead of honey.
- Adjust the sweetness and lemon juice to your taste preference for the perfect balance of floral, sweet, and tangy flavors.
- Use fresh butterfly pea flowers if available for best flavor and color intensity.
- The tea changes color due to the pH-sensitive anthocyanin in butterfly pea flowers reacting with lemon juice, making this drink a fun and visually stunning choice.
- Serve immediately after adding milk to enjoy the beautiful color gradient effect before it fully blends.
