Instructions:
1. Brew the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Start by steeping the butterfly pea flowers in hot water for about 5–7 minutes until the water turns a rich blue. The longer you steep, the deeper the color and flavor. If you’re using a tea bag, one will suffice for about 1 cup of water.
Once steeped, strain out the flowers or remove the tea bag. Add sweetener if desired while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily. Then let it cool to room temperature, or chill it in the fridge.
2. Add Lemon for a Magic Color Shift (Optional)
If you’d like the purple effect, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cooled tea. You’ll instantly see the blue change to a purple or violet hue — a fun little science trick that’s always a hit.
Pro tip: If you’re layering this drink (blue tea over milk), add lemon juice separately at the bottom or mix in as the final flourish for a swirling color gradient.
3. Assemble the Latte
Fill a glass with ice cubes about 3/4 of the way. Pour your milk in first — this helps create the beautiful layered effect.
Then, slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the back of a spoon (this slows the pour and helps the layers stay separate). If done right, you’ll see a beautiful ombre effect — white or creamy on the bottom, blue or purple on top.
4. Stir & Enjoy!
You can stir the drink for a fully mixed latte or serve it layered and let your guests swirl it themselves. Either way, it’s a stunning treat with a soothing, subtly sweet taste and a floral aroma that elevates your latte game.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
- Visually stunning – It’s practically artwork in a glass.
- Caffeine-free – A perfect relaxing alternative to coffee or green tea.
- Customizable – Works with various milks and flavors.
- Health benefits – Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and brain-boosting properties.
Variations & Tips
Coconut Butterfly Latte
Swap regular milk for coconut milk to add a tropical creaminess that pairs beautifully with the floral tea.
Lemonade Twist
Instead of milk, mix the tea with lemonade for a bright, citrusy refresher that turns a vivid purple — perfect for summer.
Iced Honey Vanilla
Add a drizzle of honey and a dash of vanilla to the tea before chilling for a sweeter, dessert-like version.
Fruity Fusion
Add a bit of berry puree (blueberry or strawberry) to the milk layer before pouring the tea over. The colors and flavors meld beautifully!
A Bit of Background: The Origin of Butterfly Pea Tea
Butterfly pea flower tea has been consumed for centuries in parts of Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, where it’s often used in both food and drink. It’s traditionally served as a hot or iced herbal tea, sometimes mixed with lemon, honey, or pandan for added flavor.
In Thai cuisine, it’s known as nam dok anchan, and in Malaysia, you’ll often find the flowers used to color rice and desserts (like the famous Nasi Kerabu). Its recent popularity in the West owes much to its Instagram appeal — the bright colors and natural transformations make it a favorite among foodies and influencers.
Serving & Styling Ideas
The Iced Butterfly Pea Latte is made for the camera. Try serving it in:
- A tall, clear glass to show off the layers
- With an edible flower garnish or lemon wedge
- A reusable metal or glass straw for an eco-friendly, elegant touch
- On a tray with a few scattered dried petals or tea leaves for a moody aesthetic
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to it for its beauty, health benefits, or just sheer novelty, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is one of those drinks that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a conversation starter, a relaxing ritual, and an artful beverage all in one glass. With simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can transform your afternoon tea into a mini sensory adventure.
So next time you’re craving something cool, calming, and absolutely gorgeous — give this stunning recipe a try. You might just find your new favorite ritual in every swirling sip.