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Make any moment feel a little more whimsical with this butterfly pea flower tea latte. Watch the blue color turn purple when you splash in some lemon. Looks stunning in photos and tastes great too.
We first came across butterfly pea flower tea while wandering markets in Thailand. Couldn’t get over how it shifts colors! After some trial and error at home, this version became my go-to whenever company stops by. Now my friends always ask for “that wild blue latte” before I even get a chance to offer anything else.
Ingredients
- Lemon juice: Kicks off the cool color change from blue to purple. Fresh is best for both taste and magic.
- Ice cubes: Chill things out while keeping flavors bold. Try freezing brewed tea for the ice so your drink doesn’t water down.
- Honey or sweetener: Takes the edge off the earthy flavor. Try raw honey or use maple syrup for a different twist.
- Milk: Gives you that creamy latte finish. Dairy is classic but plant milks like coconut give a unique taste.
- Hot water: Use water just shy of boiling so the drink gets all that color, no bitterness.
- Dried butterfly pea flowers: That’s where the beautiful blue comes from. Go for organic if you want the cleanest taste and brightest shade.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Color Change:
- If you want a show, drizzle lemon juice across the top last. You’ll see the acidity flip the blue tea purple as it reacts. The ombré look from blue at the bottom to purple up top is worth it.
- Layering:
- Pile some ice into your glass, then slowly pour the blue tea down the back of a spoon for a gentle flow. Layer in the milk by pouring it carefully along the side for a super cool visual effect.
- Foam It Up:
- Cold milk can get foamy too! If you’re using a jar, just shake like crazy for about 45 seconds. Let it chill for half a minute so you get stable foam.
- Sweeten It:
- While your tea’s still warm but not blazing, stir in your sweetener so it blends easily. Go gently and don’t stir too vigorously—you want that clear look. Test and tweak until the taste feels right since the tea itself is pretty delicate.
- Make the Tea:
- Soak the dried flowers in hot water for five to seven minutes. Shorter and you won’t get much color; longer and it’s a bit bitter. You’ll see the water go super blue as it soaks. If you use a clear pot you get to see the full color show.
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What really grabs me about this drink is the color science in action. I once showed it off at a family party and my niece went wide-eyed when the blue turned purple. She thought it was actual magic and wanted to try mixing things herself—that’s a core memory for me.
Storage and Prep
Made your butterfly pea tea ahead of time? No problem—toss it in the fridge in a sealed container. It’ll be good for three days. The color stays awesome if it’s cold but will fade if it sits out in the sun. For the most eye-popping look, put the drink together right before you serve so the milk foam is fresh and the layers are sharp.
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Fun Twists
Make it yours! Throw in a bit of vanilla or a sprig of lavender for extra floral vibes. Go tropical by swapping half the water with coconut water and using coconut milk for a velvet-sooth mouthfeel. To impress at a summer party, freeze the tea with edible flowers inside for show-stopping ice cubes that’ll color your latte as they melt.
Awesome Benefits
Butterfly pea flower’s been part of traditional medicine for ages. Besides looking cool, it’s loaded with anthocyanins—superstar antioxidants. Sip it regularly and you might help your memory or cut down on inflammation. Since it has zero caffeine or calories when unsweetened, you can kick back with a glass any time—even late at night without losing sleep.
How to Serve It
Show off those bright blue and purple streaks by pouring into a clear glass. Want to fancy it up? Swipe some honey around the rim, then dip in a few dried flowers. It’s a sweet match next to coconut panna cotta or lemony cookies, and really pops at brunch with a plate of fresh-cut tropical fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's butterfly pea tea?
Butterfly pea tea comes from soaking butterfly pea flowers in hot water. It has a striking blue shade and tastes gently floral.
- → How does the color change trick work?
Add a splash of lemon juice and the tea shifts from bright blue to purple because of a pH change.
- → Can I swap in plant milk?
Totally! Almond, oat, or coconut milk also bring smoothness and taste awesome in this drink.
- → What sweet stuff can I mix in?
Try honey, agave syrup, plain sugar, or whatever sweetener you like best to balance the flavors.
- → Can I drink this warm instead of cold?
For sure! Just skip the ice and blend everything with steamy milk for a soothing option.