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butterfly pea flower tea latte

Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte

Have you ever seen a drink so blue it looks like it belongs in a fairytale? That’s the iced butterfly pea flower tea latte! This stunning beverage is not only beautiful to look at, but it’s also refreshing and surprisingly easy to make.

P.S: It looks so great but butterfly pea flower tea is an acquired taste for many!

butterfly pea flower tea latte
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte

Recipe Highlights

  • Naturally blue: The gorgeous color comes from the butterfly pea flower, an herbal tea that’s naturally caffeine-free.
  • Creamy swirl: A splash of milk or dairy alternative adds a touch of sweetness and creates a mesmerizing swirl effect.
  • Customizable: Play with different flavors like lemon, lavender, or vanilla to find your perfect cup.

Ingredient Notes

  • Butterfly pea flower tea bags or loose flowers: Both work, but tea bags are easier for this recipe.
  • Water: Filtered water is best for bringing out the tea’s delicate flavor.
  • Sweetener: Honey, sugar, or your favorite syrup can be used to adjust the sweetness to your taste. I used sweetened condensed milk.
  • Milk or dairy alternative: Half-and-half creates the prettiest swirls, but any milk will work.
  • Optional flavorings: Lemon juice, lavender syrup, or vanilla extract add a delightful twist.
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brew the tea: Steep the tea bags in hot water for 5-10 minutes, watching the water turn a magical shade of blue. Remove the bags and let the tea cool.
  2. Make the sweet cream (optional): Combine milk, sweetener, and any flavorings you like in a jar or small container. Shake or whisk until well blended.
  3. Assemble the latte: Fill a glass with ice, then pour in the cooled tea. Gently pour the sweet cream over the top, letting it swirl and mingle with the blue liquid.
  4. Sit back and enjoy! Take a moment to admire the beauty of your creation before savoring its refreshing taste.
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte

Notes & Tips

  • The sweet cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • The brewed tea can also be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and sweetener.
  • Get creative! Experiment with different flavors and garnishes to make your latte unique.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using too much milk: The milk should gently swirl, not overpower the tea. So, don’t replace half & half with milk (because it’s too liquid-y).
  • Adding the milk too quickly: Pour slowly to create the prettiest effect.
  • Not letting the tea cool: Hot tea will melt the ice and dilute the drink.

Interesting Facts

  • Butterfly pea flowers have been used in Southeast Asia for centuries for their medicinal properties.
  • The flower’s color changes depending on the acidity of the liquid it’s added to. For example, adding lemon juice will turn the tea purple!
  • This tea is a natural source of antioxidants and may have health benefits like boosting brain function and improving mood.

Questions You May Have

1. Is there caffeine in this drink?

Nope, not a drop! Enjoy this latte anytime without worrying about sleepless nights.

2. Isn’t the taste just meh?

It can be a bit earthy for some. But with a dash of lemon or lemonade, it becomes a delightful and refreshing treat.

3. Can I use loose butterfly pea tea flowers?

Absolutely! Just replace the tea bags with 2 teaspoons of loose flowers.

4. Why use tea bags instead of loose flowers?

Both work! Tea bags are easier to use, but loose flowers might offer a slightly stronger flavor. Pick your preference!

Related Recipes

butterfly pea flower tea latte

Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte

Recipe by Tania FaysalCourse: Drinks
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

3

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Calories

90

kcal
Total time

8

minutes

A vibrant and refreshing iced latte with the ethereal blue hues of butterfly pea flowers.

Ingredients

Directions

  • Steep the tea: Boil water (ideally filtered) and pour it into a teapot. Add the butterfly pea flower tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes.
  • Cool the tea: Remove the tea bags and set the tea aside to cool completely. You can speed up this process by placing the teapot in an ice bath.
  • Make the vanilla sweet cream: Combine the half & half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until well combined.
  • Assemble the lattes: Fill two glasses with ice. Pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice, dividing it evenly between the glasses.
  • Layer the cream: Slowly pour the vanilla sweet cream over the back of a spoon into each glass, allowing it to gently layer on top of the tea.
  • Enjoy! Watch the mesmerizing colors swirl as you stir the latte or simply admire the gradient effect.

Notes

  • For a more intense blue color, use butterfly pea flower powder instead of tea bags. Simply whisk 1 teaspoon of powder with a little hot water until dissolved before adding it to the cooled tea.
  • You can adjust the sweetness of the latte to your taste by using more or less sweetened condensed milk.
  • Feel free to experiment with different flavors! Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a tart twist, or try using flavored milks like coconut milk or almond milk.

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