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!
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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.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sit back and enjoy! Take a moment to admire the beauty of your creation before savoring its refreshing taste.
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
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
Course: DrinksServings
2
servingsPrep time
3
minutesCooking time
5
minutesCalories
90
kcalTotal time
8
minutesA vibrant and refreshing iced latte with the ethereal blue hues of butterfly pea flowers.
Ingredients
2 cups ice
2 cups water
1/3 cup half & half
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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.