If you’re looking for a drink that’s as stunning to look at as it is delightful to sip, this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Vibrant, naturally blue, and creamy with just the right touch of sweetness, this iced beverage brings together the calming qualities of butterfly pea flower tea and the indulgence of a frothy latte. Perfect for warm afternoons or as a refreshing treat any time of day, it’s a fun way to brighten up your drink routine while impressing friends with its magical color-changing effect when you add lemon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays an essential part in creating the perfect balance of color, flavor, and texture in your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: The star ingredient that infuses the tea with that iconic vibrant blue color and subtle earthy flavor.
- Hot Water: Essential for steeping the flowers to release their color and delicate taste.
- Milk: Creamy and frothy, it brings the latte to life; you can choose dairy or your favorite plant-based alternative.
- Sweetener (honey or to taste): Adds just the right touch of natural sweetness to balance the tea’s floral notes.
- Ice Cubes: Keep the latte refreshingly cold and crisp.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a delightful citrus zing that causes the tea’s color to transform, creating a surprising and beautiful effect.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Start by boiling water until it’s bubbling hot, then pour it over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup or teapot. Watch as the water slowly changes into a stunning deep blue—the hallmark of this enchanting tea. Let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes to extract all the flavor and color. Once done, strain the tea into another container and let it cool to room temperature. This cooling step is crucial to prevent melting the ice too quickly and keeps your latte perfectly chilled.
Step 2: Sweeten Your Tea
While the tea is still warm enough to dissolve your sweetener, stir in honey or your favorite sweetener. Mixing it now ensures that the sweetness is evenly blended without any graininess. Adjust the sweetness to your liking so each sip feels just right—never overpowering but always inviting.
Step 3: Froth Your Milk
Choose your milk—whether it’s creamy whole milk, rich coconut milk, velvety oat, or anything else. Froth it until it’s light, airy, and pillowy. If you don’t have a milk frother handy, no worries: shaking the milk vigorously in a jar or blending it quickly works just as well to create that luscious froth that makes this latte so dreamy.
Step 4: Assemble Your Latte
Grab a tall glass and fill it generously with ice cubes. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, letting the deep blue wash through. Then, gently layer the frothed milk on top for that beautiful two-toned effect, where the creamy white contrasts with the vivid blue below—creating a drink worthy of any café menu.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
For a little extra magic, drizzle a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the top. The acidic lemon instantly morphs the color from blue to a stunning shade of purple or pink, making every sip a fun surprise. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on the foam to complete the presentation.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
To bring your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe to the next level, consider garnishing with edible butterfly pea flowers for a delicate floral touch. A few lemon zest curls or a sprig of fresh mint also add inviting aromas and bright accents that make the drink even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs beautifully with light, subtly flavored snacks. Think buttery shortbread cookies, fresh fruit slices, or coconut macaroons. The drink’s gentle floral notes complement these treats without overwhelm, making for a perfectly balanced snack or afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try layering the tea and milk slowly over crushed ice for a slightly different visual effect. Serve it in a clear mason jar or a tall vintage glass to showcase the stunning colors. Another playful idea is to let guests add their own lemon juice, watching the color transformation happen right before their eyes—always a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover butterfly pea tea, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the milk separate until you’re ready to serve so it stays fresh and frothy when combined.
Freezing
While iced tea freezes well, the milk froth does not hold up well to freezing. You can freeze the butterfly pea flower tea in ice cube trays for later use in cold drinks, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant blue color anytime.
Reheating
This drink is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer it warm, skip the ice and prepare fresh, but the signature frothy latte texture shines brightest when served chilled and iced.
FAQs
What makes butterfly pea flower tea blue?
The vibrant blue color comes from natural pigments called anthocyanins present in the butterfly pea flowers, giving the tea its magical hue without any artificial coloring.
Can I use any type of milk for this latte?
Absolutely! Dairy or plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut all work wonderfully. Just choose your favorite to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
How does lemon juice affect the tea?
Lemon juice changes the pH and causes the blue pigment to shift color, transforming the tea from a deep blue to beautiful shades of purple or pink, which adds a delightful surprise element.
Can I make this latte without sweetener?
Yes, you can enjoy the natural floral flavor of the butterfly pea tea plain or with just a hint of natural sweetness. However, sweetener helps balance the earthiness and enhances the overall experience.
Is butterfly pea flower tea caffeinated?
No, butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for a relaxing drink at any time of day.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to create this enchanting Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe, I hope you give it a try soon. It’s one of those rare drinks that’s equal parts beautiful and delicious, guaranteed to brighten your day and spark curiosity among friends. Take a moment to enjoy the cooling creaminess alongside nature’s stunning colors—your taste buds and eyes will thank you!
Print
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 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 combines the vibrant blue hue of butterfly pea flowers with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness, creating a visually stunning and deliciously chilled beverage perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers
- 2 cups hot water (boiling)
- 2 tablespoons sweetener (honey or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Milk Layer
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, coconut, or oat milk)
Serving
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Steep the Tea: Boil water until bubbling and pour it over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup. Steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the water to turn a deep blue. Strain the tea into another container and let it cool to room temperature.
- Sweeten the Tea: While the tea is still warm, stir in honey or your preferred sweetener vigorously until fully dissolved, adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
- Froth the Milk: Select your preferred milk type—dairy or plant-based—and froth it using a milk frother, or alternatively, shake it in a jar or blend until light and airy.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to chill the latte effectively.
- Assemble the Latte: Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, then gently add the frothed milk on top to create distinct, beautiful layers.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For an extra visual and flavor flair, drizzle lemon juice over the latte which will cause a natural color change from blue to purple.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on top of the frothy milk layer before serving to enhance presentation.
Notes
- Use boiling water to maximize flavor extraction and vibrant color.
- Adjust sweetener to taste; honey pairs well with this floral tea.
- Frothing adds a creamy texture but can be skipped for a simpler drink.
- Lemon juice not only adds tartness but also changes the tea color, creating a unique visual effect.
- Plant-based milks like almond or oat enhance the latte’s flavor and keep it dairy-free if preferred.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the fresh froth and vibrant colors.
