Ever watched a drink transform before your eyes like a science experiment you can actually enjoy? That’s the magic of an Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte. This stunning blue beverage isn’t just Instagram-worthy—it’s a refreshing, lightly floral treat that shifts from deep blue to vibrant purple with just a squeeze of lemon.
I discovered this natural color-changing phenomenon years ago and have been mesmerizing friends with it ever since! The butterfly pea flower has been used in Southeast Asian cooking and traditional medicine for centuries, but it’s only recently captured global attention for its remarkable properties. Unlike artificial blue drinks loaded with food coloring, this latte gets its vivid hue from nature alone.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a conversation starter in a glass.
What makes this recipe truly special is its theatrical element: add citrus and watch as the pH-sensitive anthocyanins in the tea transform from blue to purple right before your eyes. It’s kitchen chemistry at its most delicious! This latte is incredibly versatile too.
It’s naturally caffeine-free (perfect for afternoon sipping), can be sweetened to your preference, and works with any milk alternative you prefer. The butterfly pea flower itself has a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla and a touch of sweetness, creating a refreshing drink that’s sophisticated yet simple to make. Plus, you’ll impress absolutely everyone when you serve these at your next gathering—I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t delighted by the color-changing spectacle.
Equipment needed: Kettle or pot, strainer, tall glasses, measuring cups, spoon
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers about 15-20 flowers
- 2 cups hot water just below boiling
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or simple syrup to taste
- 1 cup milk of choice dairy, oat, almond, or coconut work well
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Ice cubes
- Lemon or lime wedges for the color-changing effect
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the tea infusion by placing the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-resistant container. Pour hot water (not boiling, as it can make the tea bitter) over the flowers and steep for 5-7 minutes until the water turns a deep indigo blue.
- Strain the tea into a separate container, removing all the flower petals. The intensity of color indicates it’s properly steeped—you want a rich, vibrant blue.
- Add sweetener to the hot tea and stir until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed—the floral flavor pairs well with a touch of honey or simple syrup.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until thoroughly chilled. You can prepare this a day ahead for convenience.
- Fill tall glasses with ice, filling them about halfway. The ice not only keeps your drink cold but creates beautiful swirling effects as the liquids mix.
- Pour the chilled blue tea over the ice, filling the glasses about ⅔ of the way up. If using vanilla extract, add it now and gently stir.
- Slowly pour the milk into each glass, watching as it creates beautiful blue and white swirls through the ice. Leave some space at the top of each glass.
- For the color-changing magic, squeeze a lemon or lime wedge into the drink and watch as the blue transforms to purple, starting where the citrus touches the tea.
- Garnish with mint leaves if desired, and serve immediately with a reusable straw for stirring and sipping.
Notes
- For the most vibrant color, use filtered water rather than tap water.
- Creating a butterfly pea flower ice cube adds an extra visual element—freeze some of the blue tea in ice cube trays before making your latte.
- The tea can be made in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- For a more intense flavor, try adding a pinch of lavender or a thin slice of ginger during the steeping process.
- This drink can be made into an adult beverage by adding a splash of gin or vodka.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 120-150 calories per serving (varies based on milk and sweetener choice)
- Butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants
- Using plant-based milk makes this recipe vegan-friendly
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Low in fat when made with skim or plant-based milks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using boiling water – Water that’s too hot can make the tea bitter and diminish the vibrant blue color. Let boiled water cool for 1-2 minutes before steeping.
- Undermixing the sweetener – Make sure honey or syrup is completely dissolved in the warm tea before chilling to prevent uneven sweetness.
- Adding citrus too early – The color change happens immediately, so add lemon or lime at serving time for maximum visual impact.
- Using very cold milk – Extremely cold milk can sometimes curdle when it hits the acidified tea, so room temperature milk works best if you’re planning to add citrus.
- Overfilling the glass – Leave room for the color-changing reaction and any additional ice or garnishes.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Tea source: If you can’t find whole butterfly pea flowers, powdered butterfly pea tea or tea bags work well too (use 2 tea bags or 1 teaspoon of powder).
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or monk fruit sweetener can replace honey for different flavor profiles or vegan options.
- Milk options: Coconut milk adds tropical notes, oat milk provides creaminess, and almond milk offers a lighter touch. Each creates a slightly different blue-to-purple transition.
- Flavor enhancers: A drop of food-grade butterfly pea flower extract can intensify both color and flavor if the dried flowers are unavailable.
- Hot version: This recipe can easily become a hot latte by using steamed milk instead of cold milk and omitting the ice.
FAQs
Where can I find butterfly pea flowers?
You can purchase dried butterfly pea flowers online, at specialty tea shops, or at many Asian grocery stores. Look for them labeled as “butterfly pea,” “blue tea,” or occasionally “Asian pigeonwings.” Make sure to buy food-grade flowers specifically meant for consumption.
Is butterfly pea flower tea safe for everyone?
While generally recognized as safe, pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming butterfly pea flower tea. The tea is naturally caffeine-free and suitable for most people, but as with any herb, moderation is recommended.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the blue tea concentrate and store it refrigerated for up to 3 days. Keep it separate from the milk and citrus until serving time for the most dramatic effect. Consider setting up a DIY latte station where guests can create their own color-changing magic.
Why isn’t my tea turning a vibrant blue color?
Water quality, steeping time, and the freshness of your flowers all affect color intensity. Using filtered water, allowing adequate steeping time (5-7 minutes), and ensuring your flowers aren’t old are key factors. Also, adding too much water will dilute the color.
Can I use this tea in other recipes?
Definitely! The color-changing properties make butterfly pea flower tea perfect for cocktails, iced tea variations, natural food coloring for desserts like panna cotta, and even as a base for blue rice dishes popular in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Final Thoughts
The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is more than just a beverage—it’s a little moment of wonder in your day. Each time I make this vibrant blue elixir transform with a squeeze of citrus, I’m reminded that cooking is both art and science. Whether you’re serving it to impress guests or simply treating yourself to something special, this magical drink brings joy through its brilliant colors and delicate flavors. Happy color-changing!
