Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
A mesmerizing, color-changing iced latte featuring vibrant blue butterfly pea flower tea, creamy milk, and optional citrus for a magical purple transformation. This refreshing, lightly floral beverage offers both visual drama and delicate flavor.
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.