If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, refreshing drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful beverage combines the earthiness of butterfly pea flowers with creamy milk and just the right touch of sweetness, all served chilled over ice. What makes this recipe truly special is the magical color transformation when lemon juice is added, turning the drink from a brilliant blue to a stunning purple-pink. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this latte is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is your first step toward making a gorgeous and tasty iced latte. Each element plays an essential role, from the floral notes of butterfly pea to the creamy texture of your milk choice and the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: These provide the vibrant blue color and subtle floral flavor central to the recipe’s charm.
- Hot Water: Boiling water extracts the full color and taste from the flowers, creating a vivid tea base.
- Milk: Creaminess and a frothy texture come from your preferred dairy or plant-based milk, enriching the drink.
- Sweetener (honey or to taste): Balances the natural earthiness of the tea with gentle sweetness to make it more enjoyable.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for serving the latte chilled and refreshing on warmer days.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a tart twist and unleashes a magical color change in the tea, making it visually captivating.
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. Allow them to steep for 5-7 minutes, watching as the water transforms into a deep, vibrant blue. This color is the hallmark of your latte and signals that your tea is ready. After steeping, strain the tea into another container to remove the flowers and set it aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While your tea is still warm, stir in your chosen sweetener, whether it’s honey or another favorite. Mix vigorously until it dissolves completely, ensuring every sip has that perfect touch of sweetness that complements the floral notes.
Step 3: Froth the Milk
Next, take your preferred milk and froth it to add a luscious, airy texture that will sit beautifully on top of the tea. You can use a milk frother, shake the milk vigorously in a jar, or blend it briefly to create light foam. This creamy layer is what turns this drink into a true latte experience.
Step 4: Assemble the Latte
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then pour the cooled butterfly pea tea slowly over the ice. Pour the frothy milk gently on top, allowing it to create distinct, dreamy layers of blue and creamy white. This layering is not only visually stunning but also enhances each sip.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
For a bit of flair, drizzle a tablespoon of lemon juice over the top. This step causes an enchanting color shift from blue to a magical purple or pink, guaranteed to mesmerize your guests or brighten your day. If you like, garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on the froth for an extra beautiful finish.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your iced latte with butterfly pea flowers immediately elevates its appearance. You can also add a slice of lemon on the rim or sprinkle a bit of edible glitter or crushed rose petals for a whimsical touch. These tiny details make the drink feel special and Instagram-ready.
Side Dishes
This iced latte pairs wonderfully with light, delicate sweets like coconut macaroons, almond biscotti, or lemon lavender shortbread cookies. The floral notes of the tea complement these snacks perfectly, creating an elegant and refreshing afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the latte in a clear glass mason jar or a fancy stemmed glass to showcase the beautiful layering and color shifts. You can also experiment with layering fruit syrups or edible flowers at the bottom before pouring the tea for new textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover butterfly pea flower tea or latte, store the tea base separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Once milk is added, it’s best consumed fresh for optimal texture and taste.
Freezing
Freezing the tea without milk is possible if you want to keep it longer. Freeze it in ice cube trays, and when ready to enjoy, simply thaw and prepare the latte fresh. Avoid freezing the whole latte with milk, as the texture will separate upon thawing.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm version, gently reheat the butterfly pea tea, then sweeten and froth warm milk before combining. However, this iced recipe truly shines when served cold, so reheating is best reserved for days when you want a cozy twist.
FAQs
What is butterfly pea flower tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea is a herbal infusion made from the dried petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant, known for its vibrant blue color and subtle floral flavor.
Can I use any milk for this latte?
Yes! You can use dairy milk or plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk depending on your dietary preference and desired creaminess.
Why does the tea change color with lemon?
The butterfly pea flower contains anthocyanins, which react to changes in pH. Adding lemon juice lowers the pH, causing the tea’s color to shift from blue to purple or pink.
Is the sweetener necessary?
Sweetener is optional but recommended to balance the natural earthiness of the tea. Honey, agave, or simple syrup all work well according to your taste.
Can I make this latte iced without a frother?
Absolutely! You can shake the milk vigorously in a sealed jar or blend it briefly to create froth if you don’t have a milk frother. The key is to make the milk light and airy.
Final Thoughts
The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is such a delightful way to brighten any day with its gorgeous colors and smooth, creamy taste. It’s a sip-worthy treat that feels as special as it looks, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Trust me, once you try it, this magical latte will quickly become a favorite go-to for refreshment and a conversation starter. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and enjoy every stunning, flavorful sip!
Print
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte combines the vibrant, natural blue hue of steeped butterfly pea flowers with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness, served chilled over ice. A visually stunning and lightly sweetened beverage that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a unique iced tea experience.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 tablespoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
- 2 cups Hot Water (boiling)
Sweetener
- 2 tablespoons Honey or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional)
Milk & Serving
- 1 cup Milk (dairy or plant-based such as almond, coconut, or oat milk)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers: Boil water until it reaches a bubbling state, then pour it over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup. Allow the flowers to steep for 5-7 minutes as the water transforms into a bright, deep blue color. Once done, strain the tea into a separate container and let it cool to room temperature.
- Add Sweetener: While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey or your preferred sweetener thoroughly until completely dissolved to ensure even sweetness throughout the tea.
- Froth the Milk: Select your preferred milk—whether dairy or plant-based—and either froth it using a milk frother, shake it vigorously in a jar, or blend it until light and airy to create a creamy texture.
- Assemble the Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, letting the blue liquid chill the glass. Then, gently add the frothed milk on top to create beautiful, distinct layered effect.
- Garnish and Serve: For an optional touch of brightness and extra flair, drizzle lemon juice over the top of the latte. Consider adding fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers atop the frothy milk before serving for a striking presentation.
Notes
- Steeping time can be adjusted to achieve your preferred tea strength and color intensity.
- Use plant-based milk options like almond or oat milk for a vegan or dairy-free variation.
- Adjust honey or sweetener quantity to your taste or use alternatives such as agave syrup or maple syrup.
- Adding lemon juice changes the tea’s color from blue to vibrant purple, creating a visual surprise.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the layered look and freshness.
