If you’re searching for a vibrant and refreshing drink that feels as delightful to sip as it is beautiful to behold, this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is exactly what you need. This enchanting tea latte captures the magic of vivid blue butterfly pea flowers, transforming them into a cool, creamy beverage with a playful color-changing twist thanks to a splash of lemon juice. Every sip delivers floral sweetness with a smooth, velvety finish, perfect for hot days or whenever you want a lift in your tea game. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this mesmerizing Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe, you only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each plays a key role: the delicate butterfly pea flowers bring that iconic blue hue, lemon juice adds a zesty brightness and color shift, and creamy milk rounds everything out into a smooth indulgence.
- Butterfly pea flowers: The star ingredient that lends a vibrant natural blue color and subtle floral notes.
- Water: Used to steep the flowers, extracting all their beautiful color and flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh tang and magically turns the blue tea into a stunning violet shade.
- Sweetener (honey or sugar): Balances the floral tea with a touch of natural sweetness, adjustable to your taste.
- Milk (or non-dairy alternative): Creates the luscious latte texture and mellow creaminess you’ll love.
- Ice cubes: Essential for that refreshing chill on warmer days or whenever you prefer your tea iced.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil, then remove it from heat and add 1/4 cup of dried butterfly pea flowers to steep. Let them steep for about 10 minutes until the water is infused with a rich blue color and fragrant floral aroma. This gentle infusion captures all the magic of the flowers without bitterness.
Step 2: Strain the Flowers
Once steeped, pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher. Straining removes the flowers, leaving you with a clear and brilliantly blue tea that’s ready for its next transformation.
Step 3: Add Sweetener and Lemon Juice
While the tea is still warm, stir in your preferred sweetener—honey for a natural floral boost or sugar for a classic sweetness—until dissolved. Then add fresh lemon juice carefully and watch as the blue tea magically shifts to a lovely shade of violet. This acidification also brightens the flavor, giving this latte its signature zing.
Step 4: Chill the Tea
Allow your tea mixture to cool down to room temperature. Cooling first ensures the ice doesn’t dilute the flavor immediately and sets the stage for a perfectly balanced iced drink.
Step 5: Assemble the Latte Over Ice
Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, then pour in the cooled butterfly pea flower tea. Top each glass with your choice of milk or non-dairy milk to create that classic latte creaminess. Gently stir everything together so the colors swirl beautifully and the flavors meld seamlessly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add lemon slices or edible flowers on top for a stunning presentation that’s as fun to look at as it is to sip. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, floral deliciousness!
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe into a visually enchanting treat. Thin lemon slices provide a pop of contrasting color and enhance the tea’s citrus notes, while a few edible flowers add a delicate flair that makes the drink feel special and fresh.
Side Dishes
This tea latte pairs wonderfully with light, airy snacks like coconut macarons, lemon shortbread cookies, or fresh fruit salad. The bright flavors complement the floral tea without overpowering it, perfect for afternoon tea or a light brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For an Instagram-worthy twist, try layering your iced butterfly pea flower tea and milk slowly to capture a beautiful ombré effect before stirring. Serve in a clear glass to let the color-shifting magic shine through, or rim the glass with sugar or edible glitter for a bit of sparkle that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover tea mixture, simply transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the milk separate until serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
While not ideal for the latte with milk, you can freeze the pure butterfly pea flower tea (without added lemon or milk) in ice cube trays. These cubes are perfect for dropping into drinks later, adding both chill and a subtle floral essence.
Reheating
This iced tea latte is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not typically recommended. But if you prefer it warm, gently heat the sweetened tea first, then add warmed milk right before drinking to avoid curdling.
FAQs
What is butterfly pea flower tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea is a herbal infusion made from the petals of the butterfly pea plant, known for its vibrant blue color and mild earthy flavor. It’s popular for its natural color-changing properties.
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Yes, fresh flowers can be used, though dried are more common and convenient. If using fresh, increase the quantity to achieve the same intense blue color.
Can I substitute lemon juice with something else?
Lemon juice is the best choice to activate the color change and add a citrus brightness, but other acidic juices like lime can also work well.
Is this recipe vegan?
The recipe can easily be vegan by choosing a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk and using a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup instead of honey.
How sweet should I make it?
The sweetness level is entirely up to your preference! Start with a small amount and adjust gradually, keeping in mind that the floral flavor shines best with moderate sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe enough. It’s one of those rare drinks that feels both indulgent and wholesome, stunning in appearance and utterly satisfying in taste. Whether you want to impress friends or just brighten your own day, this iced tea latte brings a splash of color and joy to any occasion. Give it a try soon—you’ll be delighted by how simple ingredients come together to create something so magically beautiful.
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
A refreshing and vibrant Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte that combines the natural floral essence of butterfly pea flowers with a splash of lemon to create a stunning color change. Sweetened to taste and topped with creamy milk or a non-dairy alternative, this latte is perfect for a cooling summer beverage or a unique twist on your favorite iced tea.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1–2 teaspoons sweetener (honey or sugar, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
To Serve
- Ice cubes (as needed)
- 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy alternative (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
- Lemon slices or edible flowers for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers: Boil 2 cups of water and then remove from heat. Add 1/4 cup of dried butterfly pea flowers and steep for 10 minutes to extract the vibrant blue color and delicate flavor.
- Strain the Tea: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the infused tea into a bowl or pitcher, removing all flower bits for a clear liquid.
- Add Sweetener and Lemon Juice: While the tea is still warm, stir in your choice of sweetener to taste and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon juice will cause the tea color to shift from blue to a beautiful purple hue.
- Cool the Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before proceeding to ensure the best texture and to avoid melting the ice too quickly.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, then gently top with milk or your preferred non-dairy alternative. Stir gently to combine and create a layered, marbled effect if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Add lemon slices or edible flowers on top for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing and visually stunning iced latte.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference; honey adds a floral note, while sugar offers a more neutral sweetness.
- Non-dairy milk options like almond, oat, or soy milk work well and keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
- The lemon juice not only changes the tea’s color but also balances the floral notes with a bright citrus flavor.
- Serve immediately after adding ice and milk to maintain the best texture and appearance.
- For a richer latte, use chilled milk and heavy cream mixture if not avoiding dairy.
