If you are looking for a refreshing twist on your usual iced latte, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is an absolute delight to try. This vibrant, naturally blue drink not only captivates the eyes but also offers a subtle floral flavor balanced perfectly by creamy milk and a zing of lemon. It’s simple to make, visually stunning, and totally shareable with friends who love discovering beautiful, flavorful beverages. Trust me, once you nail this recipe, it will become your go-to pick-me-up on warm afternoons or anytime you want something special in your glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients makes this recipe both accessible and magical. Each component plays a key role in the taste, texture, or stunning color transformation that makes this drink so memorable.
- Butterfly pea flowers: The star of the show, providing a vibrant blue hue and subtle floral notes.
- Water: The base for steeping the flowers and extracting their beautiful color and flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and changes the tea’s color from blue to purple-pink with a pleasant citrus tang.
- Sweetener (honey or sugar): Balances tartness while enhancing the floral sweetness naturally present in the tea.
- Milk (or non-dairy alternative): Creates creamy softness and a smooth consistency, perfect for a latte.
- Ice cubes: Keep your tea chilled and refreshing, perfect for hot days.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Start by boiling 2 cups of fresh water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add 1/4 cup of dried butterfly pea flowers. Let them steep for about 10 minutes, allowing the water to soak up that gorgeous natural blue pigment and delicate floral aroma.
Step 2: Strain the Tea
After steeping, strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or pitcher. This step ensures you remove all flower bits, leaving only the clear, vibrant-colored liquid ready to be transformed.
Step 3: Sweeten and Add Lemon
While the tea is still warm, stir in your preferred sweetener to taste, whether honey or sugar works best for you. Next, add fresh lemon juice slowly—the magic happens here as the blue tea instantly shifts to a captivating purple-pink shade, making your latte as fun to watch as it is to drink.
Step 4: Cool and Prepare Your Glass
Let the tea cool down to room temperature to avoid melting the ice right away. Once cooled, fill a tall glass with ice cubes and gently pour the butterfly pea flower tea over the ice, preparing the perfect chilled foundation for your latte.
Step 5: Finish with Milk
Top off your drink by pouring in milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative. Stir gently to swirl the creamy liquid through the layered colors, creating a pretty marbled effect that’s as delightful to see as it is to sip.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing with a thin lemon slice or a few edible flowers for that extra touch of elegance. Serve immediately to enjoy the full beauty and freshness of your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like lemon wheels or edible flowers bring an extra pop of color and freshness to your latte, making it perfect for Instagram snaps or fancy brunches. Mint leaves can also brighten the flavor and add an herbal note if you feel adventurous.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs wonderfully with light, delicate snacks. Think buttery scones, almond biscotti, or fresh fruit like strawberries and kiwi. These choices complement the floral tea’s subtle sweetness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the tea and milk in a clear glass to showcase the gradient of purples and creamy whites. You can also serve it in a mason jar for a rustic vibe or add a reusable straw in a bright color that contrasts beautifully with the latte’s hues. Presentation turns this simple recipe into a mini celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover brewed butterfly pea flower tea, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the milk separate until serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the brewed butterfly pea flower tea in ice cube trays to use later for iced drinks that won’t dilute your latte. The frozen tea cubes also make for an eye-catching addition to cocktails or mocktails.
Reheating
Since this is an iced beverage, reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer a warm butterfly pea flower latte, gently heat the tea before adding warmed milk—avoid boiling to preserve the delicate floral notes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Yes, fresh butterfly pea flowers can be used, but dried are more concentrated and easier to store. If you use fresh, simply increase the quantity slightly and adjust steeping time accordingly.
What non-dairy milks work best for this latte?
Almond, oat, and coconut milk are excellent choices as they provide creaminess and subtle flavors that complement the floral tea beautifully without overpowering it.
How does lemon juice change the color of the tea?
Lemon juice is acidic, and when added to the blue butterfly pea tea, it causes a chemical reaction that shifts the color to vibrant purple or pink hues. It’s one of the most fun parts of this recipe!
Can I make this latte without sweetener?
Absolutely! The sweetener is optional and depends on your taste. The tea has a mild natural flavor, so if you prefer it unsweetened or slightly tart with lemon, go right ahead.
Is this drink caffeinated?
No, butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, making this latte a great choice for all ages and anytime of day.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is like inviting a little magic into your kitchen. Its ease, beauty, and delicate balance of flavors make it a wonderful treat for yourself and friends. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite refreshing beverage that’s as joyful to make as it is to drink.
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Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and visually stunning iced butterfly pea flower tea latte that combines the natural vibrant blue color of butterfly pea flowers with a bright lemon twist and creamy milk. Perfect for a cooling, caffeine-free drink on warm days, this latte offers a unique floral flavor complemented by a touch of sweetness and citrus.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Sweetener to taste (honey or sugar)
Latte
- 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
- Ice cubes as needed
Garnish (Optional)
- Lemon slices
- Edible flowers
Instructions
- Boil Water and Steep Flowers: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers and steep for 10 minutes to extract color and flavor.
- Strain Tea: Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the steeped tea into a bowl or pitcher, removing all flower bits for a clear infusion.
- Add Sweetener and Lemon Juice: While the tea is still warm, stir in your preferred sweetener to taste and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice will turn the vibrant blue tea into a beautifully bright purple hue.
- Cool Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature so that it won’t melt the ice too quickly and dilute the drink.
- Prepare the Iced Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice, then top it off with 1/2 cup of milk or your choice of non-dairy milk. Stir gently to combine the layers.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish the latte with lemon slices or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your colorful, refreshing iced tea latte.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference; both honey and sugar work well.
- Non-dairy milk options such as almond, oat, or coconut milk make this drink vegan-friendly.
- The color change from blue to purple happens because of the lemon juice’s acidity.
- For a stronger floral flavor, increase the steeping time up to 15 minutes.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and visual appeal as the ice will dilute the latte over time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
