If you love exploring vibrant and refreshing drinks that are as delightful to the eye as they are to the palate, this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is an absolute must-try. This enchanting beverage boasts a stunning deep blue color from butterfly pea flowers and combines creamy, frothy milk with a gentle sweetness that’s perfectly balanced by an optional splash of tangy lemon juice. It’s a cool, calming treat that not only refreshes but also invites moments of joy with every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a pivotal role in creating the beautiful balance of flavors and textures that make this drink so special. From the magical hue of the butterfly pea flowers to the creaminess of your chosen milk, every component matters.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: The star ingredient that infuses the tea with its iconic, natural blue color and delicate floral notes.
- Hot Water: Essential for steeping, using boiling water ensures the full flavor and color develop beautifully.
- Milk: Adds luscious creaminess and body to the latte, with options ranging from traditional dairy to almond, coconut, or oat milk for any preference.
- Sweetener (honey or to taste): Sweetens the latte gently, allowing you to adjust according to your desired level of sweetness.
- Ice Cubes: Keeps the latte refreshingly chilled and invites a delightful contrast between cold and creamy textures.
- Lemon Juice (optional): A splash of fresh lemon brightens the taste and magically shifts the tea’s color into a radiant purple – a fun twist that’s as tasty as it is visually stunning.
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 carefully pour it over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup or teapot. Let the flowers steep for about 5 to 7 minutes, during which you’ll see the water transform into a fascinating deep blue. This step is crucial because it extracts both the flavor and vivid color that make this tea so captivating. Once steeped, strain the liquid into another container and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While your butterfly pea flower tea is still warm, add two tablespoons of honey or your preferred sweetener. Stir vigorously until completely dissolved. This step is perfect for ensuring the sweetener blends thoroughly, creating a smooth and balanced base for your latte without overpowering the natural floral notes.
Step 3: Froth the Milk
Now it’s time to give your latte its creamy texture. Pick your favorite milk—whether that’s traditional dairy or a plant-based alternative—and froth it until it’s light and airy. You can use a milk frother, shake the milk vigorously in a sealed jar, or blend it briefly to create the perfect froth that will crown your iced latte beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble Your Latte
Grab a tall glass filled with ice cubes to keep your drink chill and refreshing. Pour the cooled butterfly pea tea slowly over the ice. Next, gently layer the frothed milk on top, allowing the layers to remain distinct and stunning. This layering effect is what gives the iced latte its elegant, eye-catching look and multidimensional mouthfeel.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
For an extra pop of flavor and a little showmanship, drizzle in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice right over the top. The acid in the lemon not only lifts the flavors but also transforms the deep blue color of the tea into a vibrant purple shade, making your drink a conversation starter and a feast for the eyes.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your iced latte, consider garnishing with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on top of the frothed milk. This simple touch creates an elegant and whimsical presentation that highlights the natural beauty of the tea. You might also try a thin slice of lemon or edible flower petals for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This iced butterfly pea flower tea latte pairs wonderfully with light, subtly sweet treats like almond biscotti, a delicate vanilla cake, or fresh fruit. These sides complement the floral tea base without overwhelming its nuanced flavor profile, turning your tea time into a truly indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the latte in clear glassware to showcase the stunning color layers, and use a metal or colorful straw for that extra fun visual impact. You could also serve your tea latte in mason jars for a casual, rustic vibe, or jazz it up with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg dusted lightly over the froth to add warmth and aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover butterfly pea flower tea, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the tea and frothed milk separate, as combining them beforehand can change the texture and color. When ready to serve again, simply froth fresh milk and assemble your latte as usual for the best results.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the frothed milk or the assembled latte since it can alter texture and separation. However, you can freeze the brewed butterfly pea tea itself if carefully sealed in an ice cube tray or airtight container. Use those tea ice cubes later to chill drinks without diluting flavor.
Reheating
To reheat leftover brewed tea, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, but avoid boiling it again as that can diminish the lovely floral aroma. Once warmed, refresh the sweetness if needed, then froth milk and create your latte fresh for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
What does butterfly pea flower tea taste like?
Butterfly pea flower tea has a mild, earthy flavor with subtle floral notes. It’s smooth and not overpowering, making it a perfect base for adding milk and sweeteners in a latte.
Can I use any type of milk in this latte?
Absolutely! You can use dairy milk or experiment with plant-based options like almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk. Each type offers a unique flavor and creaminess, so feel free to choose what suits your taste and dietary needs.
Why does adding lemon juice change the color of the tea?
The butterfly pea flower tea contains natural pH-sensitive pigments called anthocyanins. When you add acidic lemon juice, the pigment changes structure, turning the deep blue tea into a beautiful purple or violet color.
Is this tea caffeine-free?
Yes, butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, making this latte a wonderful choice for an afternoon refresher or evening treat without the jitters.
Can I make the latte sweeter or less sweet?
Definitely! The recipe is very flexible with sweetener quantities. You can add more or less honey, sugar, or any sweetener of your choice based on how sweet or mild you prefer your latte.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is such a rewarding experience that combines beauty, flavor, and creativity in one glass. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, this drink brings a splash of magic to your day. So don’t hesitate — try making it yourself and watch how this enchanting tea transforms your usual latte routine into something wonderfully vibrant and deeply satisfying.
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 is a visually stunning and deliciously creamy beverage, combining the vibrant deep blue tea made from butterfly pea flowers with frothy milk and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a cooling treat on a warm day, this latte offers a beautiful balance of floral notes and creamy texture, optionally enhanced by a splash of lemon juice for a hint of citrusy brightness.
Ingredients
Tea
- 2 tablespoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
- 2 cups Hot Water
Latte
- 1 cup Milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, coconut, or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons Sweetener (honey or to taste)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers: Begin by boiling water until bubbling, then pour it over dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup. Steep the flowers for 5-7 minutes, watching the water transform into a stunning deep blue hue. Once steeped, strain the tea into another container and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Sweeten the Tea: While the tea is still warm, add honey or your preferred sweetener. Stir vigorously until it is completely dissolved, ensuring a balanced sweetness throughout the latte.
- Froth the Milk: Choose your preferred milk—dairy or plant-based—and froth it using a milk frother, shake it vigorously in a jar, or blend it until light and airy. This will add a creamy texture and a beautiful frothy top to your latte.
- Assemble the Latte: Take a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, then gently add the frothed milk on top to create distinct layers of blue tea and creamy froth.
- Add Lemon Juice and Garnish: For an extra touch of flair and a slight tang, drizzle some lemon juice over the top of your latte. You can also garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers atop the frothy layer before serving to enhance the visual appeal.
Notes
- You can use any type of milk based on dietary preference or availability, such as almond, coconut, oat, or regular dairy milk.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or sweetener according to taste.
- The optional lemon juice will change the tea’s color from blue to purple due to pH change, adding a fun visual effect.
- Steeping time is important to get the vibrant blue color; do not steep less than 5 minutes.
- This latte is best served immediately after preparation to enjoy the fresh froth and vibrant color.
