If you are looking for a magical and vibrant drink to brighten your day, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is exactly what you need. This enchanting tea latte boasts a mesmerizing deep blue color extracted from real butterfly pea flowers, combined with the creamy richness of milk and a hint of natural sweetness. It’s not only stunning to look at but also incredibly refreshing and easy to make, transforming a simple afternoon into a special moment with every sip. Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself, this recipe brings a fun and flavorful twist to your usual iced latte routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe requires only a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and that gorgeous blue color that makes this drink so mesmerizing.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: These vibrant blossoms infuse the tea with its signature deep blue hue and subtle earthy flavor.
- Hot Water: Using boiling water ensures you extract the full color and aroma from the butterfly pea flowers.
- Milk: Choose dairy or plant-based options like almond, coconut, or oat milk to add a creamy, frothy texture.
- Sweetener (honey or to taste): A touch of sweetness enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
- Ice Cubes: To chill the latte perfectly and keep it refreshing.
- Lemon Juice (optional): When added, it creates a magical color change from blue to purple and adds a fresh citrusy kick.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Start by boiling water until it reaches a rolling boil, then pour it over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup or teapot. Allow the flowers to steep for 5 to 7 minutes as the water gradually transforms into a deep, captivating blue. This steeping process is where all the magic happens, so keep an eye on the color development. Once done, strain the tea into another container and let it cool to room temperature before the next steps.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
Add honey or your preferred sweetener to the warm butterfly pea tea and stir vigorously until completely dissolved. Sweetening while the tea is still warm helps the flavors meld beautifully. Adjust the sweetness to your liking; you want it to complement but not overpower the delicate floral notes.
Step 3: Froth the Milk
Choose your milk—dairy or plant-based—and froth it until light and airy. You can use a milk frother, a blender, or simply shake it vigorously in a sealed jar. The frothy milk layers on top create that luxurious, creamy texture that makes this iced latte so irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble Your Latte
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to ensure your latte is perfectly chilled. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice to keep it crisp and refreshing. Gently layer the frothed milk on top, allowing the different colors to remain distinct. This layering effect not only looks stunning but also lets you savor the flavors as they blend with each sip.
Step 5: Add a Lemon Twist (Optional)
For an extra splash of creativity and a zesty note, drizzle some lemon juice over your latte. Watch as the blue transforms into a magical shade of purple right before your eyes. This optional step adds a playful element and slightly brightens the flavor profile.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider garnishing your latte with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on top of the frothy milk. The delicate petals add a visual flourish and hint at the enchanting tea beneath. You could also sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter or a small lemon twist to make it even more special.
Side Dishes
This Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe pairs wonderfully with light snacks such as buttery shortbread cookies, coconut macaroons, or lemon-flavored pastries. The creamy and floral tones of the latte beautifully complement subtly sweet or citrusy treats, making your tea time feel indulgent yet balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Experiment with layers for a dramatic effect by pouring ingredients slowly into a clear glass. You can also serve the latte in a mason jar or transparent teacup to highlight the beautiful color and layers. Adding a colorful straw or a bamboo stirrer can provide an eco-friendly and stylish touch. Hosting a gathering? Serve individual portions in small glasses with a garnish and a mini spoon for a chic café vibe at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chilled butterfly pea tea, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the milk froth separate and only mix when ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
Freezing the tea itself is possible, but avoid freezing once mixed with milk, as the texture will deteriorate. Freeze the brewed butterfly pea tea in ice cube trays to create colorful ice cubes for future iced beverages.
Reheating
When reheating your butterfly pea tea latte, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave without the ice, and re-froth the milk before combining. This helps preserve the creamy texture and flavor. Avoid reheating with lemon, as the color change will intensify and might alter the taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh butterfly pea flowers can be used, but dried flowers are often preferred for stronger flavor and color concentration. If using fresh, adjust the amount to about twice the volume since they are less potent.
What type of milk works best in this latte?
Any milk that froths well is a great choice, including dairy, oat, almond, or coconut milk. Each milk brings a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose one based on your taste preference or dietary needs.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
Lemon juice is optional but highly recommended for a fun visual effect and a refreshing citrus twist. It changes the tea’s color from blue to purple, adding a whimsical experience to your latte.
How sweet should I make the latte?
Sweetness is a personal preference. Start with about 2 tablespoons of honey or sweetener, then adjust to taste. The goal is to enhance, not mask, the natural flavors of the butterfly pea tea and milk.
Can I make this latte hot instead of iced?
Definitely! You can enjoy the butterfly pea flower tea latte warm by preparing it the same way but skipping the ice and serving it immediately after combining the tea and frothed milk.
Final Thoughts
The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is such a delightful way to bring color and creativity to your beverage repertoire. It’s simple enough for a quick afternoon pick-me-up yet impressive enough to serve at a brunch or gathering. I promise once you give this stunning blue latte a try, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to drinks for both flavor and eye-catching beauty. So why not dive in and brew up some magic today?
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: Modern Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A visually stunning and refreshing iced latte featuring the vibrant blue hue of butterfly pea flower tea combined with creamy milk and a touch of sweetener, perfect for a cooling and flavorful beverage.
Ingredients
Tea Infusion
- 2 tablespoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
- 2 cups Hot Water (boiling)
Milk & Sweetener
- 1 cup Milk (dairy or plant-based such as almond, coconut, or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons Sweetener (honey or to taste)
Serving
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the Tea: Boil water until bubbling hot. Pour the boiling water over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup. Steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the water to turn a deep blue color. Strain the tea into another container and let it cool to room temperature.
- Sweeten the Tea: While the tea is still warm, add honey or your chosen sweetener. Stir vigorously until it’s fully dissolved to ensure an even sweetness throughout the drink.
- Froth the Milk: Select your preferred milk type—whether dairy or plant-based—and froth it using a milk frother, by shaking in a jar, or blending until the milk becomes light and airy with a creamy foam.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled butterfly pea tea gently over the ice, then slowly add the frothed milk on top, allowing the distinct layers of tea and milk to show beautifully.
- Add a Citrus Twist: For an optional extra touch, drizzle the lemon juice over the top of the latte, which will slightly change the drink’s color and add a refreshing tang.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with a few fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on the frothy milk layer for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your iced butterfly pea flower tea latte.
Notes
- Use boiling water to extract maximum color and flavor from butterfly pea flowers.
- Adjust sweetener quantity according to taste preference.
- Plant-based milks such as oat or almond work well for a vegan-friendly version.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a delightful color change and bright flavor.
- Frothing milk enhances the texture and presentation but can be omitted if unavailable.
