If you’re craving a visually stunning drink that’s as refreshing as it is unique, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This enchanting latte combines the vibrant blue hues of butterfly pea flowers with the creamy softness of milk and a touch of sweetness, creating a beverage that delights both the eyes and palate. Perfectly chilled and layered over ice, it’s a gorgeous treat that’s easy to make at home and feels like a little celebration with every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards creating this magical iced latte. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s building the drink’s rich color, silky texture, or subtle sweetness.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: The star ingredient that gives the tea its signature deep blue color and a light, earthy flavor.
- Hot Water: Essential for steeping and extracting the vibrant color and properties from the dried flowers.
- Milk: Adds creamy richness and froth; choose dairy or your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat for a personalized touch.
- Sweetener (Honey or to taste): Balances the earthy flavors with natural sweetness and can be adjusted to your liking.
- Ice Cubes: Keeps your drink refreshingly cold, perfect for warm days or anytime you want a chilled treat.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a burst of citrus brightness and creates a beautiful color shift when drizzled on the drink.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Start by boiling fresh water until it’s bubbling hot, then pour it over your dried butterfly pea flowers in a heatproof cup. Watch in awe as the water transforms into a deep, mesmerizing blue. Let the tea steep for 5 to 7 minutes to fully extract color and flavor. Once steeped, strain the petals out and allow the tea to cool to room temperature before moving on.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While the tea is still warm, stir in your sweetener of choice—honey works wonderfully here, but feel free to use agave or simple syrup if you prefer. Mix vigorously until every bit is dissolved, ensuring a balanced sweetness throughout your latte.
Step 3: Froth the Milk
Next, prepare your milk. Whether you have a frother, a jar to shake it in, or a blender, create some light and airy froth to add that beautiful creamy texture on top. This step is what transforms a simple tea into a luscious latte experience.
Step 4: Assemble Your Iced Latte
Fill a tall glass with generous amounts of ice cubes. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, letting the layers settle naturally. Then, gently spoon the frothed milk on top to create those elegant, distinct layers that make this drink so captivating.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little lemon juice over the surface. Watch as the vibrant blue shifts to a beautiful purple hue, adding a playful surprise to each sip. For an extra flourish, garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers atop the frothy cream, making your latte almost too pretty to drink.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your iced tea latte is all about enhancing its visual appeal while complementing its flavor. Fresh butterfly pea flowers, a sprinkle of edible glitter, or even a light dusting of cinnamon can add an elegant touch. These simple additions make your presentation feel special and café-worthy.
Side Dishes
This vibrant latte pairs delightfully with light snacks like buttery shortbread cookies, tropical fruit slices, or delicate coconut macaroons. The slight sweetness and creamy texture of the tea balance perfectly with these treats, making your serving experience even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
For added drama, try serving your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte in a clear mason jar or a glass with a wide rim to showcase those lovely blue and white layers. Add a colorful straw or a sprig of mint for that extra pop. You can even experiment by layering in some chia seeds or a splash of sparkling water for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover butterfly pea flower tea, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it separate from the milk to preserve freshness and prevent separation. This way, you can easily whip up your latte whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
Freezing the tea alone is possible, but it’s best to avoid freezing once mixed with milk and sweetener because texture and flavor may suffer. Instead, freeze butterfly pea flower tea ice cubes to add a subtle artistic touch to your next latte while keeping it chilled without dilution.
Reheating
For warm versions of the butterfly pea flower tea latte, gently reheat the tea before adding warmed milk and sweetener. Avoid boiling to keep the delicate flavors intact. However, the beauty of the iced latte lies in its chill, so enjoying it cold is often the preferred way.
FAQs
What does butterfly pea flower tea taste like?
Butterfly pea flower tea has a very mild, earthy, and slightly floral taste. Its subtle flavor allows it to pair wonderfully with sweeteners and milk without overpowering the latte.
Can I use any type of milk for this latte?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer dairy milk or plant-based options like almond, oat, or coconut milk, all work beautifully. Each type will give the latte a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
Is lemon juice necessary in the recipe?
Lemon juice is optional but highly recommended if you want to experience the magical color change from blue to purple. It also adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens the drink.
How long does this iced latte keep in the fridge?
Once brewed and sweetened, the butterfly pea flower tea can stay fresh for up to 2 days refrigerated. Milk should be added fresh before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Can I make a hot version of this butterfly pea flower latte?
Definitely! Simply skip the ice and enjoy the tea warm with frothed milk for a cozy, colorful alternative, perfect for cooler days or whenever you want a comforting cup.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is not just a drink; it’s an experience filled with color, flavor, and fun. Making it at home is simple, rewarding, and adds a splash of magic to your day. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and watch how this beautiful blue beverage quickly becomes a beloved part of your refreshment ritual.
Print
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A visually stunning and refreshing iced butterfly pea flower tea latte, combining the vibrant blue-hued floral tea with creamy frothed milk and a touch of natural sweetness. Perfect for a unique and calming chilled beverage that can be customized with your choice of dairy or plant-based milk and optional lemon drizzle for a colorful flavor twist.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 tablespoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
- 2 cups Hot Water (freshly boiled)
Sweetener
- 2 tablespoons Honey or preferred sweetener (adjust to taste)
Milk & Additions
- 1 cup Milk (dairy or plant-based such as almond, coconut, or oat milk)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers: Boil water until bubbling, then pour over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup. Steep for 5-7 minutes as the water transforms into a deep blue color. Strain the tea into a separate container and let it cool to room temperature.
- Add Sweetener: While the tea is still warm, add honey or your chosen sweetener. Stir vigorously until fully dissolved to ensure even sweetness.
- Froth the Milk: Select your preferred milk type and froth it until light and airy using a milk frother, shaker jar, or blender to create a creamy texture.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, then gently add the frothed milk on top to create distinct, visually appealing layers.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For a vibrant twist, drizzle lemon juice over the latte. The acidity will change the tea’s color from blue to purple, adding an exciting visual and flavor dimension.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers atop the frothy milk layer, then serve immediately for a refreshing and colorful iced latte experience.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness level according to your preference or dietary needs.
- You can use any type of milk, including vegan options like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Adding lemon juice is optional but recommended for a spectacular color change and a bright flavor contrast.
- Steeping time can be adjusted to make the tea stronger or lighter in flavor.
- This recipe serves 2 and is best enjoyed fresh.
