If you’re searching for a refreshing and visually stunning drink that’s sure to impress, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is your new go-to. With its vibrant blue color that magically shifts to purple with a splash of lemon, this latte is not only a feast for the eyes but also incredibly soothing and creamy. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a warm afternoon or treat yourself to a unique beverage, this recipe combines the delicate floral notes of butterfly pea flowers with the comforting richness of milk, finished with just the right touch of sweetness and chill. It’s simple to whip up, wonderfully satisfying, and a beautiful twist on your usual iced latte routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe requires just a handful of ingredients—all easy to find but essential for creating those captivating flavors and colors. Each one plays a role, from the tea’s vibrant hue to the creamy, dreamy texture that makes every sip enjoyable.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: The star ingredient, offering a striking blue color and gentle floral taste.
- Hot Water: Essential for steeping the flowers to extract their full flavor and color.
- Milk: Adds creamy texture and froth; choose dairy or plant-based depending on your preference.
- Sweetener (honey or to taste): Balances flavors with a natural touch of sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
- Ice Cubes: Keeps your latte refreshingly cold and perfectly chilled for those warm moments.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a fun color-changing twist and a zesty brightness if you like a bit of tang.
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. Pour this over your dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup or teapot. Let the flowers steep gently for 5 to 7 minutes. Watch as the water transforms into a mesmerizing deep blue, which signals the perfect saturation of flavor. Once steeped, strain the tea through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into another container and let it cool to room temperature—this step is crucial to keep the latte refreshingly cold later on.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While the tea is still warm enough to dissolve sweeteners easily, add your honey or preferred sweetener and stir vigorously. This ensures the sweetness is evenly distributed, heightening the flavor without overpowering that floral essence. Adjust the sweetness to your liking because this drink is all about balance.
Step 3: Froth Your Milk
Next, select your milk of choice—whether dairy or plant-based like almond, coconut, or oat milk. Froth it to a light and airy consistency using a milk frother, a blender, or even by shaking it in a sealed jar. The frothiness contributes a lovely contrast to the cold tea and gives the latte that classic café-style finish.
Step 4: Assemble Your Iced Latte
Grab a tall glass and fill it with fresh ice cubes—the chill will keep your latte perfectly cool. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, then gently layer the frothed milk on top. The distinct layers make for a stunning presentation and a delightful drinking experience as the flavors mix with every sip.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
For a bit of extra excitement, drizzle a tablespoon of lemon juice over your latte. This creates a beautiful color shift from blue to purple right before your eyes, adding tang and vibrancy. For presentation, consider garnishing with a few fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers resting atop the milk froth—an elegant, natural decoration.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make all the difference for your iced butterfly pea flower tea latte recipe. Scatter a few dried butterfly pea flowers or a thin slice of lemon on top of the frothy milk. These not only elevate the visual appeal but also hint at the flavors locked inside your glass, inviting anyone nearby to admire and taste this delightful creation.
Side Dishes
This iced latte pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing snacks such as coconut macaroons, lemon shortbread cookies, or a crisp cucumber and avocado salad. The floral notes and creaminess of the drink are complemented well by treats that don’t overpower but rather enhance the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try serving the tea in clear glass tumblers or mason jars to highlight the dramatic color layering. Add edible flowers on the rim or thread a small lemon wheel onto the glass edge as a natural stirrer. Another fun idea is offering lemon juice on the side to let your guests experiment and watch the enchanting color changes themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can prepare the butterfly pea flower tea base ahead of time and store it in a sealed container inside your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the milk separate and froth it fresh just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing the tea isn’t recommended because the delicate floral notes may fade once thawed. If you want to keep it longer, stick to refrigeration and enjoy it fresh for optimum taste.
Reheating
Since this is an iced latte, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. However, if you prefer it warm, gently heat the strained butterfly pea flower tea before mixing with warm milk, but skipping the ice and froth will slightly change the texture and experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh flowers will provide a slightly more delicate flavor and a similar vibrant blue color. Just use about twice the quantity compared to dried flowers for a strong brew.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, by choosing plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk and using a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar, you can easily make this iced butterfly pea flower tea latte recipe vegan-friendly.
Why does the color of the tea change when I add lemon?
The color shift happens because butterfly pea tea contains natural pH-sensitive pigments called anthocyanins. Adding an acid like lemon juice causes the blue to turn a lovely shade of purple or pink, creating an eye-catching effect.
Can I make this latte without frothing the milk?
Yes! While the froth adds an appealing texture and look, you can simply pour cold milk over the iced tea for a simpler version. It will still taste delicious—just with less of that creamy airiness.
How sweet should I make the latte?
Sweetness is subjective, so start with a little honey or sweetener and adjust to taste. The goal is to enhance the natural floral flavors without overwhelming them.
Final Thoughts
The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is a charming, fun, and beautiful drink that brings a touch of magic to your beverage menu. Beyond its striking appearance, it offers a smooth, floral, and lightly sweet taste that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing pick-me-up or a way to wow your guests, give this recipe a try and fall in love with the enchanting world of butterfly pea flowers. Cheers to delicious sips and vibrant moments!
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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: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A visually stunning and refreshing iced beverage, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte combines vibrant blue butterfly pea flower tea with creamy frothed milk and a touch of sweetness. Served chilled over ice with optional lemon juice for a color-changing effect, this latte is perfect for a unique and calming drink experience.
Ingredients
Tea
- 2 tablespoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
- 2 cups Hot Water (boiling water for steeping)
Latte
- 1 cup Milk (dairy or plant-based such as almond, coconut, or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons Sweetener (honey or to taste)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the Tea: Boil water until bubbling and pour it over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup. Steep for 5-7 minutes until the water transforms into a deep blue color. Strain the tea into another container and let it cool to room temperature.
- Add Sweetener: While the tea is still warm, stir in honey or your preferred sweetener until fully dissolved to enhance the flavor.
- Froth the Milk: Select your preferred milk—dairy or plant-based—and froth it using a milk frother, by shaking in a jar, or blending until light and airy to create a creamy texture.
- Assemble the Drink: 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 form distinct layers.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Drizzle lemon juice over the top of the latte to add a refreshing citrus flavor and a mesmerizing color change effect.
- Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on the frothy milk layer before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use boiling water to ensure a vibrant blue color from the butterfly pea flowers.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference by varying the amount of honey or alternative sweetener.
- You can use any type of milk—dairy or plant-based—depending on your dietary needs.
- Add lemon juice last for a spectacular color-changing effect from blue to purple/pink.
- Serve immediately for the best layered visual and refreshing iced latte experience.
