If you are looking for a visually stunning and wonderfully refreshing drink to liven up your warm days, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is an absolute must-try. This enchanting beverage captivates not only with its vibrant blue color, which magically shifts with a splash of lemon, but also with its creamy texture and delicate floral notes. Perfectly balanced with a hint of natural sweetness and a smooth frothy finish, this iced latte feels like a treat for both the eyes and the palate. Once you learn how to make it, you’ll find it’s a beautiful and soothing way to enjoy tea in a whole new, exciting form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this delightful Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is simple, yet vital to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. Each element plays its part in creating a drink that’s as refreshing as it is visually striking.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: These are the star of the show, providing that iconic deep blue color and delicate floral aroma that make this latte unforgettable.
- Hot Water: Essential for steeping the flowers and unlocking their beautiful hue and flavor; using boiling water helps extract the essence fully.
- Milk: Whether you choose dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond, coconut, or oat milk, this adds the creamy richness and froth necessary for a luscious latte experience.
- Sweetener (Honey or to taste): A bit of sweetness brightens the floral notes and balances the earthiness of the tea, so adjust it just right for your palate.
- Ice Cubes: Crucial to keep your drink chilled and refreshing, especially on a warm day when you want that instant cool-down effect.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adding a splash transforms the color and lends a vibrant tang that really highlights the tea’s natural flavors.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Begin by boiling fresh water until it’s bubbling hot. Pour this over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup, and watch as the water slowly transforms from clear to a mesmerizing deep blue. Let the flowers steep for about 5 to 7 minutes to fully extract the color and gentle floral notes. Once done, strain the tea carefully into another container, then set aside to cool to room temperature. This beautiful infusion forms the essence of your iced latte.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While the butterfly pea flower tea is still warm, stir in your chosen sweetener—honey is fantastic for a natural touch, but feel free to use any you prefer. Stir thoroughly until the sweetener dissolves completely, ensuring every sip is perfectly balanced and lightly sweetened to your liking.
Step 3: Froth the Milk
Pick your favorite milk, whether it’s creamy cow’s milk or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat for dairy-free options. Froth the milk until light and airy using a milk frother, or simply shake it vigorously in a sealed jar, or blend it briefly. The frothiness is what turns this drink into a luscious latte with delightful texture and visual contrast.
Step 4: Assemble the Latte
Fill a tall glass generously with ice cubes to keep your latte chilled. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, then gently float the frothy milk on top, allowing the layers to remain distinct and beautiful. This layering creates the perfect picture-perfect effect.
Step 5: Add a Finishing Touch
For an extra burst of flavor and a dramatic pop of color, drizzle a tablespoon of lemon juice over your latte. You’ll witness a fascinating color change as the blue hues shift to stunning shades of purple and pink. This simple addition also adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy sweetness.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
The charm of the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe doesn’t stop at the latte itself. Garnishing with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on top of the frothy milk layer adds a delightful visual cue and a whisper of extra floral aroma. You can also try a thin slice of lemon on the rim or a sprinkle of edible glitter for a party-ready touch.
Side Dishes
This iced latte pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing snacks. Consider serving it alongside delicate finger sandwiches, coconut macaroons, or fresh fruit platters. These combinations keep the experience airy and bright, complementing the tea’s subtle floral sweetness without overpowering your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your serving by using clear glasses or mason jars to showcase the stunning layered effect of the blue tea and white milk froth. You can also experiment with ice cubes infused with edible flowers or lemon zest for an extra surprise as the drink slowly melts. For a festive twist, rim the glass with colored sugar or shredded coconut to add texture and sparkle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover butterfly pea flower tea or prepared latte, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The tea will keep fresh for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed as soon as possible to maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the full latte with milk, as the texture may suffer after thawing. However, you can freeze the brewed tea separately in ice cube trays for convenient use in future recipes or iced drinks, preserving its vivid color and floral notes perfectly.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy a warm variation, gently reheat the butterfly pea flower tea on the stove or microwave before mixing with warmed milk and sweetener. Avoid boiling after adding milk to keep the frothy texture and avoid curdling. For iced flavor, always refresh with fresh ice after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh butterfly pea flowers will give you similar vibrant color and flavor but you may need to adjust steeping time slightly as fresh flowers might release color more quickly.
What milk works best for this latte?
Any milk that you enjoy will work well, including dairy, almond, coconut, or oat milk. Each type offers a subtle difference in creaminess and flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
Lemon juice is optional but highly recommended if you want to experience the magical color change from blue to purple and a bright citrus note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweetness.
Can I make this latte vegan?
Definitely! Simply use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk and sweeten with maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a totally vegan-friendly drink.
How sweet should I make my Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte?
The sweetness level is completely up to you. Start with about two tablespoons of honey or sweetener and adjust to taste. The tea itself is quite mild, so a gentle sweetness works best to complement rather than overpower.
Final Thoughts
The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is one of those special beverages that feels like an indulgence without any fuss. Its enchanting color, smooth creaminess, and light floral flavor make it a striking and refreshing favorite to serve anytime you want to impress yourself or guests. I genuinely encourage you to give it a try—once you do, this magical little drink is sure to become a cherished part of your beverage lineup.
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A visually stunning and refreshing Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte featuring vibrant blue tea steeped from dried butterfly pea flowers, combined with creamy frothed milk and lightly sweetened for a perfect balance. This recipe offers a unique cold beverage experience that is both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 tablespoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
- 2 cups Hot Water
Milk & Sweetener
- 1 cup Milk (dairy or plant-based like 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 and pour over dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup. Steep for 5-7 minutes until the water turns a deep vibrant blue, then strain the tea into another container and let it cool to room temperature.
- Sweeten the Tea: While tea is still warm, add honey or preferred sweetener and stir vigorously until fully dissolved to ensure even sweetness throughout the drink.
- Froth the Milk: Choose your preferred milk and froth it using a milk frother, shake it vigorously in a sealed jar, or blend it until light and airy to create a creamy layer for the latte.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, then gently layer the frothed milk on top to create distinct visual layers.
- Add Final Touches: Optionally drizzle lemon juice over the top of the latte for a subtle tang and color change, then garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers for a beautiful presentation before serving.
Notes
- If using lemon juice, add just before serving to preserve the vivid blue color turning to purple hues with acidity.
- Adjust the amount of sweetener based on your taste preference or dietary needs.
- Plant-based milks like oat or almond work well for a vegan version and add unique flavor notes.
- For best results, use freshly boiled water to maximize color extraction from the butterfly pea flowers.
