There is something truly magical about the way the vibrant blue hue of butterfly pea flower tea meets the creamy froth of milk, creating a stunning visual treat alongside a refreshing sip. The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wonderful blend of delicate floral notes and smooth creaminess. This drink is perfect for those warm afternoons when you crave something cool, interesting, and naturally beautiful to lift your spirits. Whether you want to impress guests or simply pamper yourself, this latte brings a touch of elegance and a burst of color right to your glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with just a handful of ingredients that each play an essential role. From the radiant dried butterfly pea flowers providing the signature color and mild earthy flavor, to the creamy milk and sweetener balancing the taste perfectly, every element contributes to a harmonious experience.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: These create the vibrant blue tea that is the star of this recipe, bringing natural color and subtle floral aroma.
- Hot Water: Used to steep the dried flowers, boiling water ensures you extract that brilliant blue color and flavor fully.
- Milk: Whether dairy or your favorite plant-based alternative like almond or oat, it adds luscious creaminess and texture.
- Sweetener (Honey or to taste): Adds a gentle sweetness to round off the earthy notes and enhance the overall flavor.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for serving the drink chilled and refreshing, especially on warmer days.
- Lemon Juice (optional): A few drops brighten the tea with a slight tang and cause a beautiful color change in the drink.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
First, bring your water to a rolling boil. Pour the hot water over the dried butterfly pea flowers placed in a heat-proof cup or jar. You’ll notice the water quickly begins to shift to a gorgeous deep blue color. Allow the flowers to steep for 5 to 7 minutes for a strong, flavorful infusion. Once steeped, strain the tea into a container and set it aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While the tea is still warm, stir in your sweetener of choice—honey works beautifully here. Mix well until it completely dissolves ensuring that the sweetness blends evenly. This step balances the floral and earthy tones with a hint of gentle sweetness that makes the latte so enjoyable.
Step 3: Froth the Milk
Next, choose your milk for the creamy part of the drink. Whether you prefer classic dairy milk or a plant-based option, froth it until it is deliciously light and airy. You can use a milk frother, shake the milk vigorously in a sealed jar, or even blend it briefly. The frothiness will provide the lovely contrast and texture that makes this iced latte so special.
Step 4: Assemble the Iced Latte
Fill a tall glass generously with ice cubes, which will keep your latte perfectly chilled. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice, allowing the vibrant blue liquid to cascade beautifully. Then, gently spoon or pour the frothed milk on top. This careful layering creates a gorgeous contrast between the deep blue tea and the creamy white milk froth.
Step 5: Add Optional Lemon Juice
If you want to elevate aesthetics and taste even further, add a splash of lemon juice on top. This subtle acidic note adds a sparkling brightness to the latte and magically shifts the blue hue toward a vibrant purple-pink shade, making your drink both delicious and mesmerizing.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe feel extra special, consider garnishing with a few fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on top of the frothy milk. Not only does this enhance the visual appeal, but it also delivers a hint of the flower’s fragrance right at the first sip. A light dusting of edible glitter or a sprinkle of vanilla powder are also delightful options for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This iced latte pairs wonderfully with light, complementary snacks. Think delicate almond biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or a fresh fruit salad featuring tropical flavors like mango or pineapple. These sides will add subtle textures and flavors without overpowering the delicate tea latte.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your iced butterfly pea flower tea latte in clear glasses or mason jars for full visual enjoyment of the drink’s layered colors. Using tall glasses with a straw lets the drinker stir and watch the colors swirl, adding a playful element. For an extra wow factor at gatherings, prepare a batch in a glass pitcher and let everyone add their own frothed milk and lemon juice at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover tea or latte, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the tea and frothed milk separately when possible to maintain texture and freshness. Avoid leaving the latte combined on ice as it may dilute or lose its frothy charm.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this latte because the milk’s texture and the delicate floral flavors do not thaw well. Ice cubes made from the butterfly pea tea can be a fun alternative to preserve color and flavor for future drinks without watering them down.
Reheating
This iced drink is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a warm version, gently warm the tea (without boiling) and stir in warm milk. However, once frothed, milk loses its bubbly texture when reheated, so it’s best to froth fresh milk when serving hot.
FAQs
What is butterfly pea flower tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea is an herbal infusion made from the petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant, known for its striking blue color and mild, earthy floral flavor. It is naturally caffeine-free and often used for its vibrant natural dye properties.
Can I use any type of milk for this latte?
Absolutely! You can use dairy milk such as whole or skim milk, or plant-based alternatives like almond, coconut, or oat milk. Each will slightly alter the texture and flavor, so choose what suits your taste and dietary needs.
Why does the color change when I add lemon juice?
Lemon juice is acidic and changes the pH of the butterfly pea flower tea, shifting its bright blue color to a beautiful purple or pink hue. This color change adds both a visual treat and a lovely tangy flavor.
Is this drink caffeine-free?
Yes, butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, making this iced latte a perfect calming beverage for any time of day, including evenings.
Can I make this latte without a milk frother?
Definitely! If you don’t have a frother, you can shake the milk vigorously in a sealed jar or use a blender to create froth. It may take more effort but achieves similar lightness and creaminess to top your latte.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about creating and sipping an Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe. Its stunning colors, gentle floral aromas, and smooth creaminess all come together to provide a sensory delight that’s simple to make yet impressive to enjoy. Give this recipe a try the next time you want a refreshing, beautiful beverage—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to treat.
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Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and visually stunning Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte that combines the vibrant natural color of butterfly pea flowers with creamy frothed milk and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a cooling beverage on warm days, this recipe blends floral tea with a creamy latte texture and optional citrus notes.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 tablespoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
- 2 cups Hot Water
Latte & 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 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.
- Add Sweetener: While the tea is still warm, add honey or your preferred sweetener. Stir vigorously until it’s completely dissolved to ensure even sweetness throughout the tea.
- 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 to create a creamy latte texture.
- Prepare the Glass: Take a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes to chill the drink thoroughly.
- Assemble the Latte: Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, then gently add the frothed milk on top to form distinct layers, creating a beautiful visual contrast.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For an extra touch of flair and a slight tang, drizzle some lemon juice over the top of your latte which may also change the color to a vibrant purple.
- Garnish and Serve: Consider garnishing with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers atop the frothy layer before serving to enhance presentation and elevate the floral aroma.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness according to preference by adding more or less honey.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice color-changing effect and fresh citrus flavor.
- Plant-based milks like almond or oat are great vegan alternatives and can change the flavor profile subtly.
- Steeping time can be adjusted for more intense or lighter tea flavor.
- Use room temperature or cooled tea to prevent melting ice and diluting the drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
