Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Delightfully vibrant and effortlessly refreshing, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is a magical drink that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. The natural blue hue from butterfly pea flower transforms into dreamy gradients when mixed with creamy, sweet vanilla milk—making it a standout at any gathering, or even just a special afternoon treat. Whether you’re already a fan of floral teas or want to impress friends with a dazzling yet simple homemade latte, this recipe is about to make your kitchen a lot more exciting and colorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte keeps things simple without sacrificing taste or that jaw-dropping indigo color. Each element brings its own personality to the glass, coming together in pure harmony.
- Butterfly pea flower tea bag: This is the star ingredient, providing both the captivating color and light, floral notes for the base of our latte.
- Water: Use filtered water if you can, as it lets the delicate tea flavor shine through and keeps that blue hue crystal-clear.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a velvety sweetness that balances the floral notes and creates a luscious cream layer.
- Half & half: This combination of milk and cream brings a rich, smooth texture without being heavy or overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: Just a dash elevates the drink with a hint of aromatic warmth and depth.
- Ice: Essential for that refreshing, chill factor—and helps create the beautiful swirling effect as the cream mingles with the tea.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
Step 1: Heat the Water to Perfection
Bring ¾ cup of water to a slow, gentle boil—ideally around 180°F. Avoid using water that’s actively boiling, which can result in a bitter brew; filtered water is best to accentuate the tea’s clarity and vibrancy.
Step 2: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Place your butterfly pea flower tea bag in a small teapot or heatproof glass. Pour the hot water over the tea, then let it steep for 5 minutes. This infuses the water with that signature electric blue color and subtle floral earthiness. Once steeped, set aside and allow the tea to cool fully—it’s worth the wait!
Step 3: Mix the Vanilla Sweet Cream
In a small bowl or jug, combine ⅓ cup half & half, 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir well until completely incorporated, so you end up with a creamy, sweet concoction ready to swirl through your tea.
Step 4: Assemble the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
Fill your favorite tall glass with plenty of ice. Pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice, then, with steady hands, gently pour in the vanilla sweet cream. Watch as the subtle blue slowly mingles with creamy white swirls, settling into a mesmerizing gradient. Give it a quick stir before sipping if you love a balanced taste, or let the layers unfold as you drink for a journey of evolving flavors with every sip!
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, float a few dried butterfly pea flowers or edible petals right on top. A sprinkling of gold dust or a sprig of mint makes the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte look even more magical—almost too pretty to drink (almost!).
Side Dishes
This latte pairs beautifully with light snacks that don’t overpower the floral notes. Think delicate tea biscuits, airy meringues, or fruit-laced scones. The subtle sweetness of the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte perfectly complements these nibbles, turning an ordinary break into a mini tea party.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make a whole color-coordinated moment out of it? Serve your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte in clear glassware to showcase those vibrant colors. Set it beside small floral displays, or layer glasses on a tray with matching blue napkins. Individual mini-lattes in shot glasses also make a wow-worthy treat for a brunch spread or garden gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra tea or sweet vanilla cream, keep them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The tea will stay fresh for up to three days, while the cream can be stored for one to two days. Always assemble the drink right before serving to maintain maximum freshness and that gorgeous presentation.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the assembled Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte, as the texture of the cream and subtle lactones can change. However, you can freeze the brewed butterfly pea tea in ice cube trays to use in smoothies or future lattes—a fun twist to intensify color and flavor without dilution!
Reheating
This drink is designed to be enjoyed icy cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve made ahead and chilled the tea, simply assemble and serve over fresh ice for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried butterfly pea flowers instead of a tea bag?
Absolutely! If you’ve got loose dried butterfly pea flowers, use about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons per cup of water. Simply follow the same steeping method, adjusting the amount for your taste preference.
Is the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte vegan-friendly?
While the traditional recipe uses dairy, you can easily swap in your favorite plant-based alternatives. Try coconut milk or oat milk for a creamy texture, and use a vegan condensed milk or a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.
Where can I buy butterfly pea flower tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea can be found in specialty tea shops, some health food stores, or easily online. It’s gaining popularity, so check around your local grocers or wellness aisles too!
Does the drink change color if I add lemon?
Yes, and it’s absolutely magical! Adding a splash of lemon juice shifts the color from blue to vibrant purple or pink, thanks to a change in pH. It’s a fun science experiment and party trick in your glass.
Can I make this drink hot instead of iced?
You certainly can! Prepare the tea as directed and pour the warm, freshly steeped butterfly pea flower tea straight into a mug. Add the sweet vanilla cream while still warm—the colors will still swirl beautifully, and the vanilla scent is even cozier.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to surprise yourself and your loved ones with a truly unique, visually stunning drink, give this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte a spot in your rotation. It’s easy, fun, and absolutely enchanting—let it brighten up your next coffee break or special occasion, one gorgeous sip at a time!
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Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a visually stunning and delicious Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte at home. This unique latte combines the vibrant blue hues of butterfly pea flowers with a sweet vanilla cream for a refreshing and eye-catching drink.
Ingredients
For the Tea:
- 1 tea bag butterfly pea flower
- ¾ cup water
For the Sweet Vanilla Cream:
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Boil Water: Use water that is at a slow boil, not boiling hot water. If using an electric kettle with temperature setting, set it to 180°F. Use filtered water if possible.
- Steep Tea: Put tea bag into a teapot, add hot water, and steep for 5 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
- Prepare Sweet Vanilla Cream: Combine half & half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir to mix.
- Assemble Latte: Pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea into a cup with ice. Slowly pour in the sweet vanilla cream. The cream will swirl around and settle at the bottom, creating a beautiful gradient.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steaming, Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte, Blue Tea, DIY Latte Recipe, Floral Latte
