There’s a certain joy in sipping a drink that not only invigorates but also catches the eye with its breathtaking color. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with my Butterfly Pea Milk Tea Latte. I stumbled upon this enchanting recipe during a lazy afternoon spent scrolling through my favorite food blogs. The vibrant blue hue of the butterfly pea flowers instantly captured my imagination, compelling me to whip up a batch right away.
This delightful drink is perfect for those moments when you want to elevate your tea time or impress friends with something unique. Whether you prefer it iced on a warm day or cozy and warm during a chilly evening, this latte is adaptable to your mood. With a dash of vanilla and a touch of sweetness, it offers not just flavor but a beautiful experience in a cup. Let me show you how quick and easy it is to indulge in this colorful, crowd-pleasing delight!
Why is Butterfly Pea Milk Tea Special?
Vibrant Color: The stunning blue hue comes from the butterfly pea flowers, making your beverage not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, this drink is perfect for anyone looking for a quick homemade treat.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy it hot or iced, adapting to any season or mood, making it a go-to recipe year-round.
Flavorful Twist: The hint of vanilla combined with your choice of sweetener creates a flavor that’s both unique and comforting.
Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your friends and family with this enchanting drink that’s sure to spark conversation and delight!
Explore More: If you love colorful beverages, check out my other delightful recipes, like this one.
Butterfly Pea Milk Tea Ingredients
• Discover the vibrant flavors of a Butterfly Pea Milk Tea by gathering these delightful ingredients!
For the Tea
- Butterfly pea powder – a magical ingredient that gives your drink its iconic blue color and health benefits.
- Boiled water – the perfect base for steeping the delicate flowers or powder, enhancing their flavors.
For the Sweetness
- Sweetener – use sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste; adjust it to your desired sweetness for a perfect balance.
- Vanilla extract – adds a lovely aromatic flavor that complements the tea beautifully.
For the Base
- Milk of choice – whether it’s dairy, almond, or oat, choose one that you love for a creamy, rich finish.
- Ice cubes (optional) – chill your drink on a warm day for a refreshing, invigorating experience!
How to Make Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
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Mix the tea: Start by combining 1 tsp of butterfly pea powder with 1/2 cup of boiled water. If using flowers, steep them in a tea bag or infuser for 10 minutes to extract the vibrant hue.
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Sweeten up: Add your preferred sweetener to the hot tea water. Stir well until completely dissolved to capture that delightful sweetness in each sip.
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Prepare for icing: If you’re making an iced latte, fill a glass with ice cubes. Watch the ice glisten as it makes your drink refreshing and cool.
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Combine flavors: Pour in the vanilla extract followed by the milk or water until the glass is about three-quarters full. This creamy base brings everything together beautifully.
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Finalize your latte: Gently pour the sweetened blue tea over the milk mixture. Stir to combine, and enjoy the mesmerizing swirl of colors!
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For a warm treat: If you prefer a hot latte, repeat steps 1-2, then heat your chosen milk in a saucepan. Stir in sweetener and vanilla until blended before turning the heat off.
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Serve warm: Pour the warm milk into a mug, followed by the blue tea mixture. Stir well to enjoy the comforting aroma and vibrant color in every sip.
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Busy home cooks will love how easy it is to prep components of the Butterfly Pea Milk Tea ahead of time! You can prepare the butterfly pea tea up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the powder with water or steeping the flowers, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can sweeten the tea beforehand and store it in the fridge for optimal flavor retention. When you’re ready to serve, simply add your milk of choice and ice (if preferred) for an iced version. For a warm latte, reheat the stored tea and combine it with heated milk and vanilla. This way, you can enjoy a vibrant, delicious drink that saves you time on busy days!
How to Store and Freeze Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Fridge: Store leftover butterfly pea milk tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and ready for your next indulgence.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy your butterfly pea milk tea later, freeze it in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For refrigerated tea, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm. Add a splash of milk if the consistency thickens; stir well to revive the delightful flavors.
Serving Suggestions: When serving after storage, consider remixing the tea and adjusting sweetness as needed, especially if frozen, to achieve that refreshing taste you love!
Expert Tips for Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
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Choose Quality Flowers: Use high-quality butterfly pea flowers or powder for a vibrant color and optimal health benefits. Avoid low-quality products that may lack flavor.
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Control the Sweetness: Start with a smaller amount of sweetener; you can always add more. This helps prevent your butterfly pea milk tea from becoming overly sweet.
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Mind the Temperature: When heating milk, remember not to let it boil. This can affect the texture and flavor of your latte, making it less enjoyable.
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Stir Well: Ensure that the butterfly pea tea is thoroughly mixed with the milk or water. This enhances the flavor and ensures an even color throughout.
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Adapt for Different Milks: Experiment with various milk types, such as almond or coconut, for unique flavors. Each choice will bring a different twist to your butterfly pea milk tea experience.
What to Serve with Butterfly Pea Milk Tea Latte?
Elevate your tea time experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance the magic of this enchanting drink.
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Light Scones: Fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam make a perfect pairing, balancing the earthy notes of the tea. They add a touch of sophistication to your latte indulgence.
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Refreshing Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, complementing the unique blue hue of the latte superbly. Each bite brings a burst of natural sweetness, balancing flavors effortlessly.
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Savory Spinach Feta Quiche: This buttery, flaky quiche provides a savory contrast, enhancing the overall experience. Rich in flavor, it’s a delicious option for brunch or afternoon tea.
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Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Creamy and tropical, this dessert pairs beautifully with the floral notes of the butterfly pea milk tea, creating a refreshing and exotic combination for the palate.
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Chocolate Covered Almonds: Sweet, crunchy, and slightly salty, these treats offer a delightful texture contrast, balancing the sweetness in your latte. Perfect for a nibble while sipping your drink!
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Herbal Infused Cookies: Try cookies infused with lavender or chamomile; their aromatic qualities echo the calming essence of the butterfly pea flowers. Each bite can take your tea experience to a whole new level!
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Chilled Green Tea: For a lighter touch, serve a glass of chilled green tea alongside. Its mild flavor won’t overwhelm the butterfly pea milk tea and can cleanse the palate beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream gives you a delightful, creamy sweetness to enjoy alongside your butterfly pea milk tea, creating a dreamy dessert moment.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink that cleanses the palate, each sip of sparkling water brightens the taste experience and complements your beautiful latte perfectly!
Butterfly Pea Milk Tea Variations
Feel free to personalize your butterfly pea milk tea latte to suit your palate and preferences.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute regular milk with coconut, almond, or soy milk for a delicious vegan twist.
- Sugar-Free: Use your favorite low-calorie sweetener, like stevia or erythritol, to reduce sugar without losing flavor.
- Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the hot milk for a warm, spiced flavor during cozy evenings.
- Choco Twist: Mix in a spoonful of cocoa powder to create a rich, chocolatey butterfly pea latte that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Fruity Fusion: Blend in a splash of your favorite fruit puree, like mango or raspberry, for a refreshing fruity touch, making the drink even more delightful.
- Minty Fresh: Toss in a few mint leaves or a drop of peppermint extract to awaken your senses and add a refreshing twist.
- Creamy Indulgence: Stir in a dollop of whipped cream or coconut cream on top for a luxurious texture that elevates your drink.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a few slices of fresh ginger when preparing your tea—this adds warmth and zest that’s irresistible!
Butterfly Pea Milk Tea Latte Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best butterfly pea flowers or powder?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality butterfly pea flowers or powder that have a vibrant blue or deep purple color. This usually indicates freshness and better flavor. You can find them at specialty tea shops or online sources. Avoid products that show signs of discoloration or have a stale smell.
How can I store leftover butterfly pea milk tea?
Very simple! Store any leftover tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it doesn’t sit out at room temperature for too long. To keep the flavors vibrant, give it a gentle stir or shake before serving, as some settling may occur.
Can I freeze butterfly pea milk tea?
Absolutely! To freeze, pour your prepared butterfly pea milk tea into an ice cube tray. Once frozen solid, transfer the cubes into a freezer bag and use them within 3 months for the best flavor. These cubes can be a fun addition to smoothies or even used in iced teas!
What if my butterfly pea milk tea doesn’t turn out as vibrant?
No worries! If your tea doesn’t have that gorgeous blue color, it could be due to not steeping long enough or using insufficient quantities of the flowers/powder. Make sure to steep for at least 10 minutes and use enough butterfly pea flowers for the best extraction. If you’re using a powdered version, ensure it is fresh for vivid results!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very important! This recipe is naturally caffeine-free and can be tailored to various dietary preferences. If you’re concerned about allergies or special diets, stick to plant-based milks like almond or oat for a vegan-friendly treat. Always check the labels for added allergens, especially with packaged sweeteners and milk alternatives.
Delicious Butterfly Pea Milk Tea Latte to Brighten Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix the tea: Combine 1 tsp of butterfly pea powder with 1/2 cup of boiled water. Steep for 10 minutes if using flowers.
- Sweeten up: Add preferred sweetener to the tea and stir until dissolved.
- Prepare for icing: Fill a glass with ice cubes if making an iced latte.
- Combine flavors: Pour in vanilla extract and milk until the glass is 3/4 full.
- Finalize your latte: Pour the sweetened blue tea over the milk mixture and stir.
- For a warm treat: Repeat steps 1-2, heat milk in a saucepan, blend with sweetener and vanilla, then combine.
- Serve warm: Pour warm milk into a mug, followed by blue tea mixture and stir well.