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The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is a delightful and visually stunning beverage that brightens up any afternoon with its vibrant blue hues and creamy texture. This tea latte brings together the earthy, floral notes of butterfly pea flowers with the luscious creaminess of milk and a touch of sweetener, making it both refreshing and comforting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a little luxury, this recipe is as simple as it is spectacular, delivering a unique experience that dances on your palate and warms your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of color, flavor, and texture. They are simple pantry staples yet work together to elevate this drink into something truly special and memorable.
- 2 tablespoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: These beautiful petals are the star ingredient, steeping into a brilliant blue tea that’s both naturally vibrant and packed with antioxidants.
- 2 cups Hot Water: Essential for steeping the flowers to release their intense hue and delicate flavor, ensuring a rich tea base.
- 1 cup Milk: Adds creaminess and a dreamy frothiness; choose dairy or your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat for a personal touch.
- 2 tablespoons Sweetener (honey or to taste): Brings a gentle sweetness that complements the earthy floral notes without overpowering them.
- 1 cup Ice Cubes: The chilling element that turns this brew into a refreshing, cool delight perfect for warm days.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional): A zesty twist that transforms the tea’s color and adds a bright, tangy dimension when drizzled on top.
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, then carefully pour it over your dried butterfly pea flowers placed in a heat-safe cup. Watch in awe as the water transforms into a deep, mesmerizing blue color within 5 to 7 minutes of steeping. Once the tea has reached that perfect shade and flavor, strain out the flowers and set the tea aside to cool down to room temperature. This step brings out the signature vibrancy and subtle floral taste of the flower tea.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
While the tea is still warm, stir in your honey or chosen sweetener. It’s important to add sweetener at this stage so it dissolves completely, enhancing the natural flavors without leaving any gritty texture behind. Feel free to adjust the sweetness according to your personal preference—it’s all about creating a drink you love.
Step 3: Froth the Milk
Next, choose your milk type, whether it’s creamy whole milk or a smooth plant-based alternative. Froth the milk using a milk frother, shake it up vigorously in a jar, or blend it for airy, light foam. This frothy milk is crucial for that luscious latte texture and the eye-catching, layered effect when poured over the tea.
Step 4: Assemble Your Iced Latte
Grab a tall glass and fill it generously with ice cubes. Slowly pour your cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice, allowing the deep blue tea to settle gently. Then, carefully spoon or pour the frothed milk on top, creating distinct layers that showcase the lovely contrast between the blue tea and creamy white foam.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Garnish
For those wanting a splash of excitement, drizzle a tablespoon of lemon juice over the top of your latte. This not only adds a burst of citrus brightness but also magically shifts the color of the tea from blue to a vivid purple, making your drink truly Instagram-worthy. Consider finishing off with a few fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers sprinkled on the foam for that extra special touch.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing brings that “wow” factor to your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe. Fresh butterfly pea flowers are the most elegant choice, but dried flowers, edible petals, or even a thin lemon zest twist can add a beautiful visual and aromatic flair. These simple accents make your drink feel like a delicate work of art.
Side Dishes
This tea latte pairs wonderfully with light, fresh snacks. Think delicate cucumber sandwiches, buttery scrambled eggs, or tropical fruit platters. If you want something sweet, coconut macarons or lightly sweetened biscuits complement the floral notes perfectly, creating a relaxing and delightful afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation to the next level by layering your drinks in clear glasses that show off the gradient from deep blue to creamy white. Serving this latte in mason jars or vintage teacups adds charm and nostalgia. For an extra aesthetically pleasing effect, pour the lemon juice just before guests arrive so they can witness the fascinating color transformation right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover butterfly pea flower tea or milk froth, store the tea separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain its freshness and vibrant color. Keep the milk froth refrigerated but it’s best used fresh for optimal texture.
Freezing
Freezing the butterfly pea flower tea isn’t generally recommended as it may dull the color and change the flavor. However, you can freeze the un-frothed milk if you want to keep it longer, just thaw and re-froth before use to restore its light, airy texture.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe warm, gently reheat the tea on low heat to avoid losing its vibrant color or floral notes. Reheat the milk separately and then combine, but avoid overheating as this can spoil the frothy texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
What is butterfly pea flower tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea is an herbal tea made by steeping the petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant. It’s known for its incredible blue color and mild floral taste, often used in Southeast Asian cuisine and beverages.
Can I use any kind of milk for the latte?
Absolutely! You can use dairy milk or opt for plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Each gives a slightly different creaminess and flavor, so feel free to experiment.
Why does lemon juice change the color of the tea?
Lemon juice is acidic and lowers the pH of the tea, causing the blue pigment to shift into a purple or violet hue, making the drink even more visually exciting.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, simply use a plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener like agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey to keep it fully vegan-friendly.
How sweet should the latte be?
Sweetness is totally up to you! Start with about two tablespoons of sweetener and adjust from there—some like it lightly sweetened while others prefer a more dessert-like taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe that makes it more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of color, flavor, and creativity. It’s easy to make, refreshingly beautiful, and perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. So why not dive in and treat yourself to this captivating and delicious tea latte today? You’ll be glad you did!
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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: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and visually striking iced latte made with vibrant butterfly pea flower tea, creamy frothed milk, and a hint of sweetness. This delightful beverage combines the natural blue hue of steeped butterfly pea flowers with creamy layers, perfect for a unique and calming drink experience.
Ingredients
Tea
- 2 tablespoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
- 2 cups Hot Water
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, then pour it over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup. Steep for 5-7 minutes until the water turns a deep blue color. Strain the tea into another container and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Sweeten the Tea: While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey or your preferred sweetener until fully dissolved.
- Froth the Milk: Choose your preferred milk and froth it using a milk frother, shake it vigorously in a jar, or blend it until light and airy.
- 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 create distinct layered visual effect.
- Add Final Touch: Optionally, drizzle lemon juice over the latte for a bright flavor contrast and garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers atop the frothy layer before serving.
Notes
- Use boiling water to ensure maximum color extraction from butterfly pea flowers.
- Adjust the amount of sweetener according to your taste preference.
- Plant-based milk options like almond, oat, or coconut milk work well for this latte and add different flavor profiles.
- Lemon juice is optional but creates a beautiful color change and adds brightness.
- Serve immediately after assembling for best freshness and visual appeal.
