Pin it
I discovered butterfly pea flower tea during my travels in Thailand, and I've been enchanted by its magical color-changing properties ever since! That first time I made this latte at home, my daughter's eyes went wide with wonder as she watched the drink transform from deep blue to purple. Now it's become our special afternoon ritual watching the colors swirl together is like having a tiny science experiment in our kitchen!
Nature's Magic
This isn't just any ordinary tea latte! The butterfly pea flowers create this stunning sapphire blue that looks almost too beautiful to drink. When my friend Sarah first saw me make it, she couldn't believe the color was completely natural. Then when we added the lemon juice and watched it turn purple, she gasped it really does feel like magic in a glass!
Gathering Your Ingredients
- The Essentials: Butterfly pea flowers, Fresh lemons, Good honey, Creamy milk, Clear ice
- Optional Touches: Vanilla extract, Fresh flowers, Cardamom pods, Cinnamon sticks, Fresh mint
Creating Color Magic
- The Perfect Brew
- Watching those little blue flowers steep is like seeing the ocean pour into your cup! The color gets deeper and more vibrant with every passing minute.
- Layering Beauty
- The way the frothy milk clouds into the blue tea creates these gorgeous swirls like watercolor paint in water. Each glass turns out uniquely beautiful!
- The Color Change
- Adding that drop of lemon juice is pure theater the blue transforms into purple right before your eyes, creating these stunning galaxy-like swirls.
Pin it
My Tea Secrets
Want to know what makes this latte extra special? Use crystal clear ice cubes they show off the colors beautifully. Froth your milk until it's extra fluffy it creates the prettiest layers. And here's my favorite trick: add the lemon juice slowly, one drop at a time, to create gorgeous purple streaks through the blue!
Perfect Presentation
I love serving this in tall, clear glasses to show off all the beautiful layers! Sometimes I'll float a fresh butterfly pea flower on top or add a sprig of mint for extra elegance. It's become my go-to drink for summer gatherings everyone always pulls out their phones to capture the color change!
Make Ahead Tips
You can brew extra tea and keep it in the fridge for up to three days! Just remember the magic happens when you assemble it fresh the layers look most beautiful when they're just poured. I often make a big batch of tea for weekend brunches it's so easy to create individual servings on demand.
Creative Variations
While the classic version is stunning, don't be afraid to experiment! Sometimes I'll add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical twist, or blend in some matcha for a blue-green ombre effect. My friend makes hers with lavender honey absolutely dreamy! The joy is in creating your own magical combinations.
Pin it
A Touch of Wonder
This beautiful drink has become such a special part of our home! Whether it's afternoon tea with friends or a quiet moment of self-care, there's something so delightful about watching those colors dance. It reminds us that sometimes the simplest things can bring the most magic to our day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is butterfly pea flower tea?
- Butterfly pea flower tea is a natural blue herbal tea made from dried butterfly pea flowers. It's caffeine-free and known for its ability to change color when mixed with acidic ingredients.
- → Why does the tea change color?
- The tea changes from blue to purple when mixed with acidic ingredients like lemon juice. This happens because of the natural compounds in the flowers that react to pH changes.
- → Can I use any type of milk?
- Yes, you can use any milk you prefer. Regular dairy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk all work well in this recipe.
- → Where can I find butterfly pea flowers?
- You can find dried butterfly pea flowers or tea bags in Asian grocery stores, specialty tea shops, or online retailers. Some health food stores also carry them.
- → Can I make this drink hot?
- Yes, you can serve this as a hot latte. Simply skip the ice and use warm frothed milk instead of cold milk. The color-changing effect will still work.