Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Recipe – Easy Herbal Infusion

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Recipe – Easy Herbal Infusion

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for something a little different, a little magical, to brighten up your day. And let me tell you, this Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is it. I stumbled upon this vibrant blue brew a while back, and it’s quickly become my go-to for a calming moment, or a pretty drink to share with friends. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the color is just… wow! Let’s get brewing, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a pretty face, though it is incredibly Instagrammable! Butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it perfect for an evening wind-down. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants. It’s a simple, refreshing drink that feels a little bit special, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little bit of that? It takes just 10 minutes to make, and requires minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this beautiful tea:

• 500 ml water
• 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: Origin and Benefits

These stunning flowers are native to Southeast Asia, and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. You can usually find them online or at specialty tea shops. They’re known for their vibrant color and potential health benefits, like reducing stress and boosting immunity.

Honey: Types and Substitutions

I love a touch of honey to balance the flavors, but it’s totally optional! Feel free to use any honey you like – wildflower, manuka, even a local variety. If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work beautifully too. About 1 tablespoon should do the trick, but adjust to your sweetness preference.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Health Benefits & Flavor Profile

Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar! It might sound strange, but it adds a lovely subtle tang and enhances the color of the tea. Plus, it’s great for digestion. You can use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for extra benefits.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some tea! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, bring 500 ml of water to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and add your 2 tablespoons of dried butterfly pea flowers.
3. Let the flowers steep for about 10 minutes. You’ll watch the water transform into a gorgeous deep blue! It’s really quite magical.
4. Strain the mixture to remove the flowers. You can use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. I don’t always strain it, but it does give a cleaner look.
5. Now, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey (if using), 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Give it a good mix until everything is combined.
6. And that’s it! You can serve it hot, or pour it over ice for a refreshing chilled version.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t overboil the water, as it can affect the flavor of the tea.
• Steeping time is key! The longer you steep, the more vibrant the color will be.
• Taste as you go and adjust the honey and lemon juice to your liking.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

Hot vs. Iced Tea

I personally love it iced on a hot summer day. It’s so refreshing! But it’s equally comforting warm on a chilly evening.

Adjusting Sweetness

My family prefers a less sweet tea, so I often reduce the honey to half a tablespoon. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect balance.

Spice Level: Adding Ginger or Cardamom

For a little extra warmth, try adding a slice of fresh ginger or a pinch of cardamom while the flowers are steeping. My friend, Priya, swears by a tiny bit of cinnamon too!

Festival Adaptations: A Refreshing Summer Drink for Holi

This tea is perfect for Holi! The blue color is so festive, and it’s a lovely non-alcoholic option for celebrations.

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your honey substitute (maple syrup or agave) is also vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this tea in clear glasses to show off the beautiful blue hue. A slice of lemon or a sprig of mint makes a lovely garnish. It pairs beautifully with light snacks like biscuits or fruit.

Storage Instructions

Butterfly pea flower tea is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the brewed tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The color may fade slightly over time.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What are the health benefits of butterfly pea flower tea?

Butterfly pea flower tea is rich in antioxidants and may help reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve skin health.

Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?

Yes, you can! You’ll need about twice the amount of fresh flowers as dried – so around 4 tablespoons.

What does butterfly pea flower tea taste like?

It has a very mild, earthy flavor. It’s not overpowering at all, which is why it’s a great base for adding other flavors.

How can I make the color of the tea more vibrant?

Steep the flowers for a longer time, and add a touch of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. These acids help to enhance the blue color.

Can I add milk to butterfly pea flower tea? What happens?

Yes, you can! But here’s the fun part: adding milk will change the color of the tea from blue to purple! It’s a cool little science experiment, and it still tastes delicious.