Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Recipe – Color-Changing Iced Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Recipe – Color-Changing Iced Drink

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s not just a drink, it’s magic in a glass! I first stumbled upon butterfly pea flower tea a few years ago, and I was instantly captivated by its stunning color and the fun color-changing trick. It’s seriously a conversation starter, and it tastes amazing too. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butterfly Pea Flower Tea isn’t just pretty; it’s incredibly refreshing, easy to make, and packed with potential health benefits. Plus, watching the color transform from deep indigo to vibrant purple (or even pink with a squeeze of lemon!) is just…well, delightful. It’s the perfect drink for a hot day, a special occasion, or just when you want to add a little sparkle to your routine.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this enchanting beverage:

• 10 butterfly pea flowers
• 1 cup hot water (about 240ml)
• 0.5 cup milk (about 120ml) – I’ll talk about options below!
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup (about 30ml) – or to taste
• 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract (about 1.25ml)
• Ice cubes, as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s chat about these ingredients and how to get the best results.

Butterfly Pea Flowers: Origin and Benefits

Butterfly pea flowers (also known as Clitoria ternatea – don’t worry, the tea doesn’t taste like the name sounds!) are native to Southeast Asia and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. They’re known for their vibrant blue hue and potential antioxidant properties. You can usually find dried butterfly pea flowers online or at specialty tea shops.

Simple Syrup: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. It’s super easy to make at home (and tastes better, honestly!). But store-bought is perfectly fine if you’re short on time.

Milk Options: Dairy & Non-Dairy Considerations

I usually use whole milk for a richer flavor, but feel free to experiment! Almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk all work beautifully. Each will give a slightly different taste and texture, so find your favorite. If you’re using sweetened milk, you might want to reduce the amount of simple syrup.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. Steep the flowers: Place those gorgeous butterfly pea flowers in a cup and pour over 1 cup of hot water. Let them steep for about 5 minutes, until the water turns a deep, rich purple. It’s like watching a little bit of magic happen!
2. Prep the glass: Fill your serving glass almost full with ice cubes. I love using blue-tinted ice for an extra magical effect (more on that in the FAQs!).
3. Layer the flavors: Gently pour the simple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract over the ice.
4. Create the layers: This is the fun part! Slowly pour the brewed butterfly pea tea over the back of a spoon to create distinct layers. The slower you pour, the more defined the layers will be.
5. Serve & enjoy: Serve immediately! Don’t forget to mix it up before drinking to see the color transformation. It’s seriously mesmerizing.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Butterfly Pea Flower Tea to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:

• Achieving the Perfect Layering Effect: Patience is key! Pouring slowly over the back of a spoon minimizes mixing.
• Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference: Start with 2 tablespoons of simple syrup and add more to taste. Everyone has a different sweet spot!
• Working with Butterfly Pea Flower Concentration: If you want a more intense color, use more flowers or steep them for a longer time. Just be mindful that it can also affect the taste.

Variations

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

• Vegan Butterfly Pea Tea: Simply use your favorite plant-based milk. Oat milk is my personal favorite for this!
• Spice Level: Adding Ginger or Cardamom: My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of ground cardamom to the tea for a warm, aromatic twist. A small slice of ginger steeped with the flowers is also delicious.
• Festival Adaptations: A Refreshening Summer Drink for Holi or Diwali: This tea is perfect for celebrations! The vibrant color fits right in with the festive spirit of Holi, and it’s a beautiful, refreshing drink to serve during Diwali.

Serving Suggestions

This tea is lovely on its own, but you can also get creative with garnishes. A sprig of mint, a slice of orange, or even a few edible flowers can add a touch of elegance. It pairs beautifully with light snacks like biscuits or fruit.

Storage Instructions

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can brew the tea concentrate ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before using.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What are butterfly pea flowers and where can I find them?

Butterfly pea flowers are vibrant blue flowers used to make a naturally caffeine-free tea. You can find them online at Amazon, Etsy, or specialty tea shops.

Can I use cold water to steep the butterfly pea flowers?

You can, but it will take much longer to extract the color and flavor. Hot water is definitely recommended for the best results.

How can I make blue-tinted ice cubes?

Simply brew a strong batch of butterfly pea flower tea and pour it into ice cube trays. Freeze, and you’ll have beautiful blue ice cubes to add to your drink!

What happens if I stir the tea immediately after pouring?

The layers will blend, and the tea will turn a lovely shade of purple! It will still taste delicious, but you’ll miss out on the visual effect.

Can I add lemon juice to this tea? What will happen?

Yes! This is the coolest part. The acidity in lemon juice will cause the tea to change color from blue/purple to a vibrant pink! It’s a fun science experiment and a delicious flavor combination.

Is butterfly pea tea caffeinated?

Nope! Butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for any time of day.