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This vibrant blue iced butterfly pea flower tea latte has become my favorite afternoon refreshment during warm summer days. The stunning color transformation when adding citrus creates a magical experience that never fails to impress guests at my gatherings.
I discovered butterfly pea flower tea during a trip to Thailand and immediately fell in love with its color-changing properties. What started as vacation curiosity has become a staple in my beverage rotation, especially when I need a moment of calm in my busy day.
Ingredients
- Dried butterfly pea flowers: Provide the stunning blue color and contain antioxidants that benefit skin health and reduce inflammation
- Hot water: Should be just off the boil to extract maximum color without bitterness
- Milk: Adds creaminess and creates beautiful layering effect; choose full fat versions for the richest result
- Honey or sweetener: Balances the earthy flavor of the tea while highlighting its floral notes
- Ice cubes: Keep everything refreshingly cold and enhance the visual appeal
- Lemon juice: Creates the magical color change from blue to purple, demonstrating the natural pH indicator properties
Step-by-Step Instructions
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- Steeping the Tea:
- Pour hot water over the butterfly pea flowers and allow to steep for 5-7 minutes until the water turns a deep indigo blue. The longer you steep, the more intense the color will become, but avoid going beyond 10 minutes as it may develop bitter notes.
- Sweetening:
- While the tea is still warm, add your chosen sweetener and stir until completely dissolved. This is the perfect time to incorporate honey as it blends more easily in warm liquid. Taste and adjust sweetness according to your preference.
- Frothing the Milk:
- Prepare your milk using a frother, blender, or vigorous shaking in a sealed container until it develops a light, airy texture. Cold frothing creates smaller, more stable bubbles that will last longer in your finished drink.
- Assembling the Layers:
- Fill your glass with ice cubes first, then slowly pour the cooled blue tea over the ice. Next, gently pour your frothed milk down the side of the glass to create distinct layers. This technique requires patience for the most impressive visual effect.
- Color Transformation:
- Add lemon juice if desired and watch the chemical reaction as the blue transforms to purple. This happens because butterfly pea flower is a natural pH indicator that changes color when it encounters acidic ingredients.
- Garnishing:
- Float fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers on top of your creation for an elegant finishing touch that hints at the special ingredient inside.
The first time I served this at a summer brunch, my friends were mesmerized by the color transformation. My daughter now calls it "magic potion tea" and loves helping me prepare it, especially when we add the lemon juice to change the color.
Creative Variations
This versatile drink welcomes numerous adaptations to suit your taste preferences. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom for aromatic complexity. For a tropical twist, use coconut milk and a touch of pineapple juice. The gentle flavor profile of butterfly pea flower tea provides an excellent canvas for experimentation.
Health Benefits
Butterfly pea flower tea offers more than just visual appeal. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has used these flowers for centuries to improve memory, reduce stress, and support hair health. The tea contains anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and may help protect against chronic diseases. Enjoying this latte regularly provides these benefits in a delightful package.
Where to Find Butterfly Pea Flowers
While once difficult to source, butterfly pea flowers have become increasingly available in specialty tea shops, health food stores, and online retailers. Look for organically grown flowers when possible for the purest flavor. Some Asian grocery stores carry them in the tea section. You can also purchase butterfly pea flower tea bags for convenience, though loose flowers generally produce a more vibrant color.
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Enjoy this magical drink as a calming moment in your day or as a show-stopping addition to your gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does butterfly pea tea taste like?
Butterfly pea tea has a mild, earthy taste with subtle floral notes. It pairs well with sweeteners and milk.
- → Can I use plant-based milk for this latte?
Yes, you can use almond, oat, coconut, or any plant-based milk to create a dairy-free version of the latte.
- → How do I achieve the color-changing effect?
Add a small amount of lemon juice to the tea. The acidity reacts with the butterfly pea, transforming the blue tea into a vibrant purple hue.
- → Can I make this drink sweeter?
Yes, you can add honey, sugar, or any sweetener of your choice to adjust the sweetness to your taste.
- → What makes this drink caffeine-free?
Butterfly pea tea is made from flowers and does not contain caffeine, making it a naturally calming and refreshing drink.
- → How can I garnish the drink?
You can use fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers, a slice of lemon, or even edible glitter for a decorative touch.