Blue Butterfly Pea Iced Milk Tea Recipe
If you’re looking for a refreshing, visually stunning drink that’s as delightful to watch as it is to taste, then Blue Butterfly Pea Iced Milk Tea is your new best friend. This enchanting beverage combines the natural, vibrant blue hue of butterfly pea flowers with creamy milk and a hint of lemon to create a magical color transformation that’s sure to wow your friends and brighten up any afternoon. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, inviting you to enjoy a moment of beauty and calm with every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is straightforward yet packed with flavor and eye-catching color. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and that gorgeous, vibrant visual appeal.
- Butterfly pea flowers: These dried flowers provide the unique blue pigment and subtle earthy flavor that makes the tea so captivating.
- Water: The base that extracts the color and essence from the butterfly pea flowers.
- Milk: Adds creamy richness and tones down the floral notes for a smooth finish.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity that triggers the stunning color change from blue to violet.
- Sweetener: Customize this to your liking with sugar, honey, or any sweetener that complements the floral flavor.
How to Make Blue Butterfly Pea Iced Milk Tea
Step 1: Brew the Butterfly Pea Tea
Begin by steeping 2 tablespoons of dried butterfly pea flowers in 2 cups of hot water for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is where all the magic starts, as the water slowly transforms into a vibrant, deep blue. Make sure you let it steep long enough to extract the full pigment and mild floral taste that makes this tea so special.
Step 2: Sweeten Your Brew
While the tea is still warm, add your preferred sweetener to taste. Whether you choose sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute, dissolving it now ensures every sip is perfectly balanced, smooth, and not overly floral or bitter.
Step 3: Chill the Tea
Once sweetened, strain out the butterfly pea flowers and let the tea cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge to chill. Cooling the tea thoroughly is key for serving it as an iced drink that’s refreshing and perfectly cold.
Step 4: Combine with Milk and Lemon
To serve, pour 2 cups of milk into a glass filled with ice and pour the chilled butterfly pea tea over it. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, which instantly transforms the blue color to a mesmerizing shade of violet. This color change is part of what makes Blue Butterfly Pea Iced Milk Tea such a joy to drink and share.
How to Serve Blue Butterfly Pea Iced Milk Tea
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes ups the charm and flavor. Try a lemon wheel on the rim or a sprig of mint to complement the floral notes and add an inviting aroma. Edible flowers or a thin slice of butterfly pea petal make for a stunning and thematic presentation.
Side Dishes
This tea pairs beautifully with light and slightly sweet treats, like coconut macaroons, buttery shortbread, or delicate mochi. The creamy texture and floral flavors of the drink balance wonderfully with these snacks, making your tea time feel special and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For an Instagram-worthy presentation, layer the tea and milk slowly to highlight the striking color contrasts before the lemon juice is added. Or serve the lemon juice on the side and invite guests to pour it in themselves to experience the transformation firsthand. Using clear glasses and adding colorful straws or reusable stirring sticks makes this tea an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover butterfly pea iced milk tea in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent the milk from absorbing fridge odors and to maintain the tea’s fresh flavor and vibrant color as much as possible before adding lemon juice.
Freezing
Freezing this tea isn’t recommended due to the milk content, which can separate and change texture when thawed. Instead, freeze the brewed butterfly pea tea (without milk or lemon) in ice cube trays and combine them with fresh milk and lemon juice when ready to serve.
Reheating
This tea is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is generally not necessary. However, if you prefer it warm, simply mix brewed butterfly pea tea with warmed milk, but skip the lemon juice as it will change the color and may alter the taste.
FAQs
What exactly causes the color change in Blue Butterfly Pea Iced Milk Tea?
The color change happens because butterfly pea flowers contain natural pH-sensitive pigments. When you add acidic lemon juice, the pigment shifts from blue to a beautiful violet, creating a captivating visual effect.
Can I use any type of milk for this tea?
Absolutely! Dairy milk works great, but you can also use plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Just keep in mind that milk with a strong flavor might slightly alter the taste.
Is Blue Butterfly Pea Iced Milk Tea caffeinated?
No, butterfly pea flowers are naturally caffeine-free. This makes the tea a wonderful calming drink perfect for any time of day, especially if you want to avoid caffeine’s stimulating effects.
Where can I find butterfly pea flowers?
You can find dried butterfly pea flowers at specialty tea shops, Asian grocery stores, or online. Make sure they are food-grade and free from additives for the best taste and color.
Can I adjust the sweetness of Blue Butterfly Pea Iced Milk Tea?
Definitely. Sweetness is totally customizable to your preference, so start with a small amount and add more if needed. You can use any sweetener you enjoy, including natural options like honey or agave syrup.
Final Thoughts
Blue Butterfly Pea Iced Milk Tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s a little moment of wonder you can create in your own kitchen. Its stunning color, deliciously creamy flavor, and simple ingredients make it a perfect pick-me-up any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try making this magical drink and share the joy of watching the colors change with your friends and family!
