Name: Pea Flower Tea Latte: A Colorful Treat to Brighten Your Day
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers (or Fresh Butterfly Pea Flowers or Tea Bag); 2 cups Hot Water (for steeping); 1 cup Milk (Dairy or Plant-based, almond or coconut recommended); 2 tablespoons Honey or Sweetener (optional, for sweetness); 1 cup Ice Cubes (for chilling); 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional, for color transformation)

As I poured the vibrant blue liquid into the glass, I couldn’t help but marvel at the magic of the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte. With just a splash of lemon juice, it transformed into a stunning purple hue, capturing the essence of summer in one refreshing drink. This caffeine-free delight is not only visually appealing but also quick to prepare, perfect for those warm days when you want something special without the fuss. Its creamy texture and earthy notes, reminiscent of green tea, make it a hit with both kids and adults alike. And let’s not forget its versatility—customizable with your choice of dairy or plant-based milk! Intrigued? Let’s dive into the delightful world of this tea latte that’s bound to impress your friends and family!

Why is the Pea Flower Tea Latte special?

Vibrant Colors: Witness the remarkable transformation from blue to purple with just a dash of lemon juice, making each sip a delightful visual treat.

Caffeine-Free Refreshment: Perfect for those seeking a refreshing beverage without the jitters, this tea latte can be enjoyed anytime, day or night.

Quick to Make: With a simple preparation process, it’s ideal for busy days or surprise guests craving something unique.

Customizable Options: Choose from various milks, like almond or coconut, to tailor the latte to your dietary needs while maintaining flavor.

Family-Friendly Favorite: Both kids and adults adore this drink, making it a fantastic choice for family gatherings or casual brunches.

To enhance your beverage experience, consider pairing it with a light snack like Cottage Cheese Chickpea salad, bringing balance to your colorful delight!

Pea Flower Tea Latte Ingredients

For the Tea

Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers/Fresh Butterfly Pea Flowers/Tea Bag – This vibrant ingredient infuses your drink with a beautiful hue and floral notes.
Hot Water – Necessary for steeping and extracting both color and flavor from the butterfly pea flowers.

For the Latte

Milk (Dairy or Plant-based) – Adds creaminess to the latte; almond or coconut milk can enhance the taste.
Honey or Sweetener – Optional; sweetens the drink perfectly, with honey offering delightful floral notes.

For Serving

Ice Cubes – Essential for chilling your drink and making it refreshingly cool.
Lemon Juice – Optional; a splash creates a stunning color transformation, changing your blue tea to a magnificent purple.

Enjoy crafting this vibrant, caffeine-free Pea Flower Tea Latte that will brighten your day!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte

Step 1: Steep the Tea
Begin by boiling water to a rolling temperature of about 200°F (93°C). Add either dried butterfly pea flowers or a butterfly pea tea bag to a heat-resistant container, then pour the hot water over them. Allow the mixture to steep for 5-7 minutes, ensuring you achieve a deep blue color. Once steeped, remove the flowers or the tea bag to prevent bitterness.

Step 2: Cool the Tea
After steeping, give the tea time to cool off. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t become too hot when served. You can speed up this process by transferring the tea to a separate container or place it in the refrigerator. A beautiful blue base is essential for your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte.

Step 3: Sweeten the Tea
If you prefer a touch of sweetness in your Pea Flower Tea Latte, now is the perfect time to add honey or your chosen sweetener. While the tea is still warm, stir in the sweetener until fully dissolved. The warmth of the tea allows the sweetness to integrate smoothly, creating a delightful flavor balance that enhances the earthy notes of the tea.

Step 4: Froth the Milk
In a separate container, froth your choice of milk, whether dairy or plant-based, using a milk frother, shaker, or blender. Aim for a fluffy, foamy texture, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes. This creamy consistency will beautifully complement the vibrant colors of your iced butterfly pea flower tea, adding richness to each sip.

Step 5: Assemble the Drink
To create a stunning presentation, fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Carefully pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, watching as the blue color looks inviting. Next, slowly add the frothed milk to the tea, allowing the two to layer gently for an eye-catching effect. The combination will give you a striking visual and elevate the taste of the latte.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice (Optional)
For those wanting to witness a magical color transformation, incorporate a splash of lemon juice into your drink. Gently stir to see the enchanting change from blue to purple—a delightful surprise when serving. This vibrant metamorphosis not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a refreshing citrus note to your iced butterfly pea flower tea latte.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, consider garnishing your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers for an exquisite touch. Serve immediately to maintain its refreshing chill and enjoy this captivating drink, whether at a sunny picnic or a casual family gathering. Your exciting and colorful Pea Flower Tea Latte is ready to be savored!

Expert Tips for Pea Flower Tea Latte

Steeping Time: Ensure you steep the tea for 5-7 minutes to extract maximum color and flavor. Oversteeping can lead to bitterness, ruining your drink.
Warm Milk Trick: To avoid curdling when adding lemon juice, use warm milk and stir gently while adding the juice slowly. This ensures a smooth blend.
Sweetener Selection: Experiment with different sweeteners like agave or maple syrup to find the perfect flavor profile for your Pea Flower Tea Latte.
Ice Quality: Use fresh, clear ice cubes for a visually appealing presentation. Avoid cloudy ice as it can make the drink look less inviting.
Layering Technique: Pour the frothed milk slowly over the back of a spoon to maintain the beautiful layers between the blue tea and white milk, enhancing the aesthetic of your latte.

Storage Tips for Pea Flower Tea Latte

Room Temperature: The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is best enjoyed fresh! However, if needed, it can sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before losing its flavor and visual appeal.
Fridge: For up to 2 days, you can store brewed butterfly pea flower tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Avoid adding sweeteners until you’re ready to serve to maintain the flavor.
Freezer: If you want to save the latte for longer, freeze the brewed tea (without milk) in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Use the cubes in smoothies or as a cold drink base later.
Reheating: When reheating any refrigerated tea, gently warm it in a saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain the vibrant color and delicate flavor.

Make Ahead Options

These Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Lattes are perfect for meal prep! You can steep the butterfly pea flowers and prepare the tea up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. Once cooled, store the tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its vibrant color and prevent bitterness. You can also prepare and froth the milk ahead; simply refrigerate it as well (up to 3 days) for a creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, fill a glass with ice, pour in the chilled tea, and add the frothed milk. A quick splash of lemon juice will reveal its magical color transformation, giving you a refreshing treat with minimal effort that’s just as delicious as freshly made!

Pea Flower Tea Latte: Endless Customizations

Feel free to get creative with your Pea Flower Tea Latte, transforming it into your perfect personalized sip of joy!

Dairy-Free: Swap regular milk for almond, coconut, or oat milk to create a creamy vegan delight that’s rich in flavor.
Citrus Swap: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a bright, zesty variation that adds a refreshing twist to your latte.
Flavorful Sweeteners: Try agave, maple syrup, or cane sugar to sweeten your latte while introducing your unique taste preferences.
Chai Twist: Add a pinch of chai spice for a warm, aromatic flair that beautifully complements the earthy notes of the tea.
Iced Reflection: Instead of using regular ice, freeze some butterfly pea tea in ice cubes for a color-enhancing twist and a subtle flavor infusion.
Creamy Layers: Blend in some coconut cream for a richer, velvety texture that elevates this drink to a dessert-level treat.
Herbal Infusion: Include a pinch of dried mint or basil for a refreshing herbal kick that adds an intriguing complexity to the flavor.
Festive Splash: Drizzle a bit of pomegranate syrup on top for a holiday-inspired twist that not only tastes divine but looks stunning, too.

For an enlightening pairing, why not serve it alongside a bowl of refreshing Cottage Cheese Chickpea salad? It’s light, colorful, and balances beautifully with your vibrant latte! Enjoy exploring the many ways to make this delightful drink uniquely yours!

What to Serve with Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte

Transform your lovely tea latte into a full sensory experience with these delightful pairings!

Savory Spiced Nuts: Their crunch and warmth beautifully contrast the cool, creamy latte while adding a hint of spice that enlivens each sip.
Coconut Chia Pudding: This light, creamy dessert echoes the tropical notes, marrying perfectly with the floral flavor of the tea.
Fruit Skewers: Fresh seasonal fruits add a vibrant, juicy element, enhancing the visual appeal while balancing the earthy tones of the tea.
Lemon Drizzle Cake: The citrusy glaze mirrors the refreshing twist in the latte, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s sure to delight.

For a special brunch, serve your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte alongside a platter of Finger Sandwiches. These delicate bites make a charming, whimsical addition that perfectly complements the drink’s whimsical color and taste.

Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best butterfly pea flowers?
Absolutely! When selecting butterfly pea flowers, look for vibrant, deep blue colors. If using dried flowers, ensure they have a rich hue and a pleasant, earthy fragrance. Dried flowers are typically more potent, yielding a stronger color and flavor compared to fresh ones. Fresh flowers should appear vibrant and free from dark spots or wilting, ensuring they infuse your tea with their glorious beauty.

How should I store my Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte?
Very good question! The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is truly best enjoyed fresh due to its delightful flavors and stunning visual appeal. If you have brewed tea leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep sweeteners separate until you’re ready to serve, as they can alter the freshness!

Can I freeze butterfly pea flower tea?
Absolutely, freezing is a great idea! To freeze your butterfly pea flower tea, pour the cooled, brewed tea (without milk) into ice cube trays. Once frozen, you can keep the cubes in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. These tea cubes can be a refreshing addition to future drinks, simply blend them into smoothies or toss them into sparkling water for a quick treat.

What if my tea turns bitter or has an off taste?
If your tea turns bitter, it may be due to oversteeping. Make sure to steep the butterfly pea flowers for the recommended 5-7 minutes. If you find the flavor too strong, mix in some milk or sweetener to balance it out. Also, check that your ingredients are fresh; old flowers or expired sweeteners can lead to an unpleasant taste.

Can I make this latte dairy-free?
Very much so! To make your Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte dairy-free, simply substitute any plant-based milk that you prefer, such as almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk. Each of these options will bring unique textures and flavors to the latte while ensuring it remains deliciously creamy and rich.

Is the butterfly pea flower tea safe for pets?
Good question! While butterfly pea flowers are generally safe for humans, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before sharing any new foods or drinks with your pets. If you’re concerned, just enjoy this delightful tea latte yourself and keep it away from your furry friends to ensure their safety!