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This dazzling blue iced butterfly pea flower tea latte has turned into my go-to afternoon treat during hot summer months. The amazing color shift when you add a bit of citrus makes for a wonderful show that always wows friends at my get-togethers.
I first came across butterfly pea flower tea while vacationing in Thailand and was instantly captivated by how it changes color. What began as just a holiday curiosity has now become part of my regular drink lineup, particularly when I need a peaceful break from my hectic schedule.
Ingredients
- Dried butterfly pea flowers: Give that eye-catching blue shade and pack antioxidants that help your skin and cut down inflammation
- Hot water: Need it just below boiling to pull out the most color without getting a bitter taste
- Milk: Brings creaminess and makes those pretty layers; grab whole milk options for the creamiest outcome
- Honey or sweetener: Cuts through the earthy tea flavor while boosting its flowery notes
- Ice cubes: Make everything nice and cold while adding to the pretty look
- Lemon juice: Triggers the wow-factor color change from blue to purple, showing off its natural pH-sensing abilities
Step-by-Step Instructions
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- Steeping the Tea:
- Add hot water to your butterfly pea flowers and let them soak for 5-7 minutes until you get a deep blue color. The more time you give it, the stronger the color gets, but don't go past 10 minutes or it might start tasting bitter.
- Sweetening:
- While it's still warm, mix in your favorite sweetener until it's fully mixed. This works great for honey since it blends better in warm drinks. Give it a taste and add more if needed.
- Frothing the Milk:
- Get your milk nice and foamy using a frother, blender, or just shake it hard in a closed container until it's light and bubbly. Frothing cold milk makes smaller bubbles that stick around longer in your finished drink.
- Assembling the Layers:
- Start by filling your glass with ice, then carefully pour in your cooled blue tea. Next, slowly add your frothy milk along the glass edge to make separate layers. Take your time with this step to get the most impressive look.
- Color Transformation:
- If you want, drizzle in some lemon juice and watch the magic happen as blue shifts to purple. This works because butterfly pea flower naturally shows pH changes when it meets something acidic.
- Garnishing:
- Top it off with some fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers for a fancy finish that hints at what's inside.
The first time I brought this out at a summer gathering, my pals couldn't stop watching the color change. My little girl now calls it "magic potion tea" and can't wait to help me make it, especially when we squeeze in lemon juice to transform the color.
Creative Variations
This flexible beverage can be changed up in many ways to match what you like. Maybe try adding a dash of vanilla or a tiny bit of cardamom for extra smell and taste. For a beachy feel, swap in coconut milk with a splash of pineapple juice. The mild taste of butterfly pea flower tea makes it perfect for trying new flavor combos.
Health Benefits
Butterfly pea flower tea isn't just pretty to look at. It's been used in traditional Ayurvedic healing for hundreds of years to boost memory, lower stress, and help hair growth. The tea has anthocyanins, strong antioxidants that fight inflammation and might help guard against long-term health issues. Drinking this latte regularly gives you these perks in a tasty package.
Where to Find Butterfly Pea Flowers
Once hard to get, butterfly pea flowers are now easier to find at fancy tea shops, natural food stores, and online shops. Try to get organic ones for the best flavor. Some Asian grocery stores have them in their tea area. You can also buy tea bags with butterfly pea flower for easier prep, though loose flowers usually make a brighter color.
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Savor this enchanting drink as a peaceful moment for yourself or as an eye-catching addition to your parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How does butterfly pea tea taste?
Its flavor is quite light, with earthy tones and soft floral hints. Sweeteners and milk pair wonderfully with it.
- → Can plant-based milk be used?
Absolutely! Almond, coconut, oat, or any plant-based milk works beautifully for a dairy-free option.
- → How do I make it change color?
Mix a little lemon juice into the tea. This reacts with the butterfly pea and shifts its color from blue to purple.
- → What if I want it sweeter?
Go ahead and try honey, sugar, or your preferred sweetener to tweak it just right for your taste.
- → Why doesn’t this drink have caffeine?
Since it’s made from flowers, butterfly pea tea is naturally free of caffeine, making it a soothing drink.
- → How should I decorate it?
Use a few dried or fresh pea flowers, a lemon slice, or even edible glitter to make it pop.