Picture this: a lazy afternoon, the sun streaming through your kitchen window, and the world outside buzzing with the sounds of chatter, laughter, and the sweet whisper of the summer breeze. I was standing at my counter, contemplating what to whip up for a refreshing drink when I stumbled upon some vibrant butterfly pea flowers tucked away in my pantry. This delightful blue wonder has always been a favorite of mine; it’s not just beautiful but also oh-so-delicious! It wasn’t long before I found myself crafting a gorgeous iced butterfly pea flower tea latte that would make even the fussiest café goers envious. The best part? It’s as easy to make as it is charming to sip on!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest; life is busy. Between work, family, and trying to remember what day of the week it is (seriously, is it just me?), we all deserve a little break now and then. This iced butterfly pea flower tea latte is that perfect moment of tranquility in your busy day. It offers a taste that feels like it was crafted in a fancy café, yet it comes together beautifully in your very own home. The vibrant blue hue is not only Instagram-ready (because, let’s face it, presentation matters), but it also packs a punch of antioxidants — it’s like a little hug for your body, if you will! Plus, topped with a splash of creamy milk or a dairy-free alternative, it’s an absolute treat your taste buds will thank you for.
What It Tastes Like
Imagine sitting down after a long day of running errands, trying to find the perfect show to binge-watch. You take your first sip of this iced latte, and it’s like taking a mini-vacation. The floral notes from the butterfly pea flowers lightly dance on your palate, while the creaminess of the milk adds depth that rounds out the entire experience. It’s not overwhelmingly sweet, but there’s a gentle hint of sweetness, just enough to tickle your senses. You might even detect subtle earthy undertones, reminiscent of a garden in full bloom. Truly, it’s comfort wrapped in a vibrant blue package, perfect for any time of the day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butterfly Pea Flowers (1/4 cup): These little beauties are the star of the show! They bring that striking blue color and a delicate floral flavor that can’t be beat.
- Hot Water (1 cup): To steep the butterfly pea flowers — the magic begins here, so don’t rush this step!
- Milk of choice (1 cup): Whether it’s whole, almond, oat, or coconut milk, this will add creaminess and a lovely balance to the tea.
- Sweetener (to taste): Honey, agave syrup, or stevia works wonders! Just start with a little; you can always add more.
- Ice cubes: Because nobody wants lukewarm tea on a hot day!
Optional Additions
- Zest of a lemon or lime: Adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the floral notes.
- Chia seeds: For a fun texture and added nutrition, sprinkle some in!
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A splash of vanilla makes everything feel just a bit more special.
Special Garnishes
- Edible flowers: Perfect for that Pinterest-worthy look!
- Mint leaves: A fragrant and beautiful touch.
- Extra lime wedges: For a pop of color and zing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steep the Tea: In a heatproof jar or a teapot, add the butterfly pea flowers and pour in the hot water. Allow it to steep for about 10-15 minutes, giving you time to kick back and maybe even dance around your kitchen.
- Strain the Tea: Once steeped to a perfect blue hue, strain the flowers out, leaving you with beautifully brewed tea. You can toss the flowers in your compost to keep things eco-friendly!
- Sweeten: While the tea is still warm, add your sweetener of choice. Give it a good stir until dissolved. Remember, a little goes a long way, so start small!
- Cool It Down: Let your tea cool to room temperature, or pop it in the fridge for speedy cooling.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cooled tea, and gently top it off with your choice of milk. The colors will start to blend, creating a mesmerizing look.
- Garnish: Top it off with any of the special garnishes you picked — flowers, mint, or a spritz of lime will all work wonderfully!
- Sip & Enjoy: Grab your straw (or not!), take a moment to appreciate your hard work, and enjoy every colorful drop!
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, why not switch things up? You can transform this iced butterfly pea flower tea latte into a fruity sensation by blending in some frozen fruits like mango or pineapple before pouring over the ice. Feeling spicy? A sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom can elevate the flavor beautifully. You could even switch the milk to a yogurt-like consistency for a thicker, creamier treat, perhaps even blending it into a smoothie bowl! The possibilities are endless!
Serving & Storage Tips
Ideally, this iced latte is best enjoyed fresh, especially during those hot summer months. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, simply give it a good stir, and pop it in the fridge — you have up to two days to enjoy the magic! Just keep in mind that the ice might dilute it if left sitting for too long, a small price to pay for deliciousness.
Helpful Tips
Here’s a little nugget of wisdom learned from experience: don’t skimp on the steeping time of your butterfly pea flowers! That’s where the flavor develops, and trust me, a lackluster latte is not anyone’s idea of a good time. If you want a stronger color, you can steep a bit longer or even add more flowers according to your preference. Additionally, if you’re prepping for a gathering, you can make the tea ahead of time; this way, your guests can enjoy the latte experience without you flying around like a mad person at the last minute!
Special Equipment
- Heatproof jar or teapot: This is essential for steeping the butterfly pea flowers properly — ensure it’s heat-resistant so that you don’t end up with a tea-making disaster!
- Fine mesh strainer: To strain out those pesky flowers and leave you with pure tea goodness.
- Glass for serving: Go for something pretty, because after all, wouldn’t you want to drink from something that looks fabulous?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of tea as a base?
Absolutely! While butterfly pea flowers are the star here, you can certainly mix them with other herbal or green teas for a delightful twist. Just make sure they complement each other!
Is there caffeine in butterfly pea flower tea?
No, butter pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to avoid that afternoon jitters!
Can I make this warm instead of iced?
Definitely! Just skip the ice and enjoy it as a warm latte. It’s almost like a cozy hug in a cup!
Where can I find butterfly pea flowers?
You can usually find dried butterfly pea flowers online, at specialty tea shops, or health food stores. If you’re feeling ambitious, some supermarkets even carry them in the herbal section.
Conclusion
In the end, making an iced butterfly pea flower tea latte is a joyful experience that brings a little magic into the everyday hustle and bustle of life. For me, it’s more than just a drink; it’s a little moment of celebration, a splash of color in a tall glass, and a delightful reminder of how simple ingredients can create such beauty and flavor. I can already imagine serving this to friends on a sunny afternoon or enjoying it while I curl up with a book on a lazy weekend. I hope you get inspired to give this beautiful drink a try! When you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your colorful creations — feel free to share your experience in the comments below! Cheers to colorful moments and yummy sips!
Print
Savor the Bold Flavor of Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Sip on a refreshing iced latte made with butterfly pea flower tea. Discover its unique taste and vibrant color that delights the senses. Enjoy today!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A refreshing iced butterfly pea flower tea latte that brings beauty and flavor to your day, perfect for summer afternoons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 servings
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 4 grams
