Butterfly Pea Flower Latte: Prepare to be enchanted! Imagine starting your day with a vibrant, naturally blue latte that not only looks stunning but also offers a wealth of potential health benefits. This isn’t just another coffee drink; it’s a captivating experience in a cup.

The butterfly pea flower, also known as Clitoria ternatea, has been used for centuries in Southeast Asian cultures, not just for its beautiful color but also for its purported medicinal properties. Traditionally, it’s been used in teas, desserts, and even as a natural dye. Now, we’re bringing this ancient botanical into the modern coffee world with a delightful twist.

What makes the Butterfly Pea Flower Latte so irresistible? It’s the unique combination of visual appeal and subtle, earthy flavor. The vibrant blue hue, which can transform into shades of purple and pink with a squeeze of lemon, is undeniably Instagram-worthy. But beyond the aesthetics, the latte offers a gentle, floral taste that pairs perfectly with your favorite milk (dairy or non-dairy!). It’s a comforting, caffeine-boosted beverage that feels both luxurious and wholesome. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy this exotic treat whenever the mood strikes. Get ready to elevate your latte game!

Ingredients:

1 cup Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (strong brew)
1 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy, your choice!)
1-2 tablespoons Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave, or sugar) adjust to taste
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Optional: Pinch of Cinnamon or Nutmeg
Ice cubes (if serving iced)

Brewing the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea:

The vibrant color of this latte comes from the butterfly pea flower, so brewing a strong, concentrated tea is key! Here’s how I do it:

Gather your flowers: You can use dried butterfly pea flowers, which are readily available online or at specialty tea shops. I usually use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of water.
Heat the water: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
Steep the flowers: Pour the boiling water over the butterfly pea flowers in a heat-resistant container.
Let it steep: Allow the flowers to steep for at least 5-7 minutes, or even longer for a more intense color. The longer you steep, the deeper the blue will be. I sometimes let it steep for up to 10 minutes for a really vibrant hue.
Strain the tea: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flowers. You should have a beautiful, deep blue tea.

Preparing the Milk:

The milk component is where you can really customize this latte to your liking. I’ll walk you through a few options:

Choose your milk: You can use any type of milk you prefer dairy or non-dairy. I’ve tried it with cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk, and they all work well. Oat milk tends to be a bit creamier, which I personally love.
Heat the milk (optional): If you want a warm latte, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling. Be careful not to scald it! You can also use a milk frother to heat and froth the milk at the same time.
Froth the milk (optional): Frothing the milk adds a lovely texture to the latte. You can use a milk frother (electric or handheld), a French press, or even just whisk the milk vigorously in a bowl until it becomes frothy. If you’re using a French press, pour the warm milk into the press, put the lid on, and pump the plunger up and down until the milk is frothy.
Sweeten and flavor (optional): This is where you can add your sweetener and any other flavorings, like vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. I usually add the sweetener to the milk before frothing, so it dissolves evenly.

Assembling the Butterfly Pea Flower Latte:

Now for the fun part putting it all together! Here’s how I assemble my Butterfly Pea Flower Latte:

Pour the tea: Pour the brewed butterfly pea flower tea into your mug or glass. If you’re making an iced latte, fill the glass with ice cubes first.
Add the milk: Gently pour the milk over the tea. If you frothed the milk, hold back the foam with a spoon and pour the liquid milk first, then spoon the foam on top.
Watch the magic happen: As the milk mixes with the tea, you’ll see the color change from deep blue to a beautiful purple or lavender hue. This is because the pH of the milk is different from the pH of the tea, causing the color to shift.
Stir and enjoy: Give the latte a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
Garnish (optional): You can garnish your latte with a sprinkle of dried butterfly pea flowers, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey.

Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Latte Variation:

On a hot day, an iced Butterfly Pea Flower Latte is incredibly refreshing. Here’s how to make it:

Brew and chill the tea: Brew the butterfly pea flower tea as described above, but let it cool completely before using it. You can even chill it in the refrigerator for a faster cool-down.
Prepare the milk: You can use cold milk straight from the refrigerator, or you can froth it if you prefer.
Fill a glass with ice: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Pour the tea over ice: Pour the chilled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice.
Add the milk: Gently pour the milk over the tea.
Sweeten and stir: Add your sweetener of choice and stir well to combine.
Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Latte:

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Butterfly Pea Flower Latte possible:

Adjust the sweetness: The amount of sweetener you need will depend on your personal preference and the type of sweetener you use. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. Try adding a dash of cardamom, ginger, or even a few drops of lavender extract.
Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your butterfly pea flowers and milk, the better your latte will taste.
Control the color: The color of the latte can be adjusted by adding a squeeze of lemon juice. Lemon juice is acidic and will turn the blue tea more purple or pink. Add it a little at a time until you achieve your desired color.
Make it vegan: To make a vegan Butterfly Pea Flower Latte, simply use a plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
Prepare ahead: You can brew the butterfly pea flower tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes it easy to whip up a latte whenever you’re in the mood for one.
Layered effect: For a visually stunning layered effect, pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the tea.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

Latte is not blue enough: Make sure you’re using enough butterfly pea flowers and steeping them for long enough. You can also try using hotter water.
Latte is too bitter: If the tea is too bitter, try steeping it for a shorter amount of time. You can also add a little more sweetener to balance out the bitterness.
Milk is curdling: This can happen if you add hot milk to cold tea. To prevent this, make sure the tea is at least lukewarm before adding the milk. You can also try adding a splash of cold milk to the tea before adding the hot milk.
Latte is not frothy enough: Make sure your milk is cold before frothing it. You can also try using a different type of milk. Some milks froth better than others.

Health Benefits (Disclaimer):

While I’m not a medical professional, I can share some information about the potential health benefits associated with butterfly pea flower tea. Please remember that this is not medical advice, and you should always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Butterfly pea flower tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage from free radicals. It’s also been traditionally used to improve memory, reduce stress, and boost the immune system. Some studies have also suggested that it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.

However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. It’s also important to note that butterfly pea flower tea can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re taking any medications.

Variations and Add-ins:

The Butterfly Pea Flower Latte is a fantastic base for experimentation! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Lavender Latte: Add 1/4 teaspoon of culinary lavender buds to the butterfly pea flower tea while steeping for a floral and calming twist.
Rose Latte: Infuse the milk with rosewater (start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste) for a delicate and romantic flavor.
Spiced Latte: Add a pinch of warming spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves to the milk while heating

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Butterfly Pea Flower Latte isn’t just a pretty drink; it’s a delightful experience. The subtle, earthy notes of the butterfly pea flower, combined with the creamy richness of your milk of choice, create a truly unique and satisfying beverage. It’s a fantastic alternative to your usual coffee or tea, offering a caffeine-free boost and a stunning visual appeal that’s sure to impress.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond its beauty, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to your personal preferences. Looking for a sweeter treat? Add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Want to spice things up? A pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or even a dash of ginger will add warmth and complexity. For an extra layer of flavor, consider infusing your milk with vanilla bean or lavender before frothing. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This latte is perfect served hot on a chilly morning, but it’s equally refreshing iced on a warm afternoon. For an iced version, simply prepare the butterfly pea flower concentrate as directed, let it cool, and then pour it over ice with your milk of choice. You can even add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist.

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea: Skip the milk altogether and combine the butterfly pea flower concentrate with cold water and a squeeze of lemon for a vibrant and refreshing iced tea.
- Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade: Add the concentrate to your favorite lemonade recipe for a stunning purple-hued drink that’s perfect for parties.
- Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktails: Use the concentrate as a natural food coloring and flavor enhancer in your favorite cocktails. Imagine a beautiful blue margarita or a lavender-infused gin and tonic!
- Butterfly Pea Flower Desserts: Incorporate the concentrate into cakes, cookies, or even ice cream for a visually stunning and subtly flavored treat.
I truly believe that this Butterfly Pea Flower Latte will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a simple yet elegant way to elevate your everyday beverage routine. The vibrant color transformation is mesmerizing, and the subtle flavor is both intriguing and comforting. It’s a conversation starter, a mood booster, and a delicious treat all rolled into one.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, brew up a batch of this magical elixir, and prepare to be amazed. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

I’m so excited to hear about your experiences with this recipe! Please, please, please, give it a try and then come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you try any variations? What was your favorite milk to use? Did you add any special spices or sweeteners? I’m eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve personalized this recipe to suit your own taste. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy brewing!
Butterfly Pea Flower Latte: Benefits, Recipe, and How-To Guide

A customizable Butterfly Pea Flower Latte that transforms from blue to purple when mixed with milk. Enjoy hot or iced, with your choice of milk, sweetener, and flavorings.

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time5 minutes

Total Time10 minutes

Category: Breakfast

Yield: 1 serving

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Ingredients
- 1 cup Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (strong brew)
- 1 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy, your choice!)
- 1-2 tablespoons Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave, or sugar) adjust to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Optional: Pinch of Cinnamon or Nutmeg
- Ice cubes (if serving iced)
Instructions
1. Gather 1-2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers.
2. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
3. Pour the boiling water over the butterfly pea flowers in a heat-resistant container.
4. Steep for at least 5-7 minutes, or up to 10 minutes for a more intense color.
5. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flowers.
6. Choose your milk (dairy or non-dairy).
7. (Optional – For warm latte) Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Or use a milk frother.
8. (Optional) Froth the milk using a milk frother, French press, or whisk vigorously.
9. (Optional) Add sweetener and flavorings (like vanilla or cinnamon) to the milk before frothing.
10. Pour the brewed butterfly pea flower tea into your mug or glass. If making an iced latte, fill the glass with ice cubes first.
11. Gently pour the milk over the tea. If you frothed the milk, hold back the foam with a spoon and pour the liquid milk first, then spoon the foam on top.
12. Stir gently to combine.
13. (Optional) Garnish with dried butterfly pea flowers, cinnamon, or honey.
14. Brew the butterfly pea flower tea as described above, but let it cool completely before using it. You can even chill it in the refrigerator for a faster cool-down.
15. Prepare the milk: You can use cold milk straight from the refrigerator, or you can froth it if you prefer.
16. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
17. Pour the chilled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice.
18. Gently pour the milk over the tea.
19. Add your sweetener of choice and stir well to combine.
20. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Experiment with different flavor combinations like cardamom, ginger, or lavender extract.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Control the color by adding a squeeze of lemon juice (it will turn the tea more purple/pink).
- To make it vegan, use plant-based milk.
- You can brew the tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a layered effect, pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon.

Butterfly Pea Flower Latte: Benefits, Recipe, and How-To Guide