If you’ve ever stumbled upon those mesmerizing vibrant blue drinks on Instagram and wondered how to make one yourself, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m excited to share my absolute favorite, fan-freaking-tastic Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe that will not only wow your eyes but also soothe your soul. Whether you want a refreshing iced version to cool down your day or a warm cup to cozy up with, this recipe covers it all. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through every step with tips I’ve gathered from my own kitchen adventures so you can nail it on the first try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning: The natural electric blue hue of butterfly pea flowers makes every latte a delightful feast for the eyes.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll whip up this latte quicker than your favorite coffee shop can brew theirs.
- Customizable Sweetness: You can tweak the sweetness using condensed milk or any sweetener you prefer, making it perfect for your taste buds.
- Both Hot & Cold Options: Whether it’s chilly or balmy, this recipe has you covered with iced and hot versions you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blue Butterfly Pea Latte recipe leans on a beautiful balance of earthy blue pea flowers, creamy milk, and just the right touch of sweetness. Each ingredient works harmoniously to give you that magical blue color and smooth, comforting flavor. When shopping, fresh dried butterfly pea flowers or high-quality butterfly pea powder are key to getting that vibrant color and taste.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: These bring the iconic deep blue color; if you can’t find these, butterfly pea powder is a handy substitute.
- Water: Just hot enough to steep those flowers without boiling them to preserve flavor and color intensity.
- Milk of Your Choice: Whole milk creates creaminess, but almond, oat, or coconut milk work great for dairy-free options.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luscious sweetness and creaminess; you can swap in honey, agave, or any sweetener you like.
- Ice Cubes: For the iced version, ice keeps your drink refreshingly cool and helps in creating those beautiful layers.
Variations
I love playing around with this Blue Butterfly Pea Latte recipe to match my mood or dietary needs, and I encourage you to do the same. From sweetening tweaks to adding subtle spices—customizing your latte is part of the fun and makes the experience uniquely yours!
- Dairy-Free Version: I switched to oat milk for a nutty twist, and honestly, it’s just as creamy and dreamy as the classic version.
- Spiced Latte: When the weather’s cooler, I sprinkle in some cinnamon and cardamom as I heat the milk—adds warmth and layers of flavor.
- Extra Layered Iced Latte: For parties, I prepare blue frothy milk by steeping some flowers in milk and frothing it on top, making the presentation super impressive.
- Sweetener Alternatives: If condensed milk isn’t your jam, try maple syrup or coconut sugar to give a different but delightful sweetness.
How to Make Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Brew Your Enchanting Blue Butterfly Pea Tea
Start by heating your water until it’s nearly boiling—not too hot to protect that delicate floral flavor. Toss in 12 to 14 dried butterfly pea flowers if you’re making the iced version (or fewer for hot) and stir gently. Cover the bowl and let those beauties steep for 7-8 minutes. If you’re using butterfly pea powder, whisk it really well in warm water until fully dissolved—no one wants gritty powder lurking around! I once skipped whisking properly, and the clumps ruined the smoothness; learned the hard way to take this step seriously.
Step 2: Prepare Your Creamy Milk Base
While the tea steeps, mix ¾ cup of your milk with 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk (or your favorite sweetener). I’ve found mixing them before adding to the ice ensures the sweetness is perfectly distributed—once you add it on top of ice, it’s really hard to blend evenly. If you prefer warm, gently heat your milk on medium-low, keeping a close eye so it never boils over—trust me, it happens faster than you think!
Step 3: Strain and Cool Your Blue Tea
Once your flowers have steeped enough, press them with a spoon to extract that gorgeous blue color and strain your tea to avoid any flower bits sneaking into your cup (nobody wants a surprise petal on their tongue!). Let the tea cool to room temperature for iced lattes—adding hot tea over ice will only water down your dreamy layers.
Step 4: Assemble Your Iced Blue Butterfly Pea Latte
Fill your glass three-quarters full with ice cubes—this not only chills your drink but helps create those eye-popping layered effects. Pour in your milk and condensed milk mix carefully, filling to around three-quarters. Now, here’s where the magic happens: slowly drizzle your blue tea on top. Patience is key! Pour it gently, and the layers will form beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, no worries—you’ll still get a delicious drink just without those distinct layers.
Step 5: Or Pour Your Hot Blue Butterfly Pea Latte
If you crave warmth, pour your hot milk mixed with sweetened condensed milk into your favorite mug. Then, gently pour your blue tea into it and give it a swirl to mix those serene blue hues with the creamy milk. You can sprinkle some dried blue flowers or a touch of butterfly pea powder on top for an extra whimsical touch. Cozy vibes activated.
Pro Tips for Making Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe
- Choose Quality Pea Flowers or Powder: I always pick organic dried flowers or a reputable powder brand to get the best color and flavor without any bitterness.
- Whisk Thoroughly: When using powder, whisk or shake vigorously in a sealed jar to avoid clumps—trust me, your throat will thank you.
- Slow Pouring for Layers: Take your time pouring the blue tea over milk and ice to make those dreamy layers that’ll impress everyone.
- Don’t Let Milk Boil Over: Heating milk is deceptively easy to mess up, so keep a close eye to avoid overflow and scorched flavors.
How to Serve Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love topping my Blue Butterfly Pea Latte with a sprinkle of dried pea flowers or a light dusting of butterfly pea powder for that extra wow factor. For a creamy touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of frothed milk (blue froth is a fun twist!) takes it to café-level fanciness. Adding edible flowers or a tiny lemon wedge on the side is also a charming touch to brighten things up.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs beautifully with light, delicate treats—think buttery shortbread cookies, lemon scones, or coconut macaroons. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll serve it alongside tropical fruit like mango or passionfruit, and it’s incredible how the bright fruitiness complements the mellow floral latte.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving iced Blue Butterfly Pea Lattes in clear glass jars with colorful straws and edible flower petals floating on top. Another fun idea is layering the latte in mason jars for parties where guests can see those gorgeous blue and creamy layers. You can even make blue latte ice cubes in advance and add them to your milk for a slow-melting, vibrant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover butterfly pea tea, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I’ve found it keeps that deep blue color and fresh taste beautifully, which makes preparing this latte on busy mornings a breeze.
Freezing
While I don’t recommend freezing the full latte since milk freezes and thaws with a changed texture, you can freeze butterfly pea tea in ice cube trays. These blue ice cubes are perfect for layering in cold lattes without watering down the flavor or color.
Reheating
For hot lattes, gently reheat leftover milk and sweetened condensed milk mixture on the stove or microwave, then add fresh or stored blue tea. Avoid boiling the milk again to prevent curdling, and always stir well before sipping.
FAQs
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What exactly is butterfly pea flower and why does it turn blue?
Butterfly pea flower is a vibrant blue flower native to Southeast Asia known for its natural staining properties. The rich blue color comes from anthocyanins in the petals, which react to pH levels in liquids, giving the latte its enchanting blue hue.
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Can I use butterfly pea powder instead of dried flowers?
Absolutely! Butterfly pea powder (often called Blue Matcha) is a concentrated form of the flower and dissolves quickly in warm water. Just be sure to whisk it well to avoid clumps and get that smooth latte texture.
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Is the Blue Butterfly Pea Latte caffeinated?
Nope! This latte is naturally caffeine-free, making it a perfect choice for evenings or anyone avoiding caffeine but still craving a beautiful, flavorful drink.
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How long does the butterfly pea tea last once brewed?
Brewed butterfly pea tea will keep fresh in the fridge for about 2 days. After that, the color might dull and flavors weaken, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within that window for optimal beauty and taste.
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What sweeteners work best in this latte?
Sweetened condensed milk is traditional and adds lovely creaminess, but you can customize with honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or your favorite sugar substitute to suit your dietary needs and palate.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe brings a little magic into everyday moments. The way that vivid blue swirls with creamy milk is such a simple pleasure, yet it feels special enough for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy morning or impressing guests with a stunning iced drink, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it brightens your day, too!
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Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 glass or cup
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the enchanting Blue Butterfly Pea Latte in both iced and hot versions. This vibrant, soothing drink uses natural butterfly pea flowers or powder for a stunning blue hue, combined with creamy milk and sweetened condensed milk for a deliciously balanced flavor. Whether iced with lovely layers or served hot and comforting, it’s perfect for a relaxing moment or impressing guests with a beautiful and unique beverage.
Ingredients
Iced Butterfly Pea Blue Latte (330ml glass)
- 12 to 14 dried Butterfly pea flowers (or ½ tsp Butterfly pea powder)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water, heated until almost boiling
- ¾ cup (170 ml) milk of choice
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or sweetener of choice)
- Ice cubes
Hot Butterfly Pea Blue Latte (200ml cup)
- 8 to 10 dried Butterfly pea flowers (or ¼ tsp Butterfly pea powder)
- ¼ cup (50 ml) water, heated until almost boiling
- ¾ cup (150 ml) milk of choice
- ½ tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or sweetener of choice)
Instructions
- Steep the Butterfly Pea Tea
For iced latte, place dried butterfly pea flowers in ½ cup warm water (not boiling) and steep covered for 7-8 minutes. For hot latte, use 8-10 flowers in ¼ cup water. If using powder, whisk it thoroughly in warm water until fully dissolved to avoid grittiness.
- Prepare the Milk Mixture
For iced latte, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk in a separate glass. For hot latte, heat ¾ cup milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming and gently boiling, stirring occasionally. Pour heated milk into cup, then stir in ½ tbsp sweetened condensed milk.
- Strain the Tea
After steeping, press flowers to release color, then strain tea and discard flowers. Let tea cool for iced latte before assembling.
- Assemble the Iced Latte
Fill glass 3/4 full with ice cubes. Pour in milk and condensed milk mixture up to 3/4 of glass. Slowly and gently pour cooled blue tea on top to create beautiful layers. Optionally froth milk or add whipped cream or ice cream on top for added creaminess and garnish with dried flowers or powder.
- Assemble the Hot Latte
Gently pour hot butterfly pea tea into the cup with heated milk and condensed milk mixture. Stir to combine. Optionally froth milk or create blue milk foam on top and garnish with dried flowers or powder.
- Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately, especially if iced, to prevent ice melting and dilution. Enjoy your vibrant, calming blue latte warm or chilled.
Notes
- Use transparent glass or mug to showcase the beautiful blue color and layering effect.
- Measure milk volume based on the glass/cup size for accuracy.
- Make blue tea in advance and refrigerate to save time without waiting for it to cool before assembling iced latte.
- Add warm spices (cinnamon, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, or chai masala) to milk for a cozy, infused flavor.
- Ensure butterfly pea powder dissolves completely to avoid grittiness; whisk, shake in a mason jar, or blend.
- Strain tea well when using whole flowers to prevent floral bits in the drink.
- Serve iced latte without stirring to enjoy pretty layers; guests can stir as desired.
- Adjust the number of butterfly pea flowers or powder to intensify the blue color without significantly affecting taste.
- Heat milk carefully to avoid boiling over; remove from heat as soon as it starts to gently boil.
- Dairy-free or vegan variations can be made by substituting plant-based milks and alternative sweeteners.
- Enhance latte presentation with frothy milk layers, whipped cream, or blue milk foam.
- To avoid blue stains on teeth, strain tea thoroughly and avoid flower bits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass or cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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