Description
A vibrant and refreshing Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte that combines the natural beauty and health benefits of butterfly pea flower tea with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness. This chilled beverage features a stunning blue hue that can be transformed with a splash of lemon juice, making it a delightful and visually appealing drink perfect for warm days or as an elegant teatime treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers
- 2 cups hot water
Milk and Sweetener
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based like almond, coconut, or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons sweetener (honey or to taste)
Serving
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the Tea: Begin by boiling water until it reaches a bubbling boil, then pour it over the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-proof cup or container. Let the flowers steep for 5 to 7 minutes, observing as the water changes to a deep, vibrant blue color. After steeping, strain the tea to remove the flowers and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Sweeten the Tea: While the tea is still warm but not hot, add honey or your chosen sweetener. Stir vigorously until the sweetener completely dissolves to ensure an even flavor throughout the tea.
- Froth the Milk: Select your preferred milk—whether dairy or plant-based—and froth it using a milk frother, shake it vigorously in a sealed jar, or blend it until it becomes light and airy. The frothy milk adds creaminess and a lovely texture to the latte.
- Assemble the Latte: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to chill the drink thoroughly. Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice, then carefully add the frothed milk on top. This layering technique creates a beautiful separation of colors and textures.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For an extra touch of flavor and visual effect, drizzle lemon juice over the top of the latte. The acidity causes the blue tea to shift to a vibrant purple or pinkish hue, adding a dramatic flair.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish your iced latte with a few fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers placed atop the foamy milk layer for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and visually stunning tea latte.
Notes
- Steeping time can be adjusted depending on desired tea strength; longer steeping yields a more intense flavor.
- You can substitute sweetener types as preferred, such as agave syrup, maple syrup, or sugar.
- Plant-based milks may froth differently; almond and oat milk tend to froth well while coconut milk may be creamier but less frothy.
- Add lemon juice just before serving to preserve the bright layered appearance.
- This recipe can be served hot by skipping the ice and serving immediately after frothing the milk.
- Butterfly pea flower tea is caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants.
