If you’re looking for a vibrant, calming drink that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, then you’ve got to try this Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe. I absolutely love how the striking blue hue from butterfly pea flowers magically transforms a simple latte into a mesmerizing cup—perfect for impressing friends or just brightening your day. Whether you want it iced or hot, this recipe is straightforward and totally customizable, so keep reading because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you master it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Stunning Color: The blue pea flower gives your latte a vibrant, eye-catching shade that’s totally Instagram-worthy.
- Simple to Make: You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients—just a few staples and a little patience to steep the flowers.
- Customizable Flavor & Texture: Whether you want it hot and cozy or iced with layers, you can tailor the sweetness and milk choice to your taste.
- Health-Boosting & Caffeine-Free: Butterfly pea tea is packed with antioxidants and perfect if you want a soothing caffeine-free treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a smooth, beautifully colored latte that’s light, sweet, and easy to sip. I always recommend using high-quality dried butterfly pea flowers or powder for the best color—and picking milk that suits your dietary needs will make all the difference.
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers or Powder: These are the stars, giving the drink its signature blue color; powder dissolves faster but flowers infuse a gentle flavor.
- Water: Use hot but not boiling water to steep the flowers gently, preserving their color and antioxidants.
- Milk: Whole milk works beautifully for a creamy texture, but almond, oat, or any plant-based milk works great if you prefer dairy-free.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk or Sweetener: Condensed milk adds richness and sweetness, but you can use honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener instead.
- Ice Cubes (for iced latte): These help create beautiful layers and keep your drink refreshingly cool without diluting the flavor too fast.
Variations
I love tweaking this Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe depending on my mood and the season, and you totally can too! It’s such a versatile drink that you can make as cozy or as refreshing as you want.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the regular milk for almond, coconut, or oat milk, and use maple syrup instead of condensed milk for a vegan-friendly latte—I’ve done this plenty of times with fantastic results.
- Spiced Latte: When I want a warm twist, I add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or even chai masala to the milk while heating—it adds this cozy depth that makes the drink feel like a warm hug.
- Iced Layers vs. Mixed: If you’re feeling fancy, try layering the blue tea over the milk slowly for that stunning ombré effect, or mix it all up for a uniform color and flavor—both are winners!
- Blue Foam Topping: For a playful touch, I’ve whipped some butterfly pea infused milk into foam and topped the hot latte with it—vanilla or honey mixed in foam makes it extra dreamy.
How to Make Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Steep Your Blue Butterfly Pea Flowers or Powder
Start by warming your water until it’s just about to boil—not boiling though, as that can dull the color and flavor. If you’re using dried butterfly pea flowers, sprinkle about 12 to 14 flowers into ½ cup (120 ml) of this hot water, give it a gentle stir, and then cover it so it steeps for 7 to 8 minutes. You’ll notice the water turning this brilliant deep blue—a real showstopper.
If you’re going directly with butterfly pea flower powder (also called blue matcha), whisk about ½ teaspoon into the warm water instead. Don’t worry if you don’t have a bamboo whisk; a small regular whisk or even shaking it up in a jar works. The key here is to whisk until the powder completely dissolves—no clumps, no grit!
Step 2: Prepare Your Milk and Sweetener Mix
While your flower steep is working its magic, mix together ¾ cup (170 ml) of your milk with 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk in a separate glass. Stir it really well so everything combines smoothly and the sweetness gets evenly distributed. If you’re making the hot version, heat your milk gently on the stove until steaming (but not boiling), then mix in the condensed milk. For iced lattes, keep the milk cool and mix it just before assembling.
Step 3: Strain and Chill Your Blue Tea
When steeping dried flowers, press them gently with a spoon to squeeze out every last bit of color, then strain the tea so no flower bits sneak into your latte. Don’t skip this step unless you want a blue tea flower stuck in your teeth—I’m speaking from personal experience here!
Let the brewed tea cool completely if you’re making an iced latte, since adding hot tea to ice can lead to premature melting and watery layers—and trust me, nobody wants that watery latte.
Step 4: Assemble Your Iced or Hot Blue Butterfly Pea Latte
For the iced latte, fill your glass ¾ full with ice cubes to keep things cool and fresh. Pour in the sweetened milk mixture gently until the glass is about ¾ full. Now, slowly and carefully pour the blue tea over the back of a spoon or just very gently into the glass. This slow pour helps the layers stay distinct. If you’d rather have one blended color, just pour it all in quickly and give it a good stir—you do you!
For the hot latte, simply pour the blue tea into the cup with the warmed milk and sweetened condensed milk, then stir gently to combine. If you’re feeling fancy, top it with frothy milk or blue pea-infused milk foam for that café vibe at home.
Pro Tips for Making Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe
- Use Transparent Glassware: I like serving this latte in a clear glass because you get to watch the beautiful blue layers form—makes drinking it extra fun!
- Don’t Rush the Steep: Let the butterfly pea flowers steep the full 7-8 minutes for maximum color and flavor—that’s where the magic happens.
- Avoid Grit by Fully Dissolving Powder: If using the powder, whisk or shake until totally smooth—you don’t want an unpleasant texture stealing your enjoyment.
- Serve Cold Lattes Immediately: To keep the ice from melting and diluting the beauty and flavor, drink your iced blue latte as soon as you make it.
How to Serve Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a few dried butterfly pea flowers or a dusting of butterfly pea powder right on top—it adds a gorgeous natural touch and hints at what’s inside the cup. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of blue pea milk foam to make it feel indulgent. Lemon zest or a tiny sprig of mint can add a fresh pop too, especially on iced versions.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs beautifully with light, fresh bites like buttery croissants, vanilla biscotti, or even a fruity scone. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a green salad or simple breakfast bowls when I’m after a less sweet pairing. The color of the latte even makes a fun conversation starter if you’re serving brunch!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered the iced Blue Butterfly Pea Latte in tall glasses and garnished with edible flowers on top—guests loved the stunning visual. You can also make a blue latte bar with toppings like cinnamon, coconut flakes, or colored sugar sprinkles to let everyone customize their cup. A clear glass teapot with some steeping flowers on the side adds a whimsical touch for tea parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make extra blue butterfly pea tea, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I usually keep just the tea, not the milk mixture, so it stays fresh and ready to pop into any latte whenever I want.
Freezing
I’ve found freezing the prepared latte itself isn’t ideal because the milk can separate upon thawing and the texture changes. However, you can freeze the butterfly pea tea in ice cube trays. These blue ice cubes are perfect for adding to iced lattes to amp up the color without diluting the drink.
Reheating
For leftover hot blue butterfly pea latte, gently reheat it on the stove or microwave at medium power, stirring in between to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling the milk again to maintain that creamy smoothness. If you have leftover tea separately, warm it before mixing again with milk and sweetener for fresh-tasting sips.
FAQs
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What is butterfly pea flower and is it safe to drink?
Butterfly pea flower comes from the Clitoria ternatea plant, known for its deep blue color and used traditionally in Southeast Asian teas. It’s generally safe for most people and caffeine-free, packed with antioxidants. However, if you have specific allergies or health conditions, it’s best to consult with your doctor first.
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Can I make this latte vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out dairy milk for almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk and replace sweetened condensed milk with maple syrup, agave, or coconut condensed milk for a creamy and vegan-friendly version. Just adjust sweetness to your preference.
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Why is my butterfly pea tea not turning blue?
Butterfly pea flowers need water that’s hot but not boiling, or they won’t release their vibrant color properly. Also, water that’s too acidic can dull the blue and turn it purple. Make sure to steep the flowers long enough and use neutral water for the best color.
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How do I get layers in the iced Blue Butterfly Pea Latte?
Fill your glass ¾ with ice first, pour in your milk and sweetened condensed milk slowly, then gently pour your cooled blue tea over the back of a spoon or very slowly onto the milk to keep layers separate. Pouring too quickly or using warm tea will cause the layers to mix.
Final Thoughts
This Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe has become such a favorite in my home—not just because of the gorgeous color, but because it’s something a little special that you can whip up quickly and enjoy mindfully. It’s fantastic both for a quiet moment alone or as a show-stopping drink to share with friends. Give it a try and see how adding a pop of blue can brighten your day—you might just find yourself making it over and over!
Print
Blue Butterfly Pea Latte Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 glass or cup 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion / Modern
Description
This enchanting Blue Latte recipe features the vibrant and naturally blue Butterfly Pea flower, creating a visually stunning and soothing drink perfect for both hot and iced enjoyment. Choose between using dried Butterfly Pea flowers or Butterfly Pea powder (Blue matcha) to brew a deep blue tea that is mixed with sweetened condensed milk and your choice of milk for a subtly sweet, creamy, and calming beverage. Whether served iced with beautiful layers or warmed up for cozy relaxation, this latte is an elegant and delightful treat.
Ingredients
Iced Butterfly Pea Blue Latte Ingredients
- 12 to 14 dried Butterfly pea flowers (or ½ tsp Butterfly pea powder)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water (heated to almost boiling)
- ¾ cup (170 ml) milk (any milk of choice)
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or any sweetener)
- Ice cubes
Hot Butterfly Pea Blue Latte Ingredients
- 8 to 10 dried Butterfly pea flowers (or ¼ tsp Butterfly pea powder)
- ¼ cup (50 ml) water (heated to almost boiling)
- ¾ cup (150 ml) milk (any milk of choice)
- ½ tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or any sweetener)
Instructions
- Steep the Butterfly Pea Tea: For iced latte, add 12 to 14 dried Butterfly pea flowers to ½ cup (120 ml) warm water that is almost boiling, stir gently and cover to steep for 7-8 minutes. For hot latte, use 8 to 10 flowers with ¼ cup (50 ml) warm water similarly. If using butterfly pea powder instead, whisk or blend the powder with the hot water until fully dissolved to avoid grit.
- Prepare Milk Mixture: For iced version, mix ¾ cup (170 ml) milk with 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk in a separate glass. For hot version, heat ¾ cup (150 ml) milk gently on medium to medium-low heat until steaming and gently boiling, then mix in ½ tbsp sweetened condensed milk thoroughly. Stir consistently while heating to prevent boiling over. Alternatively, microwave to heat milk.
- Strain and Cool Tea (Iced Latte only): After steeping, press and strain the Butterfly pea flowers to extract more color and remove flowers. Let the tea cool completely to keep the iced latte from diluting due to melting ice.
- Assemble Iced Blue Latte: Fill a glass ¾ full with ice cubes. Pour in the milk and sweetened condensed milk mixture up to ¾ of the glass. Slowly and gently pour the cooled Butterfly pea tea on top to create beautiful layers. Optionally, top with frothed milk, whipped cream, or ice cream and garnish with dried flowers or powder for extra flair.
- Assemble Hot Blue Latte: Pour the hot butterfly pea tea gently into the heated milk and sweetened condensed milk mixture in a cup. Stir well to combine. Optionally, top with frothed milk or blue foam made by steeping pea flowers or dissolving powder in milk then frothing.
- Enjoy and Serve Immediately: Serve the iced latte immediately to preserve the ice and layering effects. Hot latte is best enjoyed right away to experience its comforting warmth and rich color. Customize with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or chai masala added to milk while heating for additional warmth and aroma.
Notes
- Use a transparent glass or mug to appreciate the stunning deep blue color and layering effect of the iced latte.
- For precise measurements, pre-fill your glass or cup with milk to ¾ full before mixing to ensure proper layering.
- Ensure butterfly pea powder is completely dissolved to prevent gritty texture; use a whisk, blender, or shaking in a sealed jar.
- If storing blue tea in advance, keep it refrigerated and chilled to skip cooling time when preparing iced latte.
- Add warm spices (ground cinnamon, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger) to milk while heating for a spiced variation, especially suited for hot latte.
- Avoid letting milk boil over when heating on stovetop by stirring regularly and removing promptly when it starts to steam.
- Do not stir iced blue latte immediately if layering is desired; allow the drinker to mix gradually for visual and tasting enjoyment.
- Butterfly pea flowers should be well strained to avoid bits in the final drink.
- The recipe is easily adaptable to dairy-free or vegan diets by substituting milk and sweetened condensed milk with plant-based alternatives and sweeteners.
- For more creative presentation and garnishing ideas, such as blue milk foam or topping with whipped cream, consult the recipe’s stylistic suggestions.
- This latte is best served fresh to enjoy its vibrant color and flavor intensity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass/cup (approximately 330 ml for iced, 200 ml for hot)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 60 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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