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
Scale
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
