If you’re searching for a magical and refreshing drink that dazzles the eye and delights the palate, the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is an absolute must-try. This striking beverage features the vibrant blue hue of butterfly pea flowers, transformed into a smooth latte with sweet vanilla cream swirling beautifully through every sip. It’s simple to make, incredibly soothing, and a perfect conversation starter for warm afternoons or anytime you want a cool, comforting treat that feels like an enchanting secret shared between friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this charming Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients that work harmoniously to bring out the tea’s floral notes, creaminess, and natural sweetness. Each one is essential, so your latte comes together flawlessly every time.
- Butterfly pea flower tea bag: This is what gives the drink its signature deep blue color and mild floral taste.
- Water: Using filtered and properly heated water ensures the tea steeps perfectly without bitterness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness that balances the floral notes beautifully.
- Half & half: Provides luscious creaminess that makes this latte rich but not heavy.
- Vanilla extract: A splash infuses warmth and depth into the sweet cream mixture.
- Ice: Keeps the latte chilled and keeps the swirling effect of the cream stunning to watch.
How to Make Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Steep the Tea
Start by bringing your water to a gentle boil, ideally at about 180°F to avoid burning the delicate butterfly pea flowers. Using filtered water enhances the clarity and flavor of your tea. Place your butterfly pea flower tea bag into a teapot and pour the hot water over it. Let it steep for around 5 minutes to fully extract the rich color and subtle floral aromas, then set it aside to cool. Patience here pays off with a tea that’s deeply blue and delicately flavored, the perfect base for the latte.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Vanilla Cream
While the tea cools, mix together the half & half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir gently until smooth and well combined. This creamy sweet mixture will contrast beautifully with the tea’s floral brightness, and its vanilla notes add a lovely warmth that elevates the entire drink from simple to exceptional.
Step 3: Assemble the Latte
Fill a glass with fresh ice cubes and pour your cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice. Now slowly drizzle the vanilla sweet cream on top of the tea. Watch in awe as the cream swirls around, creating a mesmerizing gradient of blues and creamy whites before settling at the bottom. This visual effect is one of the standout charms of the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe, making every glass a little work of art.
How to Serve Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
Garnishes
To add some extra flair, try garnishing with a few edible flowers or a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the cream. These tiny touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also introduce subtle layers of aroma and flavor that enrich the drinking experience.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs wonderfully with light, crisp snacks like buttery shortbread cookies, lemon bars, or almond biscotti. The mild floral and creamy sweetness complements these treats perfectly, turning your teatime into a delightful mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe in a clear glass to showcase the stunning color gradients. For a special occasion, layer the ingredients in a tall glass and add a reusable fancy straw, or even float a thin slice of lemon on top—its acidic burst transforms the vibrant blue into a magical purple, offering a fun twist of color and flavor to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep the brewed butterfly pea flower tea refrigerated in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 days. It’s best to prepare the sweet vanilla cream fresh before serving to maintain its silky texture and flavor.
Freezing
The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea itself can be frozen as ice cubes and later added to smoothies or new cold tea concoctions. However, freezing the vanilla cream mixture is not recommended, as it can separate and alter its silky consistency.
Reheating
This drink is naturally enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t generally suggested. If you want a warm version, prepare fresh tea and heat it gently; then add warmed half & half and condensed milk, but skip the ice to keep that comforting warmth intact.
FAQs
Can I use loose butterfly pea flowers instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Using loose flowers works wonderfully; just use about 1 tablespoon per cup of water and steep for around 5 to 7 minutes. Strain well before cooling for the best taste and clarity.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute with a mix of regular milk and sugar or honey, but the sweetness and creaminess level might vary slightly. Condensed milk gives this latte its signature rich texture that’s hard to replicate exactly.
Is there any other milk alternative I can use?
Yes, you can swap half & half with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option. The flavor will change subtly, but it’s a delicious way to customize the latte for your taste and dietary needs.
How long does the iced butterfly pea flower latte keep its blue color?
The blue color stays vibrant as long as the tea remains at room temperature or cooler, but exposure to acidic ingredients like lemon can turn it purple. Keep the latte refrigerated to preserve its stunning hue for the best presentation.
Can I make this drink less sweet?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your liking. Starting with a teaspoon less and tasting as you go is a great way to find your perfect sweetness balance.
Final Thoughts
Making this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a joyful experience that brings a bit of wonder into your day. Its eye-catching colors, comforting creaminess, and delicate floral notes are sure to become a favorite go-to whenever you want to sip something truly special. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with this enchanting iced latte as much as I have!
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Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte Recipe
A visually stunning and refreshing iced latte made with butterfly pea flower tea, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla-infused cream. This caffeine-free drink features a beautiful blue to creamy gradient swirl, perfect for a delightful cool beverage on warm days.
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
- 1 tea bag butterfly pea flower
- ¾ cup water
Sweet Vanilla Cream
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Boil Water: Use water that is at a slow boil (around 180°F), not boiling hot. Filtered water is preferred for the best taste. If using an electric kettle with temperature setting, set it to 180°F to avoid overheating the tea.
- Steep Tea: Place the butterfly pea flower tea bag into a teapot and pour the hot water over it. Let it steep for 5 minutes to extract a vibrant blue color and flavor. Set the tea aside to cool completely before preparing the latte.
- Prepare Sweet Vanilla Cream: In a separate container, combine half & half, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to mix and create a smooth sweet cream.
- Assemble Latte: Fill a serving cup with 1 cup of ice. Pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the ice. Slowly pour the sweet vanilla cream on top. The cream will swirl artfully creating a gradient effect and then settle to the bottom, offering a beautiful layered appearance.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, chill the half & half mixture before adding.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
- Use fresh filtered water to enhance the flavor clarity of the butterfly pea tea.
- Drink immediately to enjoy the pleasing color swirl before it fully blends.
- Can be served without ice for a warmer variation but traditional is iced.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
