Description of this recipe: This Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is a visually stunning and delightfully refreshing beverage. Made with vibrant butterfly pea flower tea, creamy milk, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a perfect treat for a hot day or a unique twist on your usual latte. The optional addition of lemon juice adds a magical color-changing effect, turning the vibrant blue tea into a beautiful purple hue.
Why you will love this recipe: This latte is not only visually appealing but also offers a subtle, earthy flavor that is both calming and invigorating. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment. Plus, the butterfly pea flower is known for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties. This recipe allows you to customize the sweetness and milk type to your liking, making it a versatile and personalized drink. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is sure to become a favorite.
Introduction
The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. The mesmerizing color transformation, the delicate floral aroma, and the creamy, smooth texture all combine to create a truly special beverage. Butterfly pea flowers, also known as Clitoria ternatea, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a natural food coloring. Their vibrant blue hue comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that are said to have numerous health benefits.
This recipe embraces the beauty and versatility of butterfly pea flowers, transforming them into a refreshing and visually stunning latte. The steeping process extracts the vibrant color and subtle earthy flavor from the flowers, creating a base for the drink. The addition of milk adds creaminess and a smooth texture, while a touch of sweetness balances the flavors. The optional addition of lemon juice creates a magical color change, turning the blue tea into a vibrant purple, adding an element of surprise and delight.
This latte is perfect for any occasion. Serve it at a summer brunch, a garden party, or simply enjoy it as a relaxing afternoon treat. It’s a conversation starter, a visual delight, and a deliciously refreshing beverage that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp dried butterfly pea flowers or 5-6 fresh butterfly pea flowers (or 1 butterfly pea tea bag) more for garnish
- 1 cup hot water (filtered is preferable for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, like almond, coconut, or oat milk) Choose your favorite! Different milks will offer different textures and flavors.
- 1-2 tsp honey or sweetener of your choice (optional) Adjust to your preferred sweetness level. Agave, maple syrup, or simple syrup work well too.
- Ice cubes (as needed) Use filtered water to make your ice for a cleaner taste.
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for color change effect) Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for the most vibrant color change.
Preparation:
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
In a heatproof cup or small teapot, combine the dried or fresh butterfly pea flowers (or tea bag) with the hot water. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes. The longer you steep, the more intense the color will be. However, avoid over-steeping, as it can sometimes result in a slightly bitter taste. Use a kitchen timer to ensure accuracy. During this time, you’ll notice the water transforming into a beautiful, deep blue color.
Step 2: Strain and Cool the Tea
Once the tea has steeped, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or remove the tea bag to separate the flowers from the liquid. This will ensure a smooth and clear tea base for your latte. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before proceeding. Adding hot tea directly to ice can melt the ice quickly and dilute the flavor. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the strained tea in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Step 3: Sweeten the Tea (Optional)
If you prefer a sweeter latte, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey or your preferred sweetener while the tea is still warm. This allows the sweetener to dissolve completely, ensuring a smooth and even sweetness throughout the drink. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your personal taste. Remember that the milk will also contribute to the overall sweetness of the latte.
Step 4: Froth the Milk
In a separate container, froth the milk using your preferred method. A milk frother is the easiest and most efficient way to create a light and airy foam. If you don’t have a milk frother, you can shake the milk vigorously in a tightly sealed jar or shaker until it becomes foamy. Alternatively, you can use a blender to make the cold milk foamy. Just blend on high speed for a few seconds until the milk doubles in volume and becomes frothy. The type of milk you use will affect the quality of the foam. Dairy milk typically froths the best, but oat milk is a close second.
Step 5: Assemble the Latte
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice, leaving some space at the top for the milk. Slowly add the frothy milk to the tea, creating a layered effect. Pour the milk gently to maintain the separation between the tea and the milk. For a more blended latte, you can stir the tea and milk together.
Step 6: Add Lemon Juice (Optional)
If desired, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the latte. Watch as the vibrant blue tea transforms into a beautiful purple hue. This is a fun and visually appealing touch that adds a hint of tartness to the drink. The color change is due to the acidity of the lemon juice reacting with the anthocyanins in the butterfly pea flower.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
You can garnish the drink with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers for an extra touch of elegance. Add a few ice cubes for extra cooling. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte! You can also add a straw for easy sipping.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a refreshing afternoon treat or dessert beverage.
- Pair with light snacks such as fruit, cookies, or pastries.
- Garnish with fresh or dried butterfly pea flowers for an elegant presentation.
- Serve at a summer brunch, garden party, or special occasion.
- Offer different milk and sweetener options to cater to individual preferences.
Tips:
- Use filtered water for the best flavor.
- Adjust the steeping time to control the intensity of the tea’s flavor and color.
- Experiment with different milk types to find your favorite combination.
- Add a pinch of ginger or a few mint leaves to the tea while steeping for added flavor.
- Prepare the tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and easy latte.
- Use a clear glass to showcase the beautiful color transformation.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk.
- For a sweeter latte, add a touch of honey, agave, or simple syrup.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
7 minutes
Total Time:
12 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate, will vary depending on ingredients used)
Calories: 50-100 (depending on milk and sweetener) Protein: 1-3g (depending on milk used) Sodium: 10-50mg (depending on milk used)
Conclusion
The Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte is a delightful and visually stunning beverage that is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and offers a unique twist on the classic latte. The combination of the vibrant blue tea, creamy milk, and optional lemon juice creates a harmonious blend of flavors and colors that is both refreshing and captivating. Whether you’re a seasoned tea drinker or new to the world of butterfly pea flowers, this recipe is a must-try. So go ahead, indulge in this magical concoction and experience the beauty and flavor of the Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte. It’s a drink that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use regular tea instead of butterfly pea flower tea?
A: While you can technically use other types of tea, the key element of this recipe is the butterfly pea flower tea’s unique color and subtle flavor. Regular tea, like black or green tea, will not produce the same vibrant blue color or the magical color-changing effect when lemon juice is added. If you’re looking for a similar visual appeal, you might explore other naturally colored teas, but the taste and experience will be different. For example, hibiscus tea offers a red hue, though it’s tangier than butterfly pea flower tea. The butterfly pea flower’s mild earthiness pairs exceptionally well with the milk and optional lemon.
Q2: Can I make this latte ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the butterfly pea flower tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great way to save time when you want to quickly assemble the latte. However, I recommend frothing the milk and adding the lemon juice (if using) just before serving to maintain the best texture and visual appeal. The frothed milk can deflate over time, and the color change effect is most striking when observed immediately after adding the lemon juice. Assembling the latte fresh ensures the most vibrant colors and optimal flavor.
Q3: What is the best type of milk to use for this recipe?
A: The best type of milk to use is entirely up to your personal preference! Dairy milk, especially whole milk, will create the richest and creamiest latte with the most stable foam. However, plant-based milks like almond, coconut, and oat milk also work well. Oat milk is often praised for its ability to create a decent foam, while almond milk offers a lighter flavor. Coconut milk will impart a subtle coconut flavor to the latte. Experiment with different milk types to find your favorite combination. Keep in mind that some plant-based milks may be thinner than dairy milk, so you may need to adjust the amount you use to achieve your desired consistency.
Q4: Where can I find butterfly pea flowers?
A: Butterfly pea flowers are becoming increasingly popular and can be found in various locations. You can often find them at Asian grocery stores, specialty tea shops, and online retailers like Amazon. Look for dried butterfly pea flowers, fresh butterfly pea flowers (if in season), or butterfly pea flower tea bags. When purchasing dried flowers, make sure they are from a reputable source to ensure their quality and safety. Fresh flowers are best when used immediately, while dried flowers can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for several months.
Q5: What are the potential health benefits of butterfly pea flowers?
A: Butterfly pea flowers are rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that are said to have several potential health benefits. These benefits include reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, improving cognitive function, and promoting healthy skin and hair. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits. Butterfly pea flower tea is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts, but if you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional. While this latte is a delightful treat, it shouldn’t be considered a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle.
