Magical Butterfly Pea Milk Tea (Mermaid Latte)
Like something out of a fairytale, this Butterfly Pea Milk Tea recipe is a delicious, beautiful drink! Made either hot or cold, you can sip it anytime, and the magic color is sure to brighten anyone’s day.
This post was originally published on my other blog, Make Healthy Recipes, on April 8th, 2022.
I’ve loved making and enjoying Butterfly Pea Milk Tea at home. It’s a visually striking drink that turns a beautiful blue, and it tastes as good as it looks! This tea is perfect for a mid-afternoon refreshment or as a calming evening drink. The best part? This moon milk tea just as a great summer drink as it is in the cozy winter months.
Why you will love this recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items like milk and sweetener.
- Stunning Color: Naturally blue without any artificial colors.
- Kids Love it: Great for Halloween, Christmas, or Frozen the movie parties with Elsa and Anna!
- Versatile: Great as both a hot drink and an iced tea.
- Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and may boost brain health.
- Easy to Make: No complex steps, perfect for any skill level.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness or milk to taste.
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Butterfly Pea Flower Powder or Flowers: The star ingredient that gives butterfly pea flower tea its signature blue color. You can use either the powder or dried butterfly pea flowers.
- Hot Water: Needed to steep the tea properly. Ensure it’s hot to extract maximum color and flavor.
- Milk of Choice: Any kind works here, be it dairy or a plant-based option like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, depending on your preference.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweet, aromatic flavor. If unavailable, you could use almond extract for a different but equally delightful taste.
- Sweetener: Sugar, honey, simple syrup, or maple syrup can be used to sweeten the tea. Adjust the amount to match your preferred sweetness level.
- Ice Cubes: Optional, for making an iced version of the tea.
How to make this butterfly pea milk tea latte recipe
- Start by mixing the blue butterfly pea powder with hot water. If using dried flowers, place them in a tea bag or infuser and let them steep for up to 10 minutes. You’ll need enough water to cover the tea for this option.
- Add your chosen sweetener to the hot butterfly pea tea and stir until it dissolves completely.
For Iced Butterfly Pea Latte:
- Place ice cubes in a glass.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract.
- Pour in the milk of your choice until the glass is just over three-quarters full.
- Top with the sweetened blue tea and stir to combine everything.
For Hot Latte:
- Heat your milk and vanilla extract in a small saucepan on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Pour the warm milk into a mug.
- Add the blue tea and mix well to combine.
Tip: For an enchanting color change, add a splash of lemon juice, lime juice, or orange juice to the tea, which will shift the color to a beautiful purple due to the change in pH.
Recipe notes and tips
- Steeping Time for Tea Bag: To fully unleash the color and subtle flavors, allow the butterfly pea flowers to steep for at least 10 minutes.
- Color Change Fun: Experiment with the pH by adding different citrus juices, like lime juice or lemon, to see the tea change from blue to purple.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Tailor the sweetness of the blue latte to your liking. Start with less sweetener and add more if needed after tasting.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this tea in a clear glass to fully appreciate its vibrant color transformation, especially when serving guests.
- Temperature Matters: If you’re making a hot latte, make sure the milk is warm enough to maintain the tea’s temperature but not boiling to avoid altering the tea’s natural flavors.
Variations
- Tropical Twist: Add a splash of coconut milk and a few drops of pineapple juice for a tropical flavor.
- Creamy Delight: Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, more indulgent version.
- Spice It Up: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to add warmth and spice, perfect for cooler weather.
- Herbal Notes: Mix in a few leaves of mint or basil for a refreshing herbal undertone.
- Fruity Flavors: Blend in some mashed berries like blueberries or raspberries for added sweetness and a pop of color.
- Tea Fusion: Combine with green tea or herbal tea for an extra layer of flavor and added health benefits.
- Bubble Tea: It’s so fun to add tapioca pearls to this drink! Bubble tea is delicious, and the fun color of this moon milk makes boba teas that much more exciting!
Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Butterfly Pea Milk Tea in the refrigerator within two hours of preparation to keep it fresh.
- Airtight Container: Use an airtight container or a bottle to minimize exposure to air, which can affect the flavor and color of the tea.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored, the tea will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve Chilled: For the best flavor, serve the tea chilled. If it has settled or separated, give it a good stir or shake before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this tea with fresh butterfly pea flowers?
Yes, you can use fresh butterfly pea flowers if they are available. The steeping process remains the same, but you might find the color to be even more vibrant.
Is Butterfly Pea Milk Tea caffeinated?
Butterfly pea flowers are naturally caffeine-free, making this tea an excellent choice for those avoiding caffeine.
Can I heat the tea after it has been refrigerated?
Yes, you can reheat the tea gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just be sure not to boil it to preserve the delicate flavors and nutrients.
More tea recipes you will love
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Butterfly Pea Milk Tea Latte Recipe
Like something out of a fairytale, this Butterfly Pea Milk Tea recipe is a delicious, beautiful drink! Made either hot or cold, you can sip it anytime, and the magic colour is sure to brighten anyone's day.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp butterfly pea powder (also called blue matcha) or 1 tbsp butterfly pea flowers in a tea bag or infuser
- 1/2 cup boiled water
- 1-3 tsp sweetener sugar, honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- 400-600 ml milk of choice or water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ice cubes optional
Instructions
For an iced latte:
- Begin by mixing the butterfly pea powder with hot water. If you are using blue butterfly pea flowers, pop them in a reusable tea bag or infuser and steep them for up to 10 minutes.1 tsp butterfly pea powder, 1/2 cup boiled water
- Add your preferred sweetener to the hot tea water as well, and mix until it is dissolved.1-3 tsp sweetener
- Place ice cubes in a glass.Ice cubes
- Add vanilla extract and then the water or milk of your choice to the glass, filling it just over 3/4 full.1 tsp vanilla extract, 400-600 ml milk of choice or water
- Pour the sweetened blue tea into the glass and mix to combine.
For a hot latte:
- Begin by mixing the butterfly pea powder with hot plain water. I've tried it with both hot and cold water and it mixes much better with hot! If you are using blue pea flowers, pop them in a reusable tea bag or infuser and steep them for 10 minutes.1 tsp butterfly pea powder, 1/2 cup boiled water
- Warm your preferred milk up in a pot on the stove. I like to measure it by filling a glass almost full with milk and pouring it into a small saucepan to heat up.400-600 ml milk of choice or water
- Add your preferred sweetener and vanilla extract to the milk and stir until dissolved.1-3 tsp sweetener, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- When the milk is hot but not boiling, turn the heat off.
- Pour the warm milk into a mug followed by the blue tea, and mix to combine.
Notes
- Milk or water: The amount used will depend on your glass, but fill it up just over 3/4 full of milk or water.
- Nutritional info is for stevia and oat milk.
- Steeping Time for Tea Bag: To fully unleash the color and subtle flavors, allow the butterfly pea flowers to steep for at least 10 minutes.
- Color Change Fun: Experiment with the pH by adding different citrus juices, like lime juice or lemon, to see the tea change from blue to purple.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Tailor the sweetness of the blue latte to your liking. Start with less sweetener and add more if needed after tasting.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this tea in a clear glass to fully appreciate its vibrant color transformation, especially when serving guests.
- Temperature Matters: If you’re making a hot latte, make sure the milk is warm enough to maintain the tea’s temperature but not boiling to avoid altering the tea’s natural flavors.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Butterfly Pea Milk Tea in the refrigerator within two hours of preparation to keep it fresh.
- Airtight Container: Use an airtight container or a bottle to minimize exposure to air, which can affect the flavor and color of the tea.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored, the tea will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve Chilled: For the best flavor, serve the tea chilled. If it has settled or separated, give it a good stir or shake before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSodium: 96mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 416IUCalcium: 292mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!