If you’ve never tried Butterfly Pea Milk Tea, get ready for some serious magic in a glass. This drink is bright blue, turns purple when lemon hits it, and tastes as good as it looks.
It’s creamy, floral, a little tangy, and lightly sweet.
I fell in love with this tea in a cozy café overseas, and now I love making it at home whenever I want something pretty and refreshing.
Bonus? It’s super easy.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or any milk you like)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Why I Love This Recipe 💙
This tea always makes people pause and say, “Whoa, what is THAT?” But it’s not just a pretty face.
- The natural color change from blue to purple feels like science and art in one cup.
- It’s super easy to make and doesn’t need any fancy equipment.
- It’s refreshing, lightly sweet, and customizable.
- It’s great as a cool-down drink on warm days.
Servings & Time
- Servings: 1 tall glass
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Butterfly pea flowers contain anthocyanins, a natural plant pigment that changes color based on pH. When you add something acidic like lemon juice, the deep blue tea turns purple or pink—it’s totally safe, and totally cool.
Meal Plan Ideas
- Afternoon tea moment (makes a great Instagram shot, too)
- Serve it with a light salad or fruit plate
- Perfect paired with a little shortbread or mochi for a sweet treat
Common Mistakes
- Using water that’s too hot – This can dull the color. Stick to just-below-boiling.
- Adding lemon too early – Wait until the tea cools a bit so the ombré effect doesn’t get lost.
- Skipping the straining – You don’t want flower petals floating in your drink.
What to Serve With
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or mango
- Cookies (especially lemon or coconut flavors)
- Light pastries like mochi, madeleines, or a buttery croissant
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Tall clear glass
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Metal or glass straw (optional)
Substitutions & Variations
- Milk: Use oat, almond, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
- Sweetener: Try maple syrup or agave instead of honey
- Tea Base: Add jasmine tea or green tea to the butterfly pea flowers for extra flavor
- Iced Latte Style: Layer milk and tea over ice for a café look
Make Ahead Tips
- Steep and cool the butterfly pea tea ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can pre-mix milk with sweetener and lemon juice and keep that ready too.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Step 1: Boil Water
Ingredients: 1 cup water
What to do: Bring the water to a gentle boil in a small pot.
Step 2: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Ingredients: 1 cup hot water, 1 tbsp dried butterfly pea flowers
What to do: Turn off the heat, add the dried flowers, and let steep for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Strain and Sweeten
Ingredients: Steeped butterfly pea tea, 1 tsp honey
What to do: Strain the tea into a glass, stir in the honey, and let it cool.
Step 4: Add Ice and Milk
Ingredients: Cooled sweetened tea, ice cubes, 1/2 cup whole milk
What to do: Fill your glass with ice. Slowly pour the milk over the ice to make a layered effect.
Step 5: Add Lemon for Color Change
Ingredients: 1 tsp lemon juice
What to do: Gently pour lemon juice over the top. Watch it swirl from blue to purple!
Leftovers & Storage Tips
- Store leftover tea (before milk or lemon) in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Once milk and lemon are added, drink it the same day for best taste and texture.
- Keep it sealed to avoid fridge odors sneaking in.
FAQ
Q: Can I drink this hot?
A: Yes! Just skip the ice and serve warm after sweetening. The lemon will still change the color.
Q: Does it taste like regular tea?
A: It’s very mild and floral—not like black or green tea. More like a soft herbal blend.
Q: Is it safe to drink butterfly pea flower?
A: Absolutely. It’s caffeine-free and used traditionally in Southeast Asian cooking.
Time to Make Some Magic 🌈
That’s it! A little science, a little sweetness, and a whole lot of pretty. I hope this butterfly pea milk tea brings a little spark to your day. Try it out and leave a comment—I’d love to hear what you think or answer any questions you’ve got!