Butterfly pea flower tea recipe, a vibrant blue drink that’s delicious, visually stunning and packed with health benefits. This natural blue beverage has been popular in Southeast Asia for centuries, where it’s treasured for its subtle flavor, floral tea benefits, and mesmerizing color-changing properties. This butterfly pea flower iced tea is known as color changing tea.
I am sharing with you how to make butterfly pea flower iced tea at home. I have been making this tea since past few years so I will share my tried and tested tips for the best iced tea recipe. I have shared another healthy drink known as Brazilian Mounjaro using butterfly pea flowers, that is a popular metabolic boosting drink.
Inspired from that natural mounjaro drink this color-changing butterfly pea flower lemonade that will impress your guests every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
- Mild, Refreshing Flavor: Butterfly pea flower iced tea has a mild, earthy taste—similar to green tea or chamomile—but with an even subtler profile. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a lighter caffeine-free herbal tea.
- Stunning Color-Changing Magic: One of the main reasons people fall in love with this color-changing tea is its ability to shift from a deep blue to a purple or pink hue when you add an acidic ingredient like lemon juice. This visual transformation is thanks to the anthocyanin-rich flowers from the Clitoria ternatea plant.
- Healthy Iced Tea Alternative: Since it’s a caffeine-free herbal infusion, you can enjoy it any time of day. Many also consider it a healthy iced tea alternative because of its antioxidant properties and lack of sugar (unless you choose to sweeten it).
- Perfect for Hot Days and Parties: As a refreshing summer drink with butterfly pea flower, it’s ideal for backyard barbecues, picnics, or simply lounging by the pool. The bright color and mild flavor also make it a show-stopping base for mocktails or cocktails.
What Is Butterfly Pea Flower?
The star of this recipe is the butterfly pea flower, also known by its botanical name, Clitoria ternatea. Native to Southeast Asia, this tropical flower tea is prized for its deep blue color, which comes from natural pigments in the petals. When steeped in hot water, you get a homemade blue tea that’s both Instagram-worthy and delicious.
- Butterfly blue pea tea is commonly used as a natural food coloring in desserts and drinks.
- It’s known for its floral tea benefits, particularly high in antioxidants (the anthocyanin-rich flowers).
- You can enjoy it hot or cold, but many people love making a blue pea flower iced tea version for warmer weather.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers: Essential for obtaining that vibrant blue drink. If you have access to fresh flowers, you can use them too—just slightly increase the quantity.
- Water: Filtered water is ideal for a cleaner taste.
- Sweetener (Optional): For an easy butterfly pea flower iced tea recipe, you can use sugar, honey, agave or maple syrup. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Diabetic option: You can either skip sweetener or use natural monk fruit sweetener which is diabetic friendly and zero calories.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): This is key if you want the color-changing tea effect. It also brightens the flavor.
Substitution Ideas
- If you prefer a naturally sweet flavor, try adding fruit syrups or infusing the tea with sliced fruits like strawberries or apples.
- You can also skip the sweetener entirely if you like a zero-sugar beverage.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
This step-by-step butterfly pea flower iced tea tutorial will walk you through making the best iced tea recipe using butterfly pea flowers. It’s a quick process that yields stunning results.
- Boil Water: Bring about 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. This initial hot water will help draw out the color and flavor from the flowers.
- Steep the Flowers: Place 1–2 tablespoons of dried butterfly pea flowers in a teapot or heatproof container.
- Pour the freshly boiled water over the flowers and let it steep for 5–7 minutes.
- The tea will turn a rich, deep blue as the anthocyanin-rich flowers release their color.
- Sweeten (Optional): For an easy butterfly pea flower iced tea recipe, stir in your preferred sweetener now.
- Taste as you go: you can always add more if needed.
- Cool the Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a pitcher. Add additional cold water or ice if you’d like to dilute it slightly.
- Add Lemon for a Color-Changing Twist: For a color-changing butterfly pea flower lemonade, squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Watch the vibrant blue drink turn a lovely purple or pink hue before your eyes.
- Serve Over Ice: Fill glasses with ice and pour the butterfly pea flower iced tea on top. Garnish with lemon wedges, mint leaves, or edible flowers for an extra pop of color.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Fruit-Infused Blue Tea: Add sliced oranges, strawberries, or blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Creamy Variation: Stir in a splash of coconut milk to create a layered latte effect.
- Mocktail or Cocktail Base: Turn your blue pea flower iced tea into a party drink by adding sparkling water or even a dash of gin or vodka for a grown-up treat.
- Color-Changing Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade: Mix equal parts lemonade with butterfly blue pea tea to get that Instagram-famous, two-tone layered drink.
FAQ & Troubleshooting
Why is my tea not blue?
You may need to add more flowers or let them steep longer. Also, ensure you’re not adding lemon or other acidic ingredients too soon.
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Absolutely. You’ll need about double the quantity of fresh flowers compared to dried for a rich color.
How do I store leftover tea?
Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. Stir or shake before serving to redistribute the color.
Is this tea safe for everyone?
Generally, Clitoria ternatea is considered safe. However, if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have specific health concerns, consult your healthcare provider before adding new herbal infusions to your diet.
Butterfly Blue Pea Flower Tea isn’t just a refreshing summer drink with butterfly pea flower it’s also a fun, interactive beverage that brings delight to any occasion. With its color-changing magic, mild flavor, and potential floral tea benefits, this herbal infusion is a must-try for tea enthusiasts and curious home bartenders alike.
Give it a go and don’t forget to share your creations on social media. Tag us in your photos so we can see your homemade blue tea in action. If you have any tips or favorite twists on this recipe, drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!
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Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea
Learn how to make a vibrant, caffeine-free Butterfly Blue Pea Flower Iced Tea. Refreshing, easy, and color-changing summer drink perfect for any occasion.
- 2 cups water filtered, if possible
- 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers Clitoria ternatea
- Sweetener optional: honey, sugar, or agave, to taste
- Ice cubes for serving
- 1/2 tsp Lemon juice optional: for a color-changing twist
Steep the Flowers
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Place the dried butterfly pea flowers in a teapot or heat-safe cup.
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Carefully pour the hot water over the anthocyanin-rich flowers and allow them to steep for 5–7 minutes, or until the tea turns a vibrant blue.
Sweeten & Cool
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Stir in your preferred sweetener while the tea is still warm, if desired.
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Let the tea cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a pitcher or container.
Optional Color-Changing Twist
Fruit Infusions: Add sliced strawberries or oranges for extra flavor and natural sweetness.
Creamy Version: Mix in a splash of coconut milk for a visually striking layered effect.
Cocktails/Mocktails: Turn this healthy iced tea alternative into a fun party drink by topping it with sparkling water or adding your favorite spirit.
Enjoy this vibrant blue drink as a refreshing summer treat or an eye-catching party beverage. Feel free to experiment with flavors and garnishes to make it your own!