Description
Butterfly pea tea (blue tea) is a stunning, naturally blue herbal drink made from butterfly pea flowers. This caffeine-free Thai beverage takes just 10 minutes to make and changes color to purple when you add lime or lemon juice. Rich in antioxidants with a mild, refreshing taste.
Ingredients
1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers (or 10–15 whole flowers)
2 cups water (freshly boiled)
Optional: 1-2 tsp honey, agave, or sweetener of choice
Optional: 1-2 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
Optional: Ice for serving
Optional: Fresh mint or ginger for extra flavor
Instructions
1. Boil 2 cups of water in a kettle or saucepan until it reaches a rolling boil.
2. Place 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers in a heat-safe container (like a Pyrex measuring cup or teapot).
3. Pour the hot water over the flowers. The water will immediately begin turning blue.
4. Use the back of a spoon to gently press and mash the flowers against the container for 3-5 minutes. This extracts maximum color and beneficial compounds. The longer you press, the deeper the blue.
5. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer to remove all flowers. Discard or compost the used flowers.
6. For hot tea: Add sweetener while hot and serve immediately.
7. For iced tea: Let cool to room temperature, then pour over ice.
8. For the color-changing effect: Add 1-2 tablespoons of lime or lemon juice per cup right before serving and watch it turn purple!
9. Store leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Notes
Use high-quality, food-grade dried butterfly pea flowers for best results and vibrant color.
The more flowers you use, the deeper the blue. For lighter blue, use fewer flowers (2-3 tablespoons).
Fresh butterfly pea flowers can be used if available—use about double the amount (1/2 cup fresh vs 1/4 cup dried).
This tea is naturally caffeine-free and can be enjoyed any time of day.
For a latte version: Use 1/2 cup flowers to make concentrated tea, then mix with equal parts milk of choice.
Pregnant women should consult their doctor before consuming butterfly pea tea.
The tea tastes very mild on its own—feel free to customize with your favorite sweeteners and flavors.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverages, Drinks, Herbal Tea, Wellness Drinks
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: Thai, Asian, Wellness
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
- Calories: 2
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 24mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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