As I sipped on my latest obsession, the beautiful Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea, I was instantly transported to a sunny garden in full bloom. This gorgeous drink sparkles with a vibrant blue hue, making it not only a refreshing summer beverage but also a feast for the eyes. Made effortlessly with honey-sweetened butterfly pea flower tea and topped with a light, velvety cold foam, it’s the perfect remedy for those sweltering hot days. Plus, the fun twist comes when you mix the foam in, transforming the color to a lovely lavender. With its easy preparation and naturally colorful appeal, this iced tea is sure to impress at your next gathering or become your go-to for home refreshment. Are you curious about how this delightful drink comes together? Let’s dive in!
Why is Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea Special?
Visually Stunning: This iced tea is a showstopper with its mesmerizing blue hue, sure to impress friends and family.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this beautiful drink in no time—perfect for those busy summer days.
Naturally Sweetened: The blend of honey and maple syrup provides a delightful sweetness without any refined sugars, making it a healthier option.
Fun Color Change: Watch as the magic unfolds when you mix in the cold foam, transforming the drink into a lovely lavender hue that’s bound to spark conversations.
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to switch up the flavors by adding ingredients like mint or ginger, or experiment with different sweeteners to suit your taste. Serve this iced tea at your next picnic alongside some Roasted Cauliflower Perfection for a refreshing meal!
Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea Ingredients
For the Iced Tea
- Butterfly Pea Flower Tea – Provides a stunning natural blue color and unique floral flavor; easily found online or in specialty stores.
- Honey – Adds a lovely natural sweetness; can be substituted with agave nectar for a vegan option.
- Maple Syrup – Enhances flavor with a hint of caramel sweetness; feel free to replace it with more honey or a sugar alternative.
- Ice – Essential for keeping your tea refreshingly chilled.
For the Cold Foam
- Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, decadent foam; non-dairy cream can be used for a vegan-friendly version.
- 2% Milk – Dilutes the cream to create a lighter foam; almond or oat milk are perfect substitutes if preferred.
- Vanilla Extract – Contributes a wonderful flavor; optional if you want to keep the foam more cream-forward.
- Salt – Enhances the sweetness of the cold foam; can be omitted based on personal preference.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea
Step 1: Prepare Tea
Begin by boiling 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from heat and add 2 tablespoons of butterfly pea flower tea. Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes, giving it a beautiful deep blue color. After steeping, strain the tea into a pitcher to remove the flowers, then let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Add Sweetener
While the butterfly pea flower tea is still warm, stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. This will help the sweeteners dissolve more effectively. Mix until fully integrated, allowing the natural sweetness to enhance the tea’s floral notes. Once combined, set the pitcher aside to cool further or place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Chill
Once your butterfly pea flower tea is cool, transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 1 hour until it’s completely cold. This step is essential for achieving that refreshing iced tea experience, so enjoy the anticipation of this delicious drink as it cools.
Step 4: Make Cold Foam
In a frothing jug, combine ½ cup of heavy cream, ¼ cup of 2% milk, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a hand frother or whisk, froth the mixture until it thickens into a smooth, airy foam—about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip it, as you want a pourable consistency that holds a light texture.
Step 5: Serve
To serve your butterfly pea flower iced tea, fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled tea over the ice until the glass is nearly full, then generously spoon the cold foam on top. As you mix the foam into the tea, watch in delight as the color transforms into a beautiful lavender hue, creating a stunning presentation.
Expert Tips for Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea
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Perfect Foam Consistency: Stop frothing at the right time—aim for a thick yet pourable foam. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust.
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Experiment with Citrus: Adding a splash of lemon or lime can enhance your butterfly pea flower iced tea’s flavor and alter its color to pink or deep indigo, respectively.
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Prep Ahead: Make cold foam in advance and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Shake it before using to re-mix and maintain its light texture.
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Customize Your Sweetness: Don’t hesitate to play around with sweeteners! Substitute honey or maple syrup with options like stevia or simple syrup based on your taste preferences.
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Garnish Wisely: Elevate the drink’s visual appeal by garnishing with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. This gives your iced tea an extra touch of elegance for gatherings.
Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting twists for your butterfly pea flower iced tea, igniting your creativity and taste buds!
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical flair that enhances the drink’s overall palate.
- Sweetener Swap: Use agave nectar or stevia if you’re looking for a different type of sweetness or aiming for a vegan option.
- Flavor Boost: Infuse with fresh mint or ginger slices while steeping for an invigorating twist that packs a refreshingly zingy punch.
- Citrus Additions: Squeeze in a splash of lemon or lime juice to create a vibrant flavor and colorful transformation to pink or indigo.
- Fruity Fusion: Mix in a splash of pineapple or orange juice just before serving for a fun fruity layer that brightens the tea.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the foam for those who like a little heat; it adds an unexpected and tantalizing contrast.
- Herbal Infusion: Incorporate herbs like basil or lemongrass in your tea steeping process for a delightful herbal note that complements the floral essence.
- Iced Latte Style: For coffee lovers, blend in a shot of espresso to your tea, creating a delightful iced tea/latte hybrid that’s bold yet refreshing.
Experiment with these variations while enjoying the delightful elements of your Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea, and consider pairing it with some Roasted Cauliflower Flavorful for a complete meal experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can brew and refrigerate the tea up to 3 days in advance for a refreshing drink at your fingertips. Simply prepare the tea according to the directions and let it chill in the refrigerator. Additionally, the cold foam can be made ahead and stored in a sealed container for up to 3 days as well; just give it a gentle shake before serving to bring back that airy texture. When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled tea over ice and top it with the prepared cold foam, ensuring that you’ll enjoy this delightful drink with minimal effort and maximum refreshment!
Storage Tips for Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea
Fridge: Store brewed butterfly pea flower iced tea in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh, maximizing both flavor and vibrant color.
Cold Foam: The cold foam can be prepared in advance and kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good shake before serving to re-mix.
Serving Temperature: For the perfect refreshment, always serve your iced tea chilled. If it warms up, simply add more ice to restore that frosty delight.
Avoid Freezing: It’s best not to freeze the iced tea; doing so may affect the delicate flavor and color. Enjoy it fresh for the ultimate taste experience!
What to Serve with Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea?
Elevate your summer gatherings by complementing this vibrant drink with delicious accompaniments that dazzle both the palate and the eye.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These light, crunchy bites filled with fresh vegetables add delightful texture and a refreshing crunch, making for a perfect pairing.
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Zesty Citrus Salad: A mixed citrus salad with a dollop of honey dressing brightens your meal while enhancing the floral notes of the iced tea.
The freshness of oranges, grapefruits, and mint works wonders, balancing the sweetness beautifully. -
Savory Quiche: A slice of herb-infused quiche brings rich, savory flavors to the table, creating a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the iced tea.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy shrimp seasoned with lemon and herbs will satisfy your taste buds while complementing the drink’s colorful appeal.
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Lemonade Sorbet: This refreshing, icy treat is a wonderful way to serve something sweet alongside the tea, enhancing the summery vibe of your gathering.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The rich chocolate balances the floral notes of the butterfly pea flower iced tea, offering a decadent yet refreshing treat.
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Sparkling Water with Mint: A bubbly sparkling water with fresh mint will cleanse your palate and elevate the summer drink experience.
Its effervescence mirrors the visual delight of the iced tea! -
Cheese and Charcuterie Board: An assortment of cheeses with seasonal fruits provides a fun, interactive way to indulge while ensuring each sip of tea is well-balanced.
Artfully arrange some nuts and honey for that added touch of elegance.
Pair these delightful accompaniments with your Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea for a feast that’s vibrant, refreshing, and utterly memorable!
Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butterfly pea flower tea?
Absolutely! When selecting butterfly pea flower tea, look for vibrant blue petals free from dark spots or debris; high-quality tea will often be whole flowers rather than cut pieces. You can find it at specialty tea shops or online.
How should I store brewed butterfly pea flower iced tea?
To maintain freshness, store your brewed butterfly pea flower iced tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll keep its beautiful color and delightful flavor intact.
Can I freeze butterfly pea flower iced tea?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing your iced tea, as it may lose its vibrant color and complex flavors upon thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh or prepare it a day ahead, storing it in the fridge for a refreshing make-ahead option.
What if my cold foam is too thick?
Very! If you’ve whipped your cold foam too thick, simply add a splash of milk—start with about 1 tablespoon and whisk gently until you reach a pourable consistency. This ensures the lovely, airy texture you want without turning it into whipped cream.
Is this tea safe for pets or allergy sufferers?
Absolutely! Butterfly pea flower tea is generally safe for most pets, but always consult with a vet for specific concerns. For people with allergies, ensure you’re using allergy-friendly alternatives in your recipe, such as non-dairy cream for those with lactose intolerance.
Can I customize the sweetness in butterfly pea flower iced tea?
Very! Feel free to modify the sweetness to your liking; you can use sugar alternatives like stevia, agave nectar, or adjust the amount of honey and maple syrup in the recipe. It’s all about making it perfect for your taste buds!
Transform Your Summer with Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of butterfly pea flower tea. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain into a pitcher.
- While tea is warm, stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Mix until fully integrated. Set aside to cool.
- Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- In a frothing jug, combine ½ cup of heavy cream, ¼ cup of 2% milk, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Froth until thickened.
- Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled tea, and add the cold foam on top. Mix to watch the color change to lavender.