Ever wanted to sip on something that feels magical? This Blue Milk Tea, made with butterfly pea flowers, is not only stunningly vibrant but also naturally caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants. The deep, royal blue hue turns a dreamy lavender-purple when mixed with lemon or milk — making it a visual delight and a flavorful, soothing drink all at once.
This herbal tea is popular in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, where butterfly pea flowers are used in everything from drinks to desserts. In this version, we infuse the tea with vanilla, sweetener, and your choice of milk for a creamy, refreshing twist. Whether served hot or iced, it's perfect for relaxing afternoons or impressing guests.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 2 cups water
- 1½ tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers (or 2 butterfly pea tea bags)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk of choice (whole, oat, almond, or coconut milk)
- Ice cubes, for iced version
- Optional: lemon juice (for purple color shift)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Brew the Tea
- In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add butterfly pea flowers.
- Let steep for 5–7 minutes, or until the water turns a vibrant blue.
- Strain out the flowers and discard.
2. Flavor It
- Stir in vanilla extract and your sweetener of choice while the tea is still warm.
3. Chill or Serve Hot
- For iced milk tea: Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
- For hot tea: Pour into mugs and add warmed milk.
4. Add the Milk
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in half the brewed blue tea.
- Slowly pour milk over the back of a spoon for a layered effect.
- Stir before drinking to blend the colors into a dreamy purple hue.
Optional: Add a splash of lemon juice to the tea before adding milk for a color-changing effect!
🧊 Optional Add-Ins
- Tapioca pearls or boba for a bubble tea version
- Coconut cream for extra richness
- Lavender syrup for floral vibes
- Whipped cream on top for dessert-style presentation
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90–120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12–18g |
| Sugars | 10–15g |
| Fat | 2–5g |
| Protein | 2–4g |
| Caffeine | 0 mg |
| Antioxidants | High (from butterfly pea) |
Based on use of almond milk and 1 tablespoon honey.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Use warm milk if you want a cozy drink.
- Almond, coconut, and oat milk work beautifully and add different textures and flavors.
- Add lemon juice to turn the tea purple — perfect for parties and kids!
- Make a big batch and store the tea base in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✨ From My Kitchen
I fell in love with butterfly pea tea on a trip to Thailand, where it’s used in everything from cocktails to rice! This blue milk tea is my favorite twist on a classic herbal brew — it’s calming, customizable, and a great caffeine-free alternative for evenings. Plus, it’s so Instagram-worthy. 💙
Serve it with a few edible flowers or a drizzle of lavender syrup, and you’ve got a drink that’s just as stunning as it is soothing.
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