Ingredients
1-2 teaspoons Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
1 cup (8 oz) Water (just off the boil, ~200°F/93°C)
1/2 – 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon or lime juice (for color change)
1-2 teaspoons Honey or simple syrup (to taste)
Ice cubes (for serving iced)
Instructions
1. Heat the Water: Bring filtered water to a simmer (~200°F/93°C).
2. Steep: Place flowers in a teapot or pitcher. Pour hot water over them and steep for 5-7 minutes until a brilliant blue hue is achieved.
3. Strain: Carefully strain the tea to remove the flowers and discard them.
4. Customize and Serve: Stir in sweetener while warm if desired. For the color-changing effect, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving to turn the tea from blue to purple. Serve hot or pour over ice.
Notes
Pro-Tips:
• Steep for 3-5 minutes for a delicate flavor, or 7-10 minutes for a more robust color.
• Do not use boiling water; 200°F is ideal to avoid a grassy, bitter taste.
• Make a concentrated batch to store in the fridge for up to 3 days for quick iced tea.
• Use this tea as a base for mocktails or cocktails to create stunning color gradients.
Variations:
• Butterfly Pea Latte: Use steamed milk instead of water for a soothing lavender-colored latte.
• Citrus & Herb: Steep with slices of orange/grapefruit and sprigs of rosemary or thyme.
• Spiced: Add a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, or ginger slice while steeping.
- Prep Time: 2
- Cook Time: 7
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Steep
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
- Diet: Vegan