There’s something truly enchanting about a drink that looks like a swirling ocean or a clear summer sky. Enter Butterfly Pea Milk Tea, a naturally vibrant blue beverage that blends the delicate floral notes of butterfly pea flowers with the richness of milk and a sweet, tea-forward base. This iced drink is a visual stunner and a gentle pick-me-up, ideal for any season.
Whether you’re whipping it up for a relaxing afternoon, a social media-worthy moment, or simply to enjoy its gentle flavor, this American-style twist on a Southeast Asian classic is an indulgent treat with a healthy edge.
Why You’ll Love Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
- Stunning color: That mesmerizing blue hue is 100% natural.
- Floral and sweet: Jasmine tea pairs beautifully with butterfly pea’s earthy notes.
- Customizable: Sweeten it your way or add boba for a bubble tea version.
- Mood-boosting: Butterfly pea flower is known for its calming, antioxidant-rich properties.
What is Butterfly Pea Flower Tea?
Butterfly pea flowers come from the Clitoria ternatea plant, native to Southeast Asia. When steeped, the flowers create a bright blue infusion. Their flavor is mild, slightly earthy, and herbal—similar to chamomile or green tea. When mixed with acids like lemon, it even changes color to purple, making it a favorite for magical-looking drinks and cocktails.
This Butterfly Pea Milk Tea combines that botanical wonder with fragrant jasmine tea and milk for a smooth, relaxing experience you can sip slowly over ice.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
Tea Base
- 3 tbsp jasmine tea
- 1 tbsp butterfly pea flower tea
- ¾ cup hot water (divided)
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
To Assemble
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Ice cubes
How to Make Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Step 1: Steep the Jasmine Tea
In a heat-safe container, add 3 tablespoons of jasmine tea to ½ cup of hot water. Let it steep for 5 minutes, then strain the liquid and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Add 1 tablespoon of butterfly pea flower tea to about 2 tablespoons of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and set aside. The resulting liquid should be a deep, vibrant blue.
Step 3: Build the Drink
In a small pitcher or glass, combine 100 ml of the jasmine tea base with the butterfly pea flower infusion. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully dissolved.
Add a glass full of ice cubes and pour the milk over top, letting the layers swirl together for a beautiful gradient of blue and creamy white.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Sip immediately with a straw or stir to fully blend. Enjoy the delicate floral taste with a sweet, milky finish.
Optional Variations
- Make it purple: Add a splash of lemon juice to the butterfly pea tea before mixing. The acidity transforms the blue into a lovely purple!
- Turn it into bubble tea: Add tapioca pearls to the bottom of your glass before pouring the drink over.
- Use flavored milk: Try vanilla almond milk or coconut milk for added dimension.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a lighter version, use honey or agave instead of condensed milk.
Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower
- Rich in antioxidants: Helps neutralize harmful free radicals.
- May reduce stress: Traditionally used in Ayurveda for calming effects.
- Supports skin and hair health: Thanks to its high flavonoid content.
- Naturally caffeine-free: Perfect for late afternoons or unwinding.
Combined with jasmine tea, which can help boost metabolism and support heart health, this drink becomes a functional treat as well as a beautiful one.
What to Serve with Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Pair this cooling, lightly sweet drink with:
- Crispy tea cookies or shortbread
- Fruit platters featuring mango, pineapple, or berries
- Savory snacks like spring rolls or rice crackers
- Brunch favorites like pancakes or crepes
It’s also a wonderful non-alcoholic option for tea parties or summer celebrations.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Steep ahead: Make your jasmine and butterfly pea tea up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Assemble fresh: For the best color contrast and taste, assemble right before serving.
- Avoid milk curdling: Don’t mix citrus with milk in advance—if you want a color change, use plant-based milk to prevent curdling.
From My Kitchen to Yours
The first time I made Butterfly Pea Milk Tea, I was stunned by how beautiful it looked—and even more surprised at how calming and refreshing it tasted. It’s since become one of my favorite drinks to serve when I want to impress guests or treat myself to a little afternoon escape.
You don’t need fancy equipment or exotic ingredients to bring this blue beauty to life. Just a few pantry staples, a handful of flowers, and a little steeping time. The result? A glass that looks like a dreamy ocean tide and tastes like a floral cloud.
Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 3 tbsp jasmine tea
- 1 tbsp butterfly pea flower tea
- ¾ cup hot water divided
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
To Assemble
- 1 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Step 1: Steep the Jasmine Tea
- In a heat-safe container, add 3 tablespoons of jasmine tea to ½ cup of hot water. Let it steep for 5 minutes, then strain the liquid and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
- Add 1 tablespoon of butterfly pea flower tea to about 2 tablespoons of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and set aside. The resulting liquid should be a deep, vibrant blue.
Step 3: Build the Drink
- In a small pitcher or glass, combine 100 ml of the jasmine tea base with the butterfly pea flower infusion. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully dissolved.
- Add a glass full of ice cubes and pour the milk over top, letting the layers swirl together for a beautiful gradient of blue and creamy white.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Sip immediately with a straw or stir to fully blend. Enjoy the delicate floral taste with a sweet, milky finish.
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