Easy Blue Milk Tea (Butterfly Pea Latte) – Stunning and Simple

Bright, vibrant, and soothing, Blue Milk Tea — also known as Butterfly Pea Latte — has become a social media sensation. Its magical blue-to-purple color changes with a squeeze of lemon and creates a stunning visual for your morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

This recipe is easy, approachable, and requires only a few ingredients, making it perfect for home brewing. No tea shop needed — just hot water, butterfly pea flowers, milk, and a sweetener of your choice.

Whether you’re serving it at brunch, a cozy afternoon, or a small gathering, this Butterfly Pea Latte is both a visual and flavorful treat.


Why You’ll Love This Blue Milk Tea

  • Quick and easy — ready in under 10 minutes
  • Vibrant blue color with natural floral flavor
  • Dairy or plant-based milk friendly
  • Customizable sweetness and flavor
  • Eye-catching drink perfect for photos or entertaining

Ingredients

For Blue Milk Tea (Butterfly Pea Latte)

  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1–2 tsp dried butterfly pea flowers
  • ½–1 tsp honey, sugar, or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • ¾ cup milk or plant-based milk
  • Optional: lemon juice for color change
  • Optional: edible flowers or lavender for garnish

Instructions

1. Brew the Butterfly Pea Tea

Pour hot water over dried butterfly pea flowers. Let steep for 3–5 minutes until the water turns deep blue. Strain flowers and keep the tea hot.

2. Sweeten the Tea

Add honey, sugar, or simple syrup to taste while the tea is warm. Stir until fully dissolved.

3. Heat the Milk

Warm your choice of milk on the stove or with a milk frother until steaming. Optional: froth milk for a creamy latte texture.

4. Assemble the Latte

Pour the sweetened butterfly pea tea into a mug. Gently pour steamed milk over the tea, creating a layered effect.

5. Optional Color Change

Add a few drops of lemon juice to see the blue shift to purple — a magical, photogenic touch.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top with edible flowers, lavender, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately.


Tips for the Perfect Butterfly Pea Latte

  • Use fresh, high-quality dried butterfly pea flowers for the best color and flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness to preference — start with less, add more gradually.
  • Layer the milk slowly for a visually appealing latte effect.
  • Add lemon juice after pouring milk to see the color change without affecting the layering.
  • Can be served hot or iced — simply chill tea and add ice for a cold version.

Variations

Iced Blue Latte

Chill brewed tea, pour over ice, then layer milk for a refreshing cold drink.

Lavender Infused

Add a pinch of dried lavender to the steeped tea for extra floral aroma.

Vanilla Butterfly Pea Latte

Add ½ tsp vanilla extract to the milk before frothing for a creamy, sweet twist.

Matcha Blue Latte

Combine a small amount of matcha powder with milk for a layered green-blue latte.


Health Benefits

  • Butterfly pea flowers are rich in antioxidants.
  • Naturally caffeine-free, making it suitable for evenings or children.
  • Pairs well with light meals, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Fun Facts

  • Butterfly pea flowers are native to Southeast Asia.
  • The flowers contain anthocyanins, pigments that change color with pH.
  • This drink is popular in Thailand and Malaysia as “Nam Dok Anchan”.

Easy Blue Milk Tea (Butterfly Pea Latte)

A vibrant, floral milk tea made with butterfly pea flowers, steamed milk, and sweetener for a magical blue-to-purple latte.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Beverage, Refreshment
Cuisine: Asian, Modern Fusion
Calories: 70

Ingredients
  

Tea Base
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1-2 tsp dried butterfly pea flowers
  • 0.5-1 tsp honey or sugar adjust to taste
  • 0.75 cup milk or plant-based milk
  • lemon juice optional, for color change
  • edible flowers or lavender for garnish

Equipment

  • Kettle or pot
  • Strainer
  • Mug
  • Milk frother or saucepan

Method
 

  1. Steep butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 3–5 minutes. Strain.
  2. Add honey or sugar to warm tea and stir to dissolve.
  3. Heat milk on stove or with a frother.
  4. Pour tea into mugs and layer milk on top.
  5. Optional: Add lemon juice for a color change.
  6. Garnish with edible flowers and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve hot or iced. Adjust sweetness and milk type to preference.