I absolutely adore this recipe because the magical transformation of the vibrant blue tea mixing with the creamy milk feels like sipping on pure art. Plus, the subtle sweetness from the honey and warm hint of vanilla make it a soothing and Instagram-worthy treat I can’t resist.
Unearth the mesmerizing taste of my Blue Milk Tea, a delightful drink with an astonishingly colorful presentation. I adore how butterfly pea flower tea, when steeped in boiling water, creates a magical blue hue.
When combined with deliciously creamy milk (or milk alternative), a smidge of honey, and an optional splash of vanilla extract, this drink astounds with both its eye-catching appearance and vibrant flavor. Plus, it’s good for you, with the tea offering loads of antioxidants and the milk (or milk alternative) packing in the calcium.
Enjoy it iced, for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Leaves:
This tea, which comes from the butterfly pea flower, is rich in antioxidants.
Its vibrant blue color makes it a favorite for Instagram posts, especially when the drinker adds a little bit of lemon juice and watches the color change before their eyes.
Milk or Plant-Based Milk:
Delivers smoothness and mouthfeel, while also contributing protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients, depending upon the milk type selected.
Honey or Sweetener:
A sweetness is bestowed upon the tea that balances the herbal notes of the butterfly pea flower.
The honey adds just enough sweetness and is also a terrific complement to this herbal infusion.
Honey has long been touted as a natural remedy for many ailments, and it’s even found its way into various cocktails.
Vanilla Extract:
Aromatic enhancer that you can opt to use, which adds depth and warmth with its sweet, floral notes.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons butterfly pea flower tea leaves
- 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small pot or kettle, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Add 2 teaspoons of tea leaves from the butterfly pea flower to the boiling water.
3. Let the tea soak for approximately 5 minutes, until the H2O has transformed into a vibrant blue.
4. Filter the tea leaves from the blue liquid and set the liquid aside to cool a bit.
5. In another saucepan, very gently heat 1 cup of milk or milk alternative over low heat. Do not let it come near a boil.
6. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or your preferred sweetener to the warmed milk and stir until well mixed.
7. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the milk, if you want, for another layer of flavor.
8. Mix together the steeped blue tea and sweetened milk, using a gentle stirring motion.
9. If you would rather enjoy your blue milk tea cold, pour the concoction over ice cubes in a glass.
10. Blue milk tea is beautiful and delicious. It is best served immediately after being made, ensuring that each layer can be seen and the boba can simply, and beautifully, be seen bobbing up and down in the drink—a treat for the eyes and the tongue.
Equipment Needed
1. Small pot or kettle
2. Teaspoon
3. Spoon or stirring utensil
4. Small strainer or tea filter
5. Saucepan
6. Measuring cup
7. Glass or cup for serving
8. Ice cube tray (optional)
FAQ
- Q: Can I use another type of tea instead of butterfly pea flower tea?A: Replace with other herbal teas, but understand that the distinctive blue color is only found in butterfly pea flower tea.
- Q: Is the vanilla extract necessary?A: The extract of vanilla is not compulsory and adds further flavor depth to the tea, but it is not essential.
- Q: Can I make this into a hot drink instead of iced?Yes, just leave out the ice cubes and serve the tea hot for a warm version.
- Q: What is the best plant-based milk to use?Almond milk and coconut milk are popular options, but any milk derived from plants should work well.
- Q: How can I enhance the blue color?A: To deepen the blue hue, utilize more butterfly pea flower tea leaves or steep the tea longer.
- Q: Is there a vegan sweetener option?Agave syrup or maple syrup are excellent vegan substitutes for honey.
- Q: What does butterfly pea flower tea taste like?B: Its flavor is mild and earthy, frequently likened to that of green tea but with considerably less bitterness.
In the given example, the juxtaposition of “mild” and “earthy” in describing the particular flavor of the plant is retained from the original text. The use of “frequently likened” in the second sentence to convey the same idea as “often compared” shifts the focus somewhat from the flavor itself to the comparison.
Substitutions and Variations
Tea leaves from the butterfly pea flower: use green tea leaves for a different flavor and color.
Cow’s milk or plant-based milk: replace with coconut milk for a creamier texture or almond milk for a nutty flavor.
Sweetener: Honey or your sweetener of choice works here. Use agave syrup or maple syrup if you prefer an alternative sweetener.
Extract de vanille : remplacer par de l’extrait d’amande pour une note de noisette, ou omettre si cela n’est pas souhaité.
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Flavor with Citrus: Add a small squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the blue tea before mixing it with the milk. This adds a subtle citrus flavor and transforms the blue hue into a beautiful purple, creating a visually stunning drink.
2. Experiment with Sweeteners: Try using different sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar for unique flavor profiles. Each sweetener can add its own distinctive taste while complementing the floral notes of the tea.
3. Foam the Milk: For an elevated texture, froth the milk before combining it with the butterfly pea tea. This can be done with a milk frother or by vigorously shaking the milk in a sealed jar. The foam adds a rich and creamy texture to the drink.
4. Add a Spicy Twist: Include a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the milk while heating. These spices can add warmth and complexity to the drink, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile.
5. Layer for Visual Appeal: When pouring the milk into the tea, do it slowly over the back of a spoon to create a visually appealing layered effect. This technique can enhance the presentation and make the drink more inviting.
Blue Milk Tea Recipe
My favorite Blue Milk Tea Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Small pot or kettle
2. Teaspoon
3. Spoon or stirring utensil
4. Small strainer or tea filter
5. Saucepan
6. Measuring cup
7. Glass or cup for serving
8. Ice cube tray (optional)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons butterfly pea flower tea leaves
- 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small pot or kettle, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Add 2 teaspoons of tea leaves from the butterfly pea flower to the boiling water.
3. Let the tea soak for approximately 5 minutes, until the H2O has transformed into a vibrant blue.
4. Filter the tea leaves from the blue liquid and set the liquid aside to cool a bit.
5. In another saucepan, very gently heat 1 cup of milk or milk alternative over low heat. Do not let it come near a boil.
6. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or your preferred sweetener to the warmed milk and stir until well mixed.
7. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the milk, if you want, for another layer of flavor.
8. Mix together the steeped blue tea and sweetened milk, using a gentle stirring motion.
9. If you would rather enjoy your blue milk tea cold, pour the concoction over ice cubes in a glass.
10. Blue milk tea is beautiful and delicious. It is best served immediately after being made, ensuring that each layer can be seen and the boba can simply, and beautifully, be seen bobbing up and down in the drink—a treat for the eyes and the tongue.
