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Some drinks are all about bold flavors and caffeine kick. Others are more about the moment. This blue butterfly pea flower latte falls squarely into the second camp.
It is calm, creamy, lightly sweet, and almost hypnotic to look at as you pour each layer into the glass.
If you have ever wanted to make a cafe style drink at home that feels a little playful but still easy to pull off, this is a great place to start.
The ingredients are simple, the steps are easy, and the end result looks far more impressive than the effort it takes to make it.
I know you’re going to love this!
What is Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Latte?
A blue butterfly pea latte is a layered drink made with brewed butterfly pea flower tea, milk, coffee, and a lightly salted cream topping.
The butterfly pea flower is a dried flower found in Southeast Asia and is often used to brew herbal tea, famous for its naturally deep blue color, which looks totally artificial, but I assure you it’s not.
In this recipe, the brewed tea is mixed with milk and condensed milk to create a vibrant blue base. Ice goes into the glass first, followed by the blue milk mixture, then a layer of espresso coffee is poured gently on top.
Everything is finished with softly whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cookies.
It sits somewhere between a latte and a dessert drink, with just enough coffee to keep it grounded.
What Does It Taste Like?
If you have never had butterfly pea flower tea before, the first thing to know is that it is very mild. There is no strong floral punch or bitterness. On its own, it is soft and slightly earthy.
In this iced latte, most of the flavor comes from the milk and condensed milk. The coconut milk adds a gentle richness and a subtle tropical note without tasting overpowering.
The condensed milk brings sweetness and body, helping the drink feel full and satisfying.
The coffee layer adds contrast. It gives a light bitterness that balances the sweetness and keeps the drink from feeling too dessert like.
The salted cream on top ties everything together, giving each sip a smooth, rounded finish.
Ingredients You Will Need
This drink uses a short list of simple ingredients that come together to create its signature color, gentle sweetness, and creamy texture.
For the latte
- 1 tbsp butterfly pea flower tea or powder.
- 1 cup hot boiling water.
- 1 tbsp condensed milk.
- 1 cup milk, coconut milk is used here.
- Ice cubes.
- 1/4 cup coffee (ideally espresso).
- Cookies for decoration.
For the top cream
- 3 tbsp whipping cream.
- 1/8 tsp sea salt.
How to Make a Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Latte Step by Step
Take your time with this recipe. It is not complicated, but moving slowly helps keep the layers clean and the texture just right.
- Brew the butterfly pea flower tea: Place the butterfly pea flower tea or powder in a cup or small bowl. Pour over 1 cup of hot boiling water. Let it steep for 5 minutes so the color fully develops.
- Once steeped, strain the liquid to remove the flowers or any residue. You should be left with a deep blue tea that looks almost ink like.
- Mix the blue milk: In a separate container, combine the brewed butterfly pea flower tea, coconut milk, and condensed milk. Stir well until everything is fully blended and the color turns into a creamy, bright blue.
- This is a good moment to taste the mixture. It should be lightly sweet, smooth, and balanced. Do not adjust the ingredients, just get familiar with the flavor.
- Prepare the glass and layers: Fill your serving glass with ice cubes. Pour the blue milk mixture over the ice, filling most of the glass.
- Next, slowly pour your espresso on top of the blue milk. Pour gently so the coffee sits above the milk and creates a visible layer rather than mixing straight away. (If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong coffee brewed in a Moka pot or Nespresso machine will work.)
- Whip the cream: Add the whipping cream and sea salt to a small cup or bowl. Whip for around 10 seconds until the cream thickens slightly. You want it soft and spoonable, not stiff. The salt should dissolve fully and gently season the cream.
- Finish and decorate: Spoon the whipped cream over the top of the drink. Sprinkle crushed cookies over the cream for decoration. Serve immediately while the layers are still clearly visible.
Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Latte Tasting Notes
This drink is as much about texture and balance as it is about flavor. The first sip usually starts with the salted cream, followed by the sweetness of the blue milk.
As you drink deeper, the coffee layer blends in, adding a gentle bitterness that keeps things interesting.
The coconut milk gives the latte a soft, rounded mouthfeel, while the butterfly pea flower tea stays in the background, contributing more color than taste. As the ice melts, the drink becomes lighter and even smoother, making it ideal for slow sipping.
It is not a heavy coffee drink. It is relaxed, calming, and honestly, surprisingly refreshing.
Recipe Success Tips
A few small details can make this drink look and taste its best.
- Use fully boiling water to steep the tea so you get the strongest blue color.
- Let the tea steep for the full 5 minutes before straining.
- Stir the milk and condensed milk thoroughly to avoid streaks of color.
- Pour the coffee slowly to keep the layers clean and defined.
- Whip the cream gently so it stays soft and light.
- Use only a tiny pinch of salt, it should enhance, not dominate.
Final Thoughts
The blue butterfly pea flower latte is a great example of how simple ingredients can create something memorable.
It is easy to make, visually striking, and gentle in flavor, which makes it perfect for relaxed mornings or quiet afternoons.
If you enjoy experimenting with coffee drinks at home or you want something that feels special without being complicated, this recipe is well worth trying.
FAQs
If this is your first time making a blue butterfly pea flower latte, a few questions usually come up. These quick answers should help clear things up and give you more confidence before you start brewing.
Is butterfly pea flower tea caffeinated?
No, butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine free. The only caffeine in this drink comes from the coffee layer.
Does butterfly pea flower tea have a strong taste?
No, it is very mild and neutral, which is why it works well in lattes and milk based drinks.
Can this latte be served hot?
This recipe is designed as an iced drink. Heating it would change the layers and texture.
Why is salt added to the cream?
The salt helps balance sweetness and brings out the creamy flavor without making the drink taste salty.
Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Latte Recipe
Ingredients
For the latte
- 1 tbsp butterfly pea flower tea or powder.
- 1 cup hot boiling water.
- 1 tbsp condensed milk.
- 1 cup milk coconut milk is used here.
- Ice cubes.
- 1/4 cup coffee ideally espresso.
- Cookies for decoration.
For the top cream
- 3 tbsp whipping cream.
- 1/8 tsp sea salt.
Instructions
- Brew the butterfly pea flower tea: Place the butterfly pea flower tea or powder in a cup or small bowl. Pour over 1 cup of hot boiling water. Let it steep for 5 minutes so the color fully develops.
- Once steeped, strain the liquid to remove the flowers or any residue. You should be left with a deep blue tea that looks almost ink like.
- Mix the blue milk: In a separate container, combine the brewed butterfly pea flower tea, coconut milk, and condensed milk. Stir well until everything is fully blended and the color turns into a creamy, bright blue.
- This is a good moment to taste the mixture. It should be lightly sweet, smooth, and balanced. Do not adjust the ingredients, just get familiar with the flavor.
- Prepare the glass and layers: Fill your serving glass with ice cubes. Pour the blue milk mixture over the ice, filling most of the glass.
- Next, slowly pour your espresso on top of the blue milk. Pour gently so the coffee sits above the milk and creates a visible layer rather than mixing straight away. (If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong coffee brewed in a Moka pot or Nespresso machine will work.)
- Whip the cream: Add the whipping cream and sea salt to a small cup or bowl. Whip for around 10 seconds until the cream thickens slightly. You want it soft and spoonable, not stiff. The salt should dissolve fully and gently season the cream.
- Finish and decorate: Spoon the whipped cream over the top of the drink. Sprinkle crushed cookies over the cream for decoration. Serve immediately while the layers are still clearly visible.
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