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Butterfly Pea Tea

A visually stunning, caffeine-free tea that transforms from blue to purple or pink with the addition of citrus, offering delicate floral notes and antioxidant benefits.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Calories: 5
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers
  • 16 ounces hot water 8 ounces per serving
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar optional
  • 1/2 to 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice optional
  • 2 to 3 fresh mint leaves optional
  • Ice cubes as needed for cold serving

Equipment

  • Kettle or pot for boiling water
  • Measuring spoons
  • Teacup or glass mug
  • Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Small pitcher for serving cold
  • Lemon or citrus juicer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Bring filtered water to a rolling boil in a kettle or pot.
  2. Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers into a tea infuser or directly into your cup.
  3. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the flowers, fully submerging the petals.
  4. Cover and steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on desired color and flavor intensity.
  5. Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to extract all flavor.
  6. Stir in honey or agave nectar while the tea is hot, if using.
  7. Add fresh lemon or lime juice to trigger the color change from blue to pink or purple.
  8. Garnish with mint leaves or a lemon slice and serve hot, or pour over ice for a cold version.

Notes

The color-changing effect only works with acidic additions; add citrus after admiring the initial blue hue.