Go Back

Butterfly Tea

A visually stunning, naturally caffeine-free tea that transforms from blue to purple or pink with the addition of citrus, offering a mild, earthy flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Calories: 5
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers
  • 8 to 10 ounces hot water
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice optional, for color shift

Equipment

  • Electric kettle or stovetop kettle
  • Teacup or heat-safe glass mug
  • Tea infuser, strainer, or fine mesh sieve
  • Small spoon for stirring
  • Measuring spoon

Method
 

  1. Measure 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers into a tea infuser or directly into a cup.
  2. Bring 8 to 10 ounces of fresh water to a rolling boil.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the butterfly pea flowers, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  4. Steep the flowers for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on desired color and flavor intensity.
  5. Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve or remove the infuser, pressing gently to extract remaining liquid.
  6. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey or agave syrup, if desired, while the tea is still hot.
  7. Add 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon or lime juice to trigger the color shift from blue to purple or pink.
  8. Stir gently to combine and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Serve immediately to enjoy the full color transformation. Store any leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently.