Discover how to brew butterfly pea tea with our step-by-step guide for creating stunning blue and purple drinks.
Butterfly pea tea is celebrated for its enchanting blue hue and numerous health benefits. It has become a favourite beverage for many tea enthusiasts around the world. This unique tea is derived from the petals of the butterfly pea flower, and its preparation can be a delightful experience. Whether you prefer your tea hot, cold, or as a base for eye-catching cocktails, this article will walk you through the steps to create this magical drink. Read on!
Butterfly pea tea stands out not just for its striking deep blue colour but also for its subtle, earthy flavour and fascinating colour-changing properties. The tea is made from the dried petals of the butterfly pea flower, which is native to Southeast Asia. One of the most intriguing aspects of this tea is its natural ability to shift colours based on the pH level of the liquid it’s mixed with. Adding a few drops of lemon juice, for instance, transforms the tea from a rich blue to a vibrant purple. This transformation is not just visually appealing but also makes the tea a popular choice for creating stunning, Instagram-worthy drinks.
Making butterfly pea tea is a simple process that doesn’t require many ingredients or specialised equipment. The most essential ingredient is, of course, the dried butterfly pea flowers. These can be found in health food stores, speciality tea shops, or through various online retailers. Ensure that you buy good quality flowers, as this will impact the flavour and colour of your tea.
To make a delightful cup of hot butterfly pea tea, start by bringing fresh, filtered water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, measure out a teaspoon of dried butterfly pea flowers for each cup of tea you want to make. Place the flowers into a teapot or directly into your cup if you’re using a tea infuser. Pour the boiling water over the flowers and let them steep for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. The water will gradually take on a deep blue colour as the flowers release their pigments.
If you prefer iced tea, the process starts similarly by brewing a concentrated version of the tea. Use more flowers per cup of water to create a stronger brew. After steeping for 5 to 10 minutes, allow the tea to cool to room temperature. Then, fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the cooled tea over the ice. This method ensures that the tea remains flavourful even as the ice melts.
For an extra touch of magic, add a few drops of lemon juice to your tea. The acidity of the lemon will change the colour of the tea from blue to purple, creating a beautiful visual effect. You can also sweeten your tea with honey or sugar to taste and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for added flavour and presentation.
Butterfly pea tea is incredibly versatile. You can mix it with herbal teas like chamomile or mint to create unique flavour combinations. For a refreshing summer drink, combine butterfly pea tea with lemonade or a splash of soda water. The colour-changing properties make it a perfect ingredient for mocktails or cocktails, where you can impress your guests with drinks that change colour as they’re mixed.
Butterfly pea tea is not just a drink but an experience. Its stunning colours, health benefits, and versatility make it a delightful addition to any tea lover’s repertoire. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, the process of making butterfly pea tea is simple and rewarding. So, gather your ingredients, brew a cup, and enjoy the magic of this beautiful tea.
