If you’re searching for a brew that’s both magical and delicious, look no further than Blue Milk Tea. This vibrant, sky-hued drink gets its enchanting color from butterfly pea flowers and dazzles with a creamy, subtly sweet taste that’s just as delightful poured over ice as it is sipped slowly on a sunny afternoon. Every glass is a feast for the eyes and a treat for the senses—perfect for impressing guests or adding a playful twist to your daily tea ritual.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Blue Tea:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butterfly pea flowers (dried)
For the Milk Tea:
- 1 black tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose-leaf black tea
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener to taste
- Ice cubes for serving
How to Make Blue Milk Tea
Step 1: Brew the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Start by bringing one cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once bubbling, add your dried butterfly pea flowers and let them steep for a solid five minutes. You’ll watch the water transform into an almost surreal, electric blue—no artificial coloring needed! After steeping, remove the flowers using a fine mesh strainer so your tea stays smooth.
Step 2: Add the Black Tea
With your blue elixir ready, introduce the black tea to the mix. Toss in a black tea bag or loose-leaf black tea, letting it steep for another three to five minutes, depending on how strong and robust you want the final flavor to be. This step is where that familiar tea depth starts layering in behind the floral notes.
Step 3: Strain and Sweeten
Once your tea has achieved that perfect strength, strain out any lingering leaves, and let it cool just a touch. While it’s still warm, stir in your sugar or preferred sweetener so it dissolves fully and leaves no gritty bits. Taste to tweak the sweetness—it should be just right for you!
Step 4: Add the Milk
Now, the magic happens. Pour in your whole milk (or any plant-based alternative if that’s your style) and give it a good stir. Watch as the color shifts and softens, swirling into a mesmerizing, pastel blue that looks almost too dreamy to drink.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
Fill your favorite glass with ice cubes and pour the blue milk tea right over. If you want that show-stopping, layered look, slowly pour the milk over the back of a spoon resting on the edge of the glass. Not only does it look photo-ready, but it lets you give the drink one final dazzling stir before taking your first sip.
How to Serve Blue Milk Tea
Garnishes
This isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience! Add a few extra dried butterfly pea flowers or a sprig of fresh mint to the top for a splash of drama. A slice of lemon is also beautiful and fun; it might even transform the color to purple before your eyes!
Side Dishes
Pair Blue Milk Tea with light, fruity desserts—think fluffy sponge cakes, fresh fruit skewers, or dainty shortbread cookies. The drink’s creamy sweetness and floral hints work wonders alongside gentle flavors that won’t overpower its unique personality.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve in clear glassware so those blue tones shine. Try popping in reusable bubble tea straws for a boba shop vibe, or stack glasses on a tray with colorful napkins and flower petals. Even casual afternoons at home get a little more magical when you serve this drink in a mason jar or your quirkiest mug.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Blue Milk Tea, simply cover and refrigerate. Cold storage keeps the flavor fresh and the color vibrant for up to two days. Remember to give it a quick stir before your next pour, as separation is natural.
Freezing
While Blue Milk Tea is best enjoyed fresh, you can pour any leftovers into ice cube trays to freeze. These blue cubes not only prevent your next batch from getting watered down, but also add a visual pop to other drinks or smoothies!
Reheating
If you prefer your Blue Milk Tea warm, gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to keep the milk from scorching. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the milk to separate and diminish that signature color and texture.
FAQs
What is butterfly pea flower and why is it used in Blue Milk Tea?
Butterfly pea flower is a natural, caffeine-free herb from Southeast Asia known for its vivid blue petals and earthy, mellow flavor. In Blue Milk Tea, it provides that brilliant hue and a mild floral undertone.
Can I make Blue Milk Tea without caffeine?
Absolutely! Simply skip the black tea or swap it for a caffeine-free option like rooibos if you still want a bit of that classic tea body without the buzz.
Is plant-based milk a good substitute for dairy in this recipe?
Yes—oat, almond, or coconut milks all work beautifully, making the drink just as creamy and letting the blue color shine. It’s a perfect choice for anyone avoiding dairy or keeping things vegan.
Will adding lemon to Blue Milk Tea really change the color?
It’s true! The natural pigments in butterfly pea flowers are pH sensitive. Adding a squeeze of lemon turns the tea purple, creating a fun, color-changing effect for your next gathering or social post.
How do I get an even brighter blue?
For a deeper, more intense color, simply increase the amount of butterfly pea flowers or steep them a few minutes longer. Just keep an eye on flavor, as steeping too long can add more earthiness to the taste.
Final Thoughts
This Blue Milk Tea is one of those recipes that always sparks curiosity and smiles—whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself to a little creativity in the kitchen. Give it a try and let the colors and flavors bring some extra joy into your day!
Print
Blue Milk Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the vibrant and refreshing Blue Milk Tea, a colorful and flavorful beverage that combines the richness of black tea with the natural hues of butterfly pea flowers. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon pick-me-up or a unique drink to impress guests.
Ingredients
For the Blue Tea:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butterfly pea flowers (dried)
For the Milk Tea:
- 1 black tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose-leaf black tea
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener to taste
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Blue Tea: Bring water to a boil, add butterfly pea flowers, steep for 5 minutes until blue. Strain flowers.
- Infuse Black Tea: Steep black tea in blue tea for 3–5 minutes. Strain and cool slightly.
- Add Sugar and Milk: Stir in sugar, add milk, and mix well.
- Serve: Pour over ice cubes. For a layered effect, pour milk over a spoon onto tea.
Notes
- For a caffeine-free version, omit or replace black tea with rooibos.
- Enhance the blue color by using more flowers or steeping longer.
- Plant-based milks like oat or almond can be used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
