Butterfly Pea Tea is a drink that truly stands out—not just for its vivid color, but also for its unique flavor and potential health benefits. Imagine a cup of tea that changes hues right before your eyes! This enchanting drink originates from the butterfly pea flower, a beautiful bloom that transforms ordinary water into a stunning blue. So, whether you’re looking to impress your friends at a gathering or simply enjoy a calming moment alone, Butterfly Pea Tea can be an exciting option. Blending a little lemon juice with the tea creates a delightful color change, making it a fun addition to any occasion. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, which adds another layer to its allure.
Making this tea is super easy, and I’m here to guide you through every step. Get ready to sip on something magical!
Why This Recipe Works
Butterfly Pea Tea captivates with its stunning color transformation and unique flavor profile. The combination of butterfly pea flowers and lemon juice creates a visual spectacle while enriching the tea with antioxidants and potential health benefits. This recipe ensures you’ll master the perfect brew, whether warm or iced.
Why You’ll Love This Butterfly Pea Tea
This herbal tea is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or seeking a calming solo moment. Each cup is a burst of whimsy, offering a delightful experience that is both soothing and refreshing. Its versatility allows for customization, making it a favorite for creative beverage lovers.

Ingredients for Butterfly Pea Tea
- 4 tsp butterfly pea flower tea
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tsp honey, to taste (optional)
Preparing Your Butterfly Pea Tea

Begin with Boiling Water
Start by boiling 2 cups of water. The right temperature is vital for infusing the butterfly pea flowers effectively. You want the water to reach a rolling boil, which helps to extract the full flavor and color from the flowers.
Steeping the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Next, place the butterfly pea flowers into a tea bag or mesh strainer. If you don’t have one, a coffee filter can work in a pinch. Position the bag in your teapot or heat-safe container, making sure the flowers have enough room to expand.
Infuse the Tea
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully pour it over the tea bag or strainer. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes based on how bold you want the flavor. Remember, the longer you steep, the richer the color and taste will be!
Remove the Tea Bag
After steeping, remove the tea bag and discard the flowers. This step leaves you with a beautiful blue tea that’s truly eye-catching. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself staring at it for a moment!
Sweeten to Your Liking
Now, it’s time to taste your butterfly pea tea. If you like it sweet, add honey to your cup. Stir well to mix, ensuring each sip has that lovely sweetness whenever you take a drink.
Serve Hot or Iced
You can pour the tea into your favorite mug or heat-safe glass. For a refreshing iced version, let the tea cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour and serve it over ice. I recommend using larger ice cubes to prevent dilution.
Add a Citrus Twist
Finish your tea experience by drizzling the lemon juice over the brewed tea. Watch in awe as the color shifts from blue to a lovely purple! This delightful tang adds a bright burst of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the tea.
Serving Suggestions
Butterfly Pea Tea pairs wonderfully with light snacks, such as cucumber sandwiches or fruit platters. It also complements sweet desserts like macarons or shortbread cookies. If you’re having a brunch, consider adding this tea to your menu for a refreshing twist.
Tips for Success
- Always use fresh butterfly pea flowers for the best flavor and color.
- Adjust the steeping time to your preference: shorter for a lighter color and taste, longer for a deeper hue and richer flavor.
- Add lemon juice gradually to find your perfect balance between color and taste; you want it just right!
Variations
Consider experimenting with different sweeteners like agave nectar or simple syrup. If you’re feeling adventurous, herbs like mint or basil can add a refreshing twist that elevates your drink. What about making it a tropical treat? Try infusing other flavors such as ginger or coconut for a unique spin.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover tea, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it to maintain the tea’s vibrant color and flavor.

FAQs
How does butterfly pea tea change color?
The tea changes color due to the pH level; lemon juice alters the acidity, turning the blue tea purple.
Is butterfly pea tea caffeine-free?
Yes, butterfly pea tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a perfect choice for any time of day.
Can I drink butterfly pea tea cold?
Absolutely! It’s especially refreshing when served iced, perfect for warm days when you need something cool.
What are the health benefits of butterfly pea tea?
This tea is rich in antioxidants and may improve skin health, reduce stress, and enhance memory. Plus, it’s a beautiful drink to enjoy!
How long can I steep butterfly pea tea?
You can steep it for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor and color.
Butterfly Pea Tea is not just a beverage; it’s an experience that enchants both the eyes and the taste buds. Its adaptable nature and health benefits make it a delightful addition to any tea lover’s collection. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, this tea is a fantastic way to explore exotic flavors and colors right in your home. Let each cup inspire creativity and refresh your senses as you savor its unique charm.
Print
Butterfly Pea Tea
This enchanting herbal tea is perfect for gatherings or relaxing moments. Its stunning color change and rich antioxidants make it a delightful choice.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 4 tsp butterfly pea flower tea
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp honey, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of water until rolling.
- Place butterfly pea flowers in a tea bag or strainer.
- Pour boiling water over the tea and steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and discard flowers.
- Add honey if desired and stir.
- Serve hot or let cool for iced tea.
- Add lemon juice to see the color change.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use fresh butterfly pea flowers for best flavor.
Adjust steeping time based on your taste preference.
Store leftover tea in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: Herbal
Nutrition
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg






