Have you ever wondered how to make those gorgeous blue latte you see online from time to time? They are made with a tea called butterfly pea flower, which is made with the flower petals or even whole flower of the Clitoria ternatea plant. The deep blue colour of the tea comes from the flower itself. Its edible parts are its leaves, stems and flower buds.

butterfly pea flower

The butterfly pea flower tea has an earthy and woody flavour. It’s an herbal tea so it’s caffeine-free and can be enjoyed, warm or cold, at any time of the day. The blue pigment can also be used as a natural food dye.

Health Benefits

The flower is rich in anthocyanin, a beneficial antioxidant. It has anti-aging properties and helps to reduce free radicals in the body. It also helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and promotes eye and heart health, and it’s even suppose to be a fever reducer and fight against UTIs. The tea is also known to enhance memory and brain function, and promote vivid dreams.

Origins and Where to buy

The tea comes from South East Asia. It’s now starting to make its way to America and be found in some health markets such as Whole Foods in the United States. It can also be purchased online.

How to serve

The tea can be purchased whole with the flowers themselves that are infused in hot water before being enjoyed hot or cold. A splash of lemon juice can be added, as well as honey or agave. In fact, in Thailand and Vietnam, the tea is commonly mixed with honey and lemon, and is usually served after dinner. Drinks and cocktails can also be made out of the tea. It has such a gorgeous colour.

butterfly pea tea

You can also purchase the powdered form which is the same but the leaves are grounded into a powder. On Amazon, for example, you can buy both together. This is what I did so I can try both. I like to use the whole petals to make infusions and I like to use the powder to make lattes. Those lattes are also called “blue moon milk”.

butterfly pea tea powder

What’s in my latte?

In the latte you see on the picture, I warmed up some organic, unsweetened soy milk, added local honey to sweeten, a pinch of cinnamon (although optional) and whisked in the butterfly pea powder.

Why soy milk? I don’t know. I thought it fit well with the tea since the tea comes from Asia. Plus, the only store-bought non-dairy milk I like is soy. I make all my other non-dairy milks.

Have you ever tried it? How do you like the taste of the tea? 

Print Recipe

Butterfly Pea Latte

Also known as "blue moon milk" this butterfly pea latte is caffeine-free and made with butterfly pea powder, organic soy milk and local honey.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened nondairy milk like soy or coconut
• 1 tablespoon local honey
• 1 teaspoon butterfly pea powder
• Pinch cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

• Warm up milk in a small saucepan. Do not boil.
• Whisk in honey and cinnamon if using.
• Whisk in butterfly pea powder.
• Pour into a mug and enjoy.