Homemade butterfly pea milk tea recipe is totally a game changer! Been making it like every weekend and can’t get enough. The gorgeous blue color of butterfly pea milk tea just hits different. Perfect combo of creamy milk and floral tea that’s super easy to whip up whenever you need a pick-me-up. Trust me – this butterfly pea milk tea recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Ingredients You Need
For the Butterfly Pea Tea Base:
- Butterfly pea flowers (dried) – these give that amazing blue color, can’t substitute if you want authentic butterfly pea milk tea
- Water – filtered works best
- Sweetener – honey or simple syrup both work great
- Ice cubes – bigger ones melt slower
For the Milk Component:
- Milk – whole milk gives richest butterfly pea milk tea but any milk works
- Condensed milk (optional) – adds extra sweetness
- Vanilla extract (tiny splash) – elevates the whole drink
Want something similar? Check out our Butterfly Pea Tea Recipe for non-milk version.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
- Boil water in kettle or pot
- Add dried butterfly pea flowers (about 1 tbsp per cup)
- Let steep for 5-7 mins – you’ll know it’s ready when color is deep blue
- Strain out flowers
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
- Add sweetener while tea is still warm
- Stir until completely dissolved
- Let cool to room temp (about 15 mins)
Step 3: Assemble Your Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
- Fill glass with ice – about halfway
- Pour in butterfly pea tea – fill about 2/3 of glass
- Slowly add milk – creates cool layered effect
- Stir before drinking to create pretty purple-blue color
Pro tip: for extra fancy butterfly pea milk tea, add boba pearls at bottom of glass first!
Looking for more refreshing drinks? Our Honeydew Mint Iced Tea is another summer fave.
Amazing Variations of Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Coconut Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Swap regular milk for coconut milk – gives tropical vibes to your butterfly pea milk tea
Lemon Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Add squeeze of lemon to watch magical color change from blue to purple – kids go crazy for this
Boba Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Add cooked tapioca pearls to bottom of glass for authentic boba shop experience
Iced Butterfly Pea Latte
Use half milk half tea ratio + extra sweetener for dessert-like butterfly pea milk tea
Butterfly Pea Milk Tea Smoothie
Blend with ice and banana for thick smoothie version – great breakfast option
FAQs About Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
How long does homemade butterfly pea milk tea last?
Keeps in fridge about 3 days. Store tea and milk separately then combine when ready to drink. Color starts fading after day 1 but still tastes good.
Can I make butterfly pea milk tea with tea bags?
Yep! Butterfly pea tea bags work fine. Use 2 bags per cup of water for strong color. Steeping time same as loose flowers.
Is butterfly pea milk tea caffeine free?
Yeah! One of best things about butterfly pea milk tea is it’s naturally caffeine free. Perfect for evening or for kids.
What’s the best milk for butterfly pea milk tea?
Whole milk gives richest taste but any milk works including plant milks. Oat milk makes super creamy butterfly pea milk tea. Coconut milk adds tropical flavor.
Can I make a hot version of butterfly pea milk tea?
Absolutely! Just skip ice and use warm milk instead. Perfect butterfly pea milk tea for cold days. Add cinnamon for extra cozy vibes.
Why isn’t my butterfly pea milk tea blue enough?
Probably need more flowers or longer steep time. Use 1-2 tbsp flowers per cup and steep 5-7 mins for vibrant blue butterfly pea milk tea.
How can I make my butterfly pea milk tea more Instagram-worthy?
Layer it! Pour tea slowly over back of spoon onto ice then add milk same way. Don’t stir until ready to drink – gets you those perfect butterfly pea milk tea layers.
Make This Recipe Your Own
Been making butterfly pea milk tea for years now and still love watching friends try it first time. Something special about serving a drink that changes color! My grandma was super skeptical but now asks for “that blue tea” whenever she visits.
What’s great about butterfly pea milk tea is how you can make it fancy or keep it simple. Play around with ingredients til you find your perfect version. Tag us when you make your butterfly pea milk tea – love seeing your creations!
Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Equipment
- Kettle or pot
- Strainer
- Tall glass
- Spoon
Ingredients
For the Butterfly Pea Tea Base:
- 2 tbsp dried butterfly pea flowers
- 2 cups filtered water
- 2 tbsp honey or simple syrup to taste
- Ice cubes to serve
For the Milk Component:
- 1 cup whole milk or milk of choice
- 2 tbsp condensed milk optional, for sweetness
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract optional
Optional Add-ins:
- Tapioca pearls for boba version
- Banana for smoothie version
- Coconut milk for variation
- Lemon juice for color change
Instructions
- Brew the Tea
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add 2 tbsp of dried butterfly pea flowers.
- Let steep for 5–7 minutes until a deep blue color appears.
- Strain out the flowers.
- Sweeten the Tea
- Add 2 tbsp honey or syrup while tea is still warm.
- Stir to dissolve and let it cool to room temperature (about 15 minutes).
- Assemble the Drink
- Fill a tall glass halfway with ice.
- Pour in butterfly pea tea until 2/3 full.
- Slowly add 1/2 cup milk for a layered effect.
- Stir before drinking to enjoy the color change.
- Pro Tip: For an extra special version, add cooked tapioca pearls before pouring the tea.