Got 10 minutes? That’s all you need to make this amazing butterfly pea tea recipe at home. I stumbled upon these magical blue flowers a few years back and haven’t stopped brewing them since. The vibrant blue color isn’t just pretty to look at – it’s packed with benefits that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner.
When I first made butterfly pea tea, my kitchen suddenly felt like a science lab. The way the color transforms when you add lemon juice still amazes me every single time. And honestly, it’s prob the easiest tea you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Love This Butterfly Pea Tea Recipe
This butterfly pea tea recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to shake up their drink routine. First off, it’s super simple – no fancy equipment needed. Just hot water and flowers, that’s it.
Last summer when my sister visited, she was totally skeptical about drinking “blue tea.” But after one sip and seeing how the color changed when we added lime, she bought her own stash before leaving! That’s how impressive this tea is.
You can drink it hot or cold, add honey or leave it plain, mix it with lemonade or even use it in cocktails. And unlike some fancy teas that need precise temps and timing, this one’s pretty forgiving.
Plus, it’s not just a pretty drink. The butterfly pea tea benefits are legit – from antioxidants to helping with stress. Who doesn’t need that?
Ingredients for Butterfly Pea Tea Recipe
Main Ingredients:
- Dried butterfly pea flowers: These are the star of the show. You need about 10-15 flowers per cup of tea. Can’t find them locally? Online shops have them. Make sure you get food-grade flowers, not the ones for planting!
- Water: Filtered is best but tap water works too.
- Sweetener (optional): Honey works great with the slightly earthy flavor, but maple syrup or regular sugar are good alternatives for vegans.
Optional Add-ins:
- Lemon or lime juice: Not just for flavor – adding this creates that magical color-changing effect from blue to purple.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a nice warmth and spice that complements the tea beautifully.
- Lemongrass or mint: For a more refreshing version, especially good when served cold.
- Coconut milk: A splash creates a creamier, more tropical version.
For those with specific dietary needs, this tea is naturally gluten-free, vegan (if you skip honey), and has zero calories by itself.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Tea
Basic Hot Butterfly Pea Tea:
- Boil water in a kettle or pot. Let it cool for about 30 seconds after boiling – super hot water can make the tea bitter.
- Place 10-15 dried butterfly pea flowers in a teapot or heat-resistant glass.
- Pour about 8 oz of hot water over the flowers.
- Let steep for 3-5 minutes. You’ll see the water turn a deep indigo blue pretty quickly! The longer you steep, the stronger the color and flavor.
- Strain the tea into your cup and add sweetener if you want.
- For the color-changing effect, add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice and watch the magic happen!
Iced Butterfly Pea Tea:
- Follow steps 1-4 above but use double the amount of flowers for a stronger brew.
- Let the tea cool to room temp.
- Pour over ice and add your sweetener.
- Store any leftover tea in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Pro tip: The color is strongest when the tea is fresh. If you’re making it for guests or pics, brew it right before serving!
Butterfly Pea Tea Variations
Butterfly Pea Lemonade
Mix equal parts cooled butterfly pea tea with freshly squeezed lemonade for a purple drink that’s a total crowd-pleaser. Great for kids!
Tropical Blue Tea
Add a splash of coconut milk and a bit of pineapple juice to iced butterfly pea tea. Reminds me of beach vacations!
Calming Bedtime Blend
Mix butterfly pea tea with chamomile tea, add a touch of honey and lavender. Perfect before sleep.
Blue Chai
Steep butterfly pea flowers with your regular chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger) for a blue version of your morning favorite.
Butterfly Pea Boba Tea
Use the tea as a base for homemade boba – the blue color makes for an Instagram-worthy drink that tastes as good as it looks.
If you enjoy experimenting with natural colors in your drinks, you might also like our Blueberry Infused Water or Blue-tiful Berry Smoothie recipes!
Butterfly Pea Tea Recipe
Equipment
- Kettle or pot
- Teapot or heat-resistant glass
- Strainer
- Measuring spoon (optional)
Ingredients
Main Tea Ingredients:
- 10 –15 dried butterfly pea flowers
- 8 oz hot not boiling water
- Sweetener to taste optional – honey, maple syrup, or sugar
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp lemon or lime juice for color change
- 1-2 slices fresh ginger
- 1 tsp chopped lemongrass or a few mint leaves
- 1 tbsp coconut milk for creamy version
Instructions
Hot Butterfly Pea Tea:
- Boil water and let it cool for 30 seconds.
- Place butterfly pea flowers in your teapot or cup.
- Pour hot water over flowers and steep for 3–5 minutes.
- Strain the tea and add sweetener if desired.
- Add lemon/lime juice for a color-changing effect.
Iced Butterfly Pea Tea:
- Follow the hot tea steps but double the flower quantity.
- Let cool to room temperature.
- Pour over ice, add sweetener or lemon/lime.
- Store extras in fridge (up to 3 days).
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prepare butterfly pea tea?
The simplest way to prepare butterfly pea tea is adding 10-15 dried flowers to 8 oz of hot (not boiling) water. Let steep 3-5 mins, strain, and enjoy! For iced tea, use more flowers for a stronger brew, then cool and pour over ice. The blue color comes out best in slightly alkaline water, so if your water is acidic, the color might be more purple than blue.
Can I drink butterfly pea tea everyday?
Yes, most people can drink butterfly pea tea daily without problems. It’s caffeine-free, so won’t affect your sleep like regular tea. I’ve been drinking it 4-5 times a week for months with no issues. Just like anything though, moderation is key. Start with one cup daily and see how your body responds.
What does butterfly pea tea do for the body?
Butterfly pea tea has tons of antioxidants that help fight inflammation and free radicals. It’s known to support brain health, potentially improving memory and reducing anxiety. Some studies suggest it might help regulate blood sugar levels too. The anthocyanins in the tea (what gives it that blue color) are linked to eye health and may help with dark circles. Personally, I notice I feel more focused after drinking it in the afternoon.
What are the side effects of butterfly pea flower tea?
Most people don’t experience side effects from butterfly pea tea. Some rare reports mention mild nausea or stomach discomfort, especially when drinking it on an empty stomach. If you’re pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor first as there’s limited research about its effects. Also, while super rare, some people might have allergic reactions – if you’re trying it for the first time, start with a small amount.
Who should not drink blue pea flower tea?
People with plant allergies should be careful when trying butterfly pea tea for the first time. Those on blood pressure medications should consult their doctor, as some herbs can interact with these meds. Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid it due to lack of safety studies. If you’re scheduled for surgery, stop drinking it at least 2 weeks before as it might affect blood sugar levels during surgery.
If you enjoy healthy, colorful drinks, you might also want to try our Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea or Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie for more natural anti-inflammatory benefits!
The Magic in Your Cup
First time I made butterfly pea tea was for my mom’s birthday. She’s always been into natural remedies, and I wanted something special that wasn’t just another herbal tea. When I poured the bright blue liquid into clear glasses, then added lemon slices, everyone watched in amazement as the color transformed to purple.
That’s what I love about this butterfly pea tea recipe – it combines the wisdom of traditional herbal teas with a bit of magic that makes drinking it an experience, not just a habit.
Give it a try and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new favorite drink. The blue cups of goodness sitting in your fridge will call to you on hot afternoons, and the warm version might just replace your evening wind-down routine!
Would love to hear how your butterfly pea tea turns out – especially if you try any of the variations!