Make a beautiful blue latte easily with butterfly pea flower! This blue matcha latte, with its vibrant color and delicate floral notes, creates a delicious creamy caffeine-free latte that’s a fun way to start your day or wind down with as an end-of-day treat!

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A hot blue latte in a clear glass mug with blue foam on top.

I first had butterfly pea flower tea when a friend made this magical blue tea for a party and served it with citrus juice. A splash of lemon juice, and the blue hue quickly changes to royal purple!

It’s a cool party trick and it tastes delicious too! I knew I needed to find this tea for myself and test out some other uses. While it makes a great herbal tea, I’ve found that it also creates a beautiful ice blue latte or dreamy hot blue latte in a matter of minutes! And luckily it’s so quick to make because you’re going to want to make this often!

What is butterfly pea flower?

Butterfly pea flower is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, known for its striking indigo petals. When steeped in hot water, it releases a natural blue pigment, making it a popular ingredient for coloring foods and beverages.

Not only does its vivid color turn food and drinks into works of art, but butterfly pea flower is also valued for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties.

What are the health benefits of butterfly pea flower?

Butterfly pea flower is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes used to promote healthy skin  and hair.

Additionally, some studies suggest it has the potential to reduce the risk of diabetes by regulating blood sugar, though more research is needed in this area.

How does it taste?

Butterfly pea flower has a mild, earthy flavor with subtle floral undertones. It’s not too overly sweet or overpowering, which allows it to be versatile in both sweet and savory recipes.

It’s similar in flavor to matcha but more delicate and nuanced. Whether infused into teas, lattes, cocktails, or used as a natural food coloring, butterfly pea flower effortlessly elevates any beverage or dish!

An iced butterfly pea flower latte in a glass with a straw.

Powder vs dried flowers

When it comes to incorporating butterfly pea flower into your recipes, you have the option of using either the powder or dried flowers.

Powder: Butterfly pea flower powder is the dried flower ground into a fine powder. It offers convenience and ease of use. It dissolves quickly in hot water, making it easy to infuse its vibrant color and subtle flavor into your beverages or culinary creations. Plus, it can be easily measured and stored, making it a convenient choice for everyday use. If you’re familiar with whisking matcha, the process is very similar!

Dried Flowers: On the other hand, using dried butterfly pea flowers can be a little more affordable and is similar to preparing dried tea leaves. Steeping these dried blossoms in hot water is a more traditional approach that appeals to those who enjoy the process of steeping and straining.

Ultimately, whether you choose butterfly pea flower powder or dried flowers depends on your preferences and the specific application of your recipe. Both options can be used to make a delicious blue butterfly pea latte with gorgeous color! 

Ingredient notes

​You only need four simple ingredients to make this incredible blue latte recipe!

The gathered ingredients for this blue latte in individual bowls with labels.
  • Butterfly Pea Flower Powder: This vibrant blue powder provides both color and flavor to the latte. If you prefer, you can also use dried butterfly pea flowers by steeping them in hot water and straining before adding to the latte.
  • Plant-based Milk: Opt for your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk, to make this latte dairy-free. I like oat milk or soy milk for creamier lattes, but if calories are a concern, try almond milk instead. 
  • Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness to the latte that balances the floral taste. You can substitute it with other liquid sweeteners like agave syrup or vegan honey, adjusting the amount to suit your taste preferences.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhance the flavor of the latte with a hint of vanilla. Alternatively, you can use vanilla bean paste or skip it if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.

​Check out the printable recipe card below for exact measurements.

Variations

  • Espresso Boost: For an extra kick of energy, add a shot of espresso to your blue latte. The rich and bold flavors of espresso complement the floral notes of the butterfly pea flower. For a milder boost, you can add 1/4 cup of coffee.
  • Spiced Twist: Elevate the flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, or nutmeg. These warm spices give it a cozy and comforting aroma perfect for cold nights!
  • Bubble Tea: Beat the heat by turning your blue latte into a refreshing iced bubble tea drink. The process is similar to this matcha bubble tea recipe, just use the blue powder instead to make a yummy blue milk tea.
  • Floral Elegance: Experiment with different simple syrups to infuse your latte with floral undertones. Try flavors like lavender or rose water for a delicious twist that enhances the natural sweetness of the drink.

How to make a blue latte

Making a butterfly pea tea latte is very similar to making matcha! You can make it an iced blue latte if you prefer cold drinks or a hot latte. I’ve provided both variations below.

Hot Latte

Milk heating in a small saucepan.

Step 1: Heat your choice of milk in a small pot over medium-low heat until it reaches a warm but not boiling temperature. Alternatively, microwave the milk for 1-2 minutes until warm. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.

Butterfly pea flower powder being whisked into milk with an electric milk frother.

Step 2: Place the blue butterfly pea flower powder in a mug or small bowl. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk into the mug and whisk or use an electric milk frother until the powder is completely dissolved.

Tip: If you like your lattes with a lot of foam, froth the remaining warm milk until it forms a creamy foam. You can also vigorously whisk the milk with a small regular whisk or use a handheld blender to create froth.

Heated milk being poured into a mug.
The blue matcha milk being poured milk in a mug.

Step 3: Pour the frothed milk and dissolved blue powder into a mug. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking by adding more maple syrup if desired.

Optionally, garnish your blue latte with vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a light dusting of butterfly pea flower powder for decoration (this is what I did and it adds a beautiful sprinkle of color to the foam!).

A warm blue butterfly pea flower latte in a glass mug.

Iced Latte

Butterfly pea flower powder being whisked into milk with an electric milk frother.

Step 1: Combine the butterfly pea flower powder with a few tablespoons of hot water or milk. Whisk or use an electric milk frother until the powder is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth texture to prevent clumps.

Cold milk being poured over ice in a glass.

Step 2: Add ice cubes to a glass, then pour cold milk over it, and stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.

Blue latte milk being poured over the ice and milk in a glass.

Step 3: Pour over the blue milk and stir to combine to achieve the beautiful blue color.

Tip

Mix the blue powder with a couple tablespoons of hot water or milk before adding to the milk to make sure everything is dissolved and no lumps remain. This step is very important, or you’ll end up with lots of clumps at the bottom!

An iced blue latte in a glass.

FAQ’s

What does blue matcha taste like?

It’s often compared to green tea or matcha for its earthy, woody flavors but has a more mild, floral tone to it. When made into a latte it has a subtle floral tea taste that’s not too overpowering.

Can I make this blue latte with blue spirulina powder?

While I haven’t tried it specifically with that powder, but I don’t see why not! The flavor will be a little different since blue spirulina doesn’t have as strong of flavor as butterfly pea flower powder, but it should still be delicious!

A spoon scooping up some foam sprinkled with butterfly pea flower on top of a blue latte.

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A hot blue latte in a clear glass mug with blue foam on top.

Blue Latte (Hot & Iced)

5 from 2 votes
Author: Rachel
Make a beautiful blue latte easily with butterfly pea flower! This blue matcha latte, with its vibrant color and delicate floral notes, creates a delicious creamy caffeine-free latte that's a fun way to start your day or wind down with as an end-of-day treat!
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup plant-based milk oat, soy, coconut, or almond milk all work
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon butterfly pea flower powder

Instructions 

For a hot latte:

  • In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until it's warm but not boiling. Alternatively, you can heat the milk in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
    1 cup plant-based milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • In a mug, add the butterfly pea flower powder. Slowly pour in a small amount of the warm milk and whisk or use an electric milk frother until the powder is fully dissolved and no clumps remain. This step helps prevent clumping when you add the rest of the milk.
    ½ teaspoon butterfly pea flower powder
  • If you have a milk frother, froth the remaining warm milk until it’s nice and frothy. If you don’t have a frother, you can simply whisk the warm milk vigorously or use a handheld blender to create froth.
  • Pour the frothed milk into the mug with the dissolved blue powder. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
  • If desired, top your blue latte with vegan whipped cream and sprinkle with ground cinnamon or a light dusting of the butterfly pea flower powder for a decorative touch.

For an iced latte:

  • In a mug or glass, add the butterfly pea flower powder with a couple tablespoons of hot water or milk. Whisk or use an electric milk frother until the powder is fully dissolved and no clumps remain. This step helps prevent clumping when you add the rest of the milk.
    ½ teaspoon butterfly pea flower powder
  • Add ice to the glass, then pour cold milk over it and stir to combine.
    1 cup plant-based milk
  • Add in the maple syrup and vanilla extract and use a long spoon to stir the iced latte until well combined.
    ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 603IU | Calcium: 323mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. Here in Florida we grow Butterfly Pea. Can the fresh flowers be used or must they be dried?

    1. That’s so cool you grow them in Florida! Fresh flowers should work as well, just make sure to rinse them well before using and remove the stems and leaves. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes!

      1. Well, I wasn’t expecting to have anything to tell you anytime soon, but, when I mentioned to my wife the possibility of a drink from the flowers, she immediately went into action. She steeped 8 fresh flowers in four cups of hot water with a bit of sweetener. I was expecting something either bitter or insipid. I was surprised at a rather complex, pleasant taste. My wife says that, if I am still alive tomorrow, she will try it herself.