Blue Butterfly Pea Latte
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.If you want a drink that is truly spectacular in every sense, and looks like it belongs in the Hogwarts Great Hall, try this blue butterfly pea latte. The naturally vibrant hue comes from the butterfly pea flower powder, with a light creaminess thanks to milk, and a subtle sweetness from the maple syrup. I make it in just 8 minutes! It is also naturally dairy and sugar-free.
This caffeine-free blue butterfly pea latte comes together quickly, but leaves a lasting impression. I use butterfly pea powder, warm milk, vanilla, and maple syrup to create a smooth and lightly earthy drink that is grounding but also mystical. I made these for my kids instead of their usual, more understated peach milk. Not all kids take to blue drinks easily, so try this if you want a more neutral option.
I created this recipe when I saw the way my kids looked at my iced ube latte. Unlike me, my kids do not like the taste of coffee, and I also do not encourage them to drink it at such a young age. The next time I treated myself to my purple coffee drink, I made them glasses of this coffee-free latte, and they loved it!
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
Despite its impressive appearance, this blue butterfly pea latte is extremely easy to make. With just a few ingredients and one small pot, I can whip up a drink that rivals even the brightest commercial drinks. Best of all, unlike the drinks from coffee chains, this one is dense with nutrients and antioxidants thanks to the butterfly pea flower powder.
Another reason this recipe works so well is the balance of flavors and the simple brewing technique. I whisk the butterfly pea powder directly into warm milk and simmer gently. This helps the color intensify, while allowing the earthy tea flavor to infuse into the milk. This short simmer stops the drink from tasting watery and gives it a richer base, which is completed with creamy milk and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup.
My kids both went through phases where they were obsessed with just one color. Naturally, I like to indulge them and serve snacks and drinks with the color of the week. Green was easy, as was pink, and yellow. Blue was a bit more of a challenge. Luckily, I had this blue butterfly pea latte recipe to fall back on. . My husband and I probably savored this latte more than our kids, appreciating the innocence and fun of it. I highly recommend enjoying this drink in your garden or under a tree. I swear it tastes even better outdoors. Ha!
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🥘 Ingredients
All of the ingredients are pantry staples, apart from the butterfly pea flower powder, which is available in most health stores. I prefer to use organic brands. This is everything I use:
Almond milk: I use unsweetened almond milk to keep the drink light and dairy-free. It does not overpower the butterfly pea flavor.
Butterfly pea flower powder: This is the star ingredient that I use for the incredible color and soft flavor.
Vanilla extract: A small amount of vanilla extract deepens the flavor and softens the earthy notes of the tea.
Maple syrup: I use maple syrup for a healthy and gentle sweetness that blends into the warm milk easily.
🔪 How To Make
This blue butterfly pea latte comes together very quickly, on the stovetop, and requires very little equipment. Here is how I make it:
Heat the latte base: I add the almond milk, butterfly pea powder, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to a small saucepan. Then I whisk everything together for 3-4 minutes, place the pan over a medium heat, and bring to a simmer.
Froth: I remove from the heat and froth the blue milk with a frother.
Serve: Then I pour into glasses and enjoy.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for this blue butterfly pea latte recipe is to whisk the pea powder thoroughly before heating so it dissolves fully and without lumps. This is how I get a smooth,well-saturated latte.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Use gentle heat: I avoid boiling the milk. A light simmer keeps the drink creamy and stops it from separating.
- Use a clear glass for serving: The color is everything in this latte. That is why I always serve them in heatproof transparent glasses that show off the brilliant blue.
- Adjust the sweetness: I start by adding a small amount of maple syrup and adjusting it gradually until it suits my taste. The last thing you want is an overly sweet latte.
📖 Variations
This blue butterfly pea latte is easy to customize, depending on the flavor profile you prefer. Since it is so quick and easy to make, these are some of the variations that have been tried, tested, and loved:
Iced blue latte: Instead of serving it hot, I allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then pour it over ice cubes. This is a perfect drink for summer. The color alone is enough to cool you down.
Espresso latte: If you have an espresso machine and a coffee addiction like me, add a shot of espresso to this latte for a caffeine boost.
Blue lavender latte: I steep dried avenger in the boiling water and use lavender syrup instead of maple. This adds a calming quality to the latte. I have made this to help ease my kids into their bedtime routines.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
If you want to know the trick to getting your kids, or anyone, to drink wholesome drinks, it is to make them as attractive as possible. We consume all foods with our eyes first, after all. Next time you are serving fancy drinks, make sure to use an elegant glass and fill it with my gorgeously purple taro milk tea. Or if you prefer things on the pink side, make my copycat Starbucks dragon drink. I promise you will save a lot of money when you master these coffee shop drinks at home.
A few years ago, the unicorn aesthetic was at its peak. Of course, I was asked to throw a class party for my youngest, and it had to be rainbow/ unicorn themed. My blue butterfly pea latte provides the striking blue color that breaks through the other pastel shades. I set out individual boxes of my multicolored unicorn popcorn, and had scattered trays of bright green white chocolate matcha brownie squares. Seeing the kids’ faces light up at all the vivid colors made me miss the days when I was at the age when colorful parties were the norm.
🧊 Storing And ♨️ Reheating
Refrigeration: I allow the latte to cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or jar, and store it for 24 hours. The color and flavor will hold well for a day, but the froth may settle.
Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this latte, as milk-based products may separate and develop a grainy texture.
Reheating: To reheat, I use a small pot and gently bring up the temperature over a low heat. Or I microwave it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
❓Recipe FAQs
Can I make this latte with dried butterfly pea flower instead of powder?
Yes, dried flowers work well too. I use 4-8 whole dried flowers, or 2 teaspoons of crushed dried flowers. What I do is steep the dried flowers in hot milk or water for several minutes, until the color has fully released, before combining them with the rest of the ingredients.
How can I make this latte frothy without a frother?
If you do not have a frother, just whisk the hot latte vigorously for 30 seconds, or I like to shake the milk in a sealed jar before heating it. If I want a more defined forty-layer, I add a scoop of vegan whipped cream to the top.
Why did my latte turn purple?
Butterfly pea flowers naturally change color when exposed to acidic ingredients. This reaction is completely natural, and there is nothing wrong with your latte. Just be more mindful of adding citrus or other acidic ingredients.
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🎥 Watch How to Make It
Blue Butterfly Pea Latte
If you want a drink that is truly spectacular in every sense, and looks like it belongs in the Hogwarts Great Hall, try this blue butterfly pea latte. The naturally vibrant hue comes from the butterfly pea flower powder, with a light creaminess thanks to milk, and a subtle sweetness from the maple syrup. I make it in just 8 minutes! It is also naturally dairy and sugar-free.
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 63kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tsp blue butterfly pea flower powder
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp maple syrup
Equipment
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small pot.
- Whisk together and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and froth with a milk frother.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this blue butterfly pea latte recipe is to whisk the pea powder thoroughly before heating so it dissolves fully and without lumps. This is how I get a smooth,well-saturated latte.
- Use gentle heat: I avoid boiling the milk. A light simmer keeps the drink creamy and stops it from separating.
- Use a clear glass for serving: The color is everything in this latte. That is why I always serve them in heatproof transparent glasses that show off the brilliant blue.
- Adjust the sweetness: I start by adding a small amount of maple syrup and adjusting it gradually until it suits my taste. The last thing you want is an overly sweet latte.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 326mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g
This was such a unique and unexpected drink that does not disappoint! Light, fresh and delicious; definitely a new favorite drink!
Yay! Thanks for letting me know Sara!
This was such a fun drink to make! Loved the color!
So happy to hear that Kristen!
Love this! I bought some blue pea flowers just to make fun drinks and I saw this!
Yay! Thanks Cynthia!
This is probably the prettiest drink I’ve ever made.
Aw thanks so much!
I am usually a green matcha latte kind of girl, but the color of this is amazing! 🙂 I am definitely going to have to switch up my afternoon tea latte soon.
Thanks Carrie! I can’t wait to hear how you like this recipe!