This Blue Latte is a stunning, naturally vibrant drink made with butterfly pea flowers, creamy milk, and a hint of vanilla. I first saw one of these at a café and was mesmerized by the beautiful pastel blue color, so I figured out how to make it at home. The butterfly pea tea steeps into this deep purple that turns the prettiest shade of blue when you mix it with milk, and the whole thing takes about 12 minutes from start to finish. It's refreshing, slightly sweet, and so pretty you'll want to take a picture before you drink it. The best part is that it's made with just a few simple ingredients and tastes light and calming.
If you're looking for more easy, impressive recipes, check out my Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, Shredded Tofu Wraps, and for something savory, my Moroccan Lentil Soup.
Why You'll Love This Blue Latte
Naturally vibrant color. The butterfly pea flowers create a stunning blue without any artificial dyes or food coloring.
Ready in 12 minutes. From steeping the tea to pouring the final layer, this drink comes together fast.
Light and refreshing. It's not overly sweet or heavy, which makes it perfect for any time of day.
Customizable sweetness. Adjust the simple syrup to your taste. You can make it sweeter or keep it light.
Instagram-worthy. The layered effect and pastel blue color make this drink beautiful to photograph and share.
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Blue Latte Ingredients
Here's everything you need to make this stunning, refreshing Blue Latte.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Dried butterfly pea flowers: These are the star ingredient. They steep into a deep purple tea that turns blue when mixed with milk. You can find them online or at specialty tea shops.
- Milk: Any milk works here. Whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all create a creamy base. The milk is what turns the purple tea into that beautiful pastel blue.
- Simple syrup: Adds sweetness and helps everything blend together smoothly. You can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, or buy it pre-made.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet warmth that complements the floral notes of the butterfly pea tea.
- Ice cubes: Keeps the drink cold and refreshing. You can also freeze some butterfly pea tea into ice cubes for an extra layered effect.
How to Make Blue Latte
Here's how to make this beautiful, refreshing Blue Latte from start to finish.
- Steep the butterfly pea tea: Place 10 dried butterfly pea flowers in a teapot or heat-safe container. Pour 1 cup of hot water over the flowers and set it aside. Let the tea steep for 5 minutes. The water will turn a deep, vibrant purple. The longer it steeps, the darker the color.
- Prepare the glass: Fill a serving glass about ¾ full with ice cubes. If you want an extra layered effect, use some blue-colored ice cubes made from frozen butterfly pea tea.
- Add milk and flavorings: Pour the simple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract over the ice. The milk will settle at the bottom and create a creamy base.
- Layer the tea: Slowly pour the brewed butterfly pea tea over the ice, using the back of a spoon to prevent it from mixing immediately with the milk. This creates a beautiful layered effect with the purple tea on top and the creamy milk at the bottom.
- Mix and serve: If you gently stir the drink, it will turn a beautiful pastel blue as the tea and milk blend together. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, floral flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Rose water instead of vanilla: Use ¼ teaspoon of rose water in place of vanilla extract for a floral twist that tastes delicate and aromatic.
Honey instead of simple syrup: Swap the simple syrup for honey or agave nectar for a natural sweetness.
Make it a latte with espresso: Add a shot of espresso to the milk for a caffeinated blue latte that's both beautiful and energizing.
Add lemon juice: A tiny squeeze of lemon juice will turn the tea from blue to purple because of the pH change. It's a fun science experiment and adds a citrusy tang.
Use coconut milk: For a tropical flavor, use coconut milk instead of regular milk.
Add spirulina: Some blue lattes are made with blue spirulina instead of butterfly pea flowers. It has a slightly different flavor but creates a similar blue color.
Equipment
Teapot or small saucepan: For steeping the butterfly pea flowers in hot water.
Measuring cups and spoons: To measure the milk, simple syrup, and vanilla extract accurately.
Serving glass: A clear glass shows off the beautiful layered colors.
Spoon for layering tea: The back of a spoon helps you pour the tea slowly over the milk to create layers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Brew the tea ahead: You can steep the butterfly pea tea ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it slightly or use it cold.
Make blue ice cubes: Freeze leftover butterfly pea tea in an ice cube tray. Use these cubes in your latte for an extra pop of color.
Simple syrup storage: Homemade simple syrup lasts in the fridge for up to a month in an airtight container.
Best served fresh: This drink is best enjoyed immediately after making it. The layered effect is most vibrant when it's freshly poured.
Serving Suggestions
As an afternoon pick-me-up: Enjoy this latte in the afternoon when you need something refreshing and calming.
For brunch: Serve it alongside pastries, my Winter Kale Salad, or Greek Marinated Chicken for a beautiful brunch spread.
At a party: Make a big batch of butterfly pea tea and set up a latte bar where guests can layer their own drinks.
With a light snack: Pair it with fresh fruit, a slice of toast, or a handful of nuts for a light, refreshing snack.
Expert Tips
Use fresh butterfly pea flowers if you can. They create a more vibrant color than older, stale flowers. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Don't skip the layering. Pouring the tea slowly over the back of a spoon creates that gorgeous gradient effect that makes this drink so Instagram-worthy.
Adjust the sweetness. Taste the drink before serving and add more simple syrup if you like it sweeter.
Experiment with the color. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and watch the tea change from blue to purple. It's a fun way to show kids a little science experiment.
Chill the tea first. If you steep the tea and let it cool before pouring, it won't melt the ice as quickly and the drink stays colder longer.
Make it creamy. Use whole milk or coconut milk for the richest, creamiest texture.
FAQ
A blue latte is a colorful drink made with butterfly pea flower tea, milk, and sweetener. The butterfly pea flowers create a natural blue color that's vibrant and beautiful. Unlike traditional lattes, blue lattes usually don't contain coffee, though you can add espresso if you want. The drink is light, refreshing, and has a subtle floral flavor.
Blue latte tastes light, slightly sweet, and floral. The butterfly pea tea has a very mild, earthy flavor that's not overpowering. The milk adds creaminess, and the vanilla and simple syrup bring a gentle sweetness. It's not as strong or bold as coffee, so it's perfect if you want something calming and refreshing.
A Korean blue latte is similar to the regular blue latte but is often made with blue spirulina or butterfly pea flowers and served in trendy cafés in South Korea. Korean blue lattes tend to be very aesthetic, with beautiful layers and garnishes like edible flowers or whipped cream. They're popular on social media because of their stunning appearance.
No, a traditional blue latte does not have coffee. It's made with butterfly pea flower tea, milk, and sweetener. However, you can add a shot of espresso if you want a caffeinated version. The blue color comes from the butterfly pea flowers, not from coffee, so it's naturally caffeine-free unless you add espresso.
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Pairing
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Blue Latte
Ingredients
Method
- Place the dried butterfly pea flowers in a teapot and pour 1 cup of hot water over them.
- Let the tea steep for 5 minutes until it develops a deep purple-blue color.
- Fill a serving glass about ¾ full with ice cubes.
- Pour the simple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract over the ice in the glass.
- Slowly pour the brewed butterfly pea tea over the ice or use a spoon to layer gently on top, creating a beautiful separation.
- If desired, stir lightly to blend the milk and tea into a pastel blue color.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
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