What is the best way to drink butterfly pea tea?: A Comprehensive Guide

October 29, 2025 •

5 min read

Did you know that butterfly pea flower is loaded with antioxidants, boasting similar properties to those found in green tea? This vibrant blue brew is a versatile and visually stunning beverage, and understanding what is the best way to drink butterfly pea tea? is key to unlocking its full potential for both flavor and wellness.

Quick Summary

Butterfly pea tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, with simple additions like lemon or honey to enhance its flavor and trigger its famous color change. Proper brewing methods and creative ingredient pairings are key to a delicious and beneficial cup.

Key Points

Brew Hot or Cold: You can enjoy butterfly pea tea either as a warm, soothing brew or a crisp, refreshing iced tea.
Trigger a Color Change: Adding an acidic ingredient like lemon or lime juice changes the tea's color from a deep blue to a vivid purple.
Customize Flavor: Its mild, earthy taste is a perfect canvas for enhancing with honey, mint, ginger, or other citrus fruits.
Rich in Antioxidants: The tea is packed with anthocyanins, which provide anti-inflammatory and other health-boosting properties.
Practice Moderation: While safe for most in moderation, limit intake to 1–3 cups daily and consult a doctor if you have certain health conditions or are pregnant.
Consider Health Goals: Drink it hot for relaxation or incorporate it into weight management routines by replacing sugary beverages.
Create Stunning Presentations: Use it in layered lattes, colorful cocktails, or infused ice cubes to add a touch of visual magic to your beverages.

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Butterfly Pea Tea

Creating the ideal cup of butterfly pea tea, also known as blue tea, starts with the right brewing technique. The process is simple, but small variations can affect the color and flavor profile.

Hot Brewing Method

For a traditional, comforting cup, the hot brewing method is ideal. It brings out the tea's subtle, earthy and floral notes.

Steps:

Water Temperature: Bring filtered water to a boil, then allow it to cool for a minute or two to approximately 200°F (93°C). Using slightly less than boiling water prevents burning the delicate flowers.
Steeping: Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers per 8 ounces of water. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes, or longer for a more potent brew and darker color.
Strain: Strain the flowers from the tea and serve immediately.

Cold Brew Method

Cold brewing offers a smoother, less bitter taste and is perfect for a refreshing iced tea. This method requires more time but yields a clean, crisp flavor.

Steps:

Preparation: Add about 1 teaspoon of flowers per cup of cold, filtered water to a pitcher or jar.
Infusion: Let the tea steep in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours, for the best flavor extraction.
Strain and Serve: Strain the flowers and serve the chilled tea over ice.

Customizing Your Butterfly Pea Tea: The Color-Changing Magic

One of the most captivating aspects of butterfly pea tea is its ability to change color when mixed with acidic ingredients. The rich blue hue transforms into a beautiful purple or violet.

How to Get the Color Change

Lemon or Lime Juice: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice is the classic way to get the color change. Add a small amount and stir to see the magic happen.
Other Citrus: Experiment with orange slices or grapefruit juice for slightly different color variations and flavor profiles.
Hibiscus: Adding hibiscus petals or tea can create a vibrant red hue and a tart, fruity flavor, offering a stunning color gradient.

Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Tea

Beyond its visual appeal, butterfly pea tea is celebrated for its health-promoting properties, largely due to its high concentration of antioxidants.

Key Health Benefits include:

Rich in Antioxidants: The tea contains antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins, including ternatins, which fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Promotes Skin Health: Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe skin and support collagen production, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
Supports Brain Function: Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, it may help boost memory and cognitive function by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain.
Aids Digestion: Butterfly pea tea has been used as a mild diuretic and digestive aid, helping to relieve bloating and support liver function.
Promotes Hair Health: The bioflavonoid anthocyanin is believed to increase blood flow to the scalp, potentially promoting hair growth and strengthening hair follicles.
Stress Reduction: The tea has a calming effect, making it a perfect caffeine-free beverage to help reduce stress and anxiety.

A Simple Comparison of Hot vs. Cold Brew


Feature	Hot Brew	Cold Brew
Flavor Profile	Deeper, earthier, and subtly floral	Smoother, crisper, and milder
Preparation Time	5-10 minutes	4-12 hours
Best For	Warming up, relaxing, traditional tea experience	Refreshing iced teas, summer drinks
Color Intensity	Rich, vibrant blue (adjust with steeping time)	Tends to be a softer blue, can be intensified by pressing flowers
Bitterness	Minimal, if steeped correctly	Generally less bitter, very smooth mouthfeel
Nutrient Extraction	Quick release of compounds	Slow, steady extraction over time

Creative Ways to Drink Butterfly Pea Tea

Once you have brewed your tea, the possibilities for customization are vast. Its mild flavor profile makes it a versatile base for many concoctions.

Butterfly Pea Latte: For a creamy treat, whisk butterfly pea powder with warm water and combine with your milk of choice (dairy, coconut, or almond milk works well) for a beautiful blue or purple latte.
Magic Lemonade: Make a stunning layered drink by preparing a sweetened butterfly pea tea and pouring it slowly over ice and lemonade. The color will change as the liquids mix.
Cocktails and Mocktails: Use the brewed tea as a unique base for creative drinks. Add to gin and tonic for a color-changing cocktail, or mix with sparkling water and citrus for a sophisticated mocktail.
Infused Ice Cubes: Freeze brewed butterfly pea tea in ice cube trays. Add these to any beverage, like lemonade or plain water, to gradually release color and flavor as they melt.
Smoothies: Add a shot of concentrated butterfly pea tea to your smoothie for a boost of antioxidants and a beautiful blue or purple color.

Precautions and Safe Consumption

While generally safe for daily consumption in moderation, there are a few considerations before making butterfly pea tea a regular part of your diet.

Consult a Healthcare Provider: Individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as low blood pressure or those on anticoagulant medications, should consult a doctor before regular consumption.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to limited research, it is recommended to avoid consuming butterfly pea tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Moderation is Key: Excessive consumption may lead to mild digestive issues, such as nausea or diarrhea. It is generally recommended to stick to 1–3 cups per day.
Avoid the Seeds: The seeds contain compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested, especially in large amounts. Use only the flowers for tea.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Perfect Butterfly Pea Tea

The best way to drink butterfly pea tea ultimately depends on your personal preference. Whether you prefer it hot and earthy, cold and refreshing, or as a vibrant, color-changing spectacle, its mild flavor and numerous health benefits make it a delightful addition to any wellness routine. By experimenting with different brewing temperatures, citrus additions, and pairings like honey or mint, you can create a truly personalized and magical experience. Start with a simple brew and let the natural beauty and subtle taste guide you to your perfect cup.

For more information on the history and traditional uses of this incredible plant, you can visit a resource like The Qi.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, butterfly pea tea is an herbal infusion made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant and is naturally caffeine-free.

To make the tea change color, simply add an acidic ingredient. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice will cause the blue tea to transform into a purple or pink shade due to a pH change.

By itself, butterfly pea tea has a very mild, subtle, and earthy flavor with faint floral notes, often described as similar to a light green tea.

Yes, it is generally safe to consume butterfly pea tea daily in moderation (1-3 cups). However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it, and individuals with health concerns should consult a doctor.

No, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid butterfly pea tea. Some active ingredients may stimulate uterine contractions, and research on its effects during pregnancy is limited.

Since it is caffeine-free, you can drink butterfly pea tea at any time. Some people enjoy it in the evening for its calming properties, while others prefer it in the morning for a refreshing start.

In rare cases, overconsumption may cause mild digestive issues such as nausea or diarrhea. It is important to consume only the flowers, as the seeds can be toxic.

Yes, you can typically re-steep the flowers two to three times before the color and flavor begin to significantly weaken. The color will be lighter with each subsequent brew.