On a golden summer afternoon, nothing beats the allure of a stunning drink that not only refreshes but also dazzles the eyes. Enter the Iced Blue Tea Latte, a delightful blend that brings the serene hues of the ocean into your glass. Crafted with the enchanting butterfly pea flowers, this café-style drink showcases a beautiful blue hue that’s as captivating as its subtle earthy flavor. One of the best perks? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it the perfect addition to your brunch gatherings or lazy afternoons on the porch. Plus, with options for dairy-free milk, it accommodates everyone while providing a touch of magic. Are you ready to impress your guests (and Instagram) with this mesmerizing treat? Let’s dive into how to create this gorgeous drink!

Why is the Iced Blue Tea Latte Special?

Visual Appeal: The Iced Blue Tea Latte is not just a drink; it’s a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Easy to Make: You won’t need any expert skills to whip this up—just a few simple steps and you’re ready to impress!
Flavorful Twist: The subtle earthy notes from butterfly pea flowers combined with creamy, frothy vanilla take your taste buds on a delightful journey.
Dairy-Free Options: Customize it easily! Swap in oat or almond milk for a creamy yet dairy-free delight.
Perfect for Gatherings: Serve it at brunch or afternoon tea; your guests will be enchanted by its beauty and taste. Check out more delightful recipes like Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka for your next occasion!

Iced Blue Tea Latte Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need for this mesmerizing drink!

For the Tea

Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers – These flowers are crucial for that stunning blue color; vibrant and fresh are the keys to success!
Hot Water – Vital for steeping; helps release the rich color and flavor of the flowers.

For the Cold Foam

Ice-Cold Whole Milk (or Oat/Almond Milk) – Choose whole milk for a creamier texture, or go dairy-free with a frothing-friendly non-dairy option.
Vanilla Syrup – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness; feel free to experiment with homemade variations for a unique touch.

For Assembly

Ice Cubes – Essential for chilling your drink and presenting it beautifully.

Enjoy crafting this Iced Blue Tea Latte, your new favorite summer sip!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Iced Blue Tea Latte

Step 1: Brew the Blue Tea
Begin by boiling 1 cup of water until it reaches a rolling boil. Place 1 tablespoon of dried butterfly pea flowers into a heatproof container and pour the hot water over them. Allow the flowers to steep for 5-7 minutes, watching as the water transforms into a beautiful deep blue hue. Once the desired color is achieved, strain out the flowers and let the tea cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Cold Foam
While your blue tea cools, prepare the vanilla cold foam. In a blender, combine ⅓ cup of ice-cold whole milk (or your choice of non-dairy milk) and 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup. Blend the mixture on high speed for about 10 seconds, until it becomes smooth and frothy, resembling a light cloud. If you prefer, you can use a handheld frother or shake the mixture vigorously in a sealed jar.

Step 3: Assemble the Latte
Grab a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes to keep your Iced Blue Tea Latte refreshingly chilled. Carefully pour the cooled blue tea over the ice, allowing the vibrant color to shine. Next, gently layer the vanilla cold foam on top of the tea, creating a stunning contrast between the deep blue drink and the creamy white foam.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Your dazzling Iced Blue Tea Latte is now ready to serve! For an impressive presentation, you can choose to leave the layers intact or gently stir the drink to blend the tea with the foam. Delight in the refreshing flavors and bask in the compliments from your guests, all while savoring this unique and beautiful summer sip.

Iced Blue Tea Latte Variations & Substitutions

Let your creativity flow as you customize this delightful drink to suit your taste!

Dairy-Free: Use oat or almond milk in place of whole milk to create a creamy and luscious vegan-friendly foam. This swap not only accommodates dietary restrictions but adds a lovely nutty flavor to the drink!
Flavor Infusion: Substitute vanilla syrup with flavored syrups like lavender or caramel for a unique twist that’ll tickle your taste buds. A splash of lavender goat cheese blueberry croissantwich on the side would complement these flavors perfectly!
Tangy Twist: Squeeze in a bit of lemon or lime juice when assembling your latte. This brightens the flavor and creates a beautiful purple hue that’s equally enchanting.
Fruity Additions: Toss in a handful of fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for an added burst of flavor and a pop of color. They serve as a delightful garnish, too!
Coconut Vibes: Replace the cold foam with coconut cream for a tropical flair. This twist gives your Iced Blue Tea Latte an exotic touch, whisking you away to a sunny paradise.
Iced version: For an even colder refreshment, crush ice cubes from brewed blue tea instead of regular ice cubes. It enhances the blue color and keeps your drink vibrant till the last sip.
Herbal Accent: Add a sprinkle of chamomile or mint leaves on top of your latte for an aromatic experience that complements the earthy notes of the butterfly pea flower. It’s like a garden party in a glass!
Sweet Adjustments: Feeling adventurous? Experiment with homemade syrups made from agave or honey instead of vanilla for a natural sweetness that’s totally your own.

The Iced Blue Tea Latte is a canvas for your imagination! Enjoy mixing and matching to find your perfect, personalized summertime sip. For a delightful treat, pair it with blueberry cream cheese babka and impress your friends!

What to Serve with Iced Blue Tea Latte

On a sun-soaked afternoon, pairing a delightful drink with tantalizing bites creates an unforgettable experience.

Savory Spinach Quiche: Its flaky crust and creamy filling harmonize beautifully with the refreshing blue tea, making brunch more exciting.
Chilled Avocado Soup: This creamy, cool soup complements the butterfly pea tea’s earthy notes while adding a touch of elegance to the meal.
Lemon-infused Scones: The zesty brightness of lemon scones pairs perfectly with the Iced Blue Tea Latte, emphasizing both flavor and visual appeal.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch, elevating the tea’s cooling effect and balancing sweetness.
Edamame Hummus with Pita Chips: The creamy hummus and crunchy chips provide a delightful contrast to the silky foam of your drink, creating a harmonious pairing.
Ginger Mint Iced Tea: Enhance your summer sip experience with another refreshing beverage that shares herbal notes with the butterfly pea flower.

Expert Tips for Iced Blue Tea Latte

Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and vibrant dried butterfly pea flowers to ensure a beautiful blue color and delightful flavor. Poor quality can lead to dull tones.
Foam Texture: Always use ice-cold milk to achieve the best frothiness when making your vanilla cold foam; this ensures a delightful creamy texture.
Layering Technique: Pour the blue tea slowly over the ice first, then gently add the foam; this helps maintain the lovely layers in your Iced Blue Tea Latte.
Flavor Variations: For a unique twist, consider adding a touch of citrus; a squeeze of lemon or lime not only enhances taste but also changes the color to a lovely purple.
Storage Tips: Brewed blue tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember to re-froth your milk before serving for the best results.

Make Ahead Options

These Iced Blue Tea Lattes are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep! You can brew and store the blue tea up to 3 days ahead; simply keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the vanilla cold foam, prepare it the night before and refrigerate, but remember to re-froth the milk before serving for that dreamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, fill a glass with ice, pour in the chilled blue tea, and gently layer the cold foam on top. With these steps, you’ll have a mesmerizing and refreshing drink that maintains its quality, making your summer days a breeze!

How to Store and Freeze Iced Blue Tea Latte

Fridge: Keep any leftover brewed blue tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or serve cold for the best flavor.

Cold Foam: Make the vanilla cold foam fresh each time for the best texture; if you must store it, keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and re-whip before serving.

Ice Cubes: If you plan to make this drink ahead of time, freeze ice cubes from blue tea to prevent dilution—add them directly to your Iced Blue Tea Latte when serving.

Mixing: Always combine the tea and foamed milk just before serving for a delightful visual that showcases the drink’s beauty.

Iced Blue Tea Latte Recipe FAQs

What are butterfly pea flowers and how do I choose them?
Butterfly pea flowers are vibrant, dried flowers known for their stunning blue color and subtle earthy flavor. When selecting them, look for bright, unblemished flowers with no dark spots. This ensures that you get the most vivid color and delightful taste for your Iced Blue Tea Latte.

How should I store leftover Iced Blue Tea Latte?
To keep your brewed blue tea fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid blending the cold foam in advance, as it’s best made fresh right before serving. If you’ve made extra blue tea, you can use ice cubes made from the tea to prevent dilution and keep your drink flavorful.

Can I freeze the blue tea for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze leftover blue tea in ice cube trays. This allows you to have blue tea cubes ready to go for your next Iced Blue Tea Latte. When you’re ready to serve, simply blend the frozen cubes with your cold foam and enjoy a refreshing drink without any dilution.

What if my cold foam doesn’t turn out frothy?
If your vanilla cold foam isn’t frothing as expected, make sure your milk is ice-cold and try using a blender or a handheld frother. If needed, add a touch more milk to reach the right consistency. For even better results, you can try using whole milk or a barista blend of non-dairy milk designed specifically for frothing.

Is there a way to adjust the sweetness in my Iced Blue Tea Latte?
Yes! You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less vanilla syrup to your cold foam. If you prefer a natural sweetener, try honey or agave syrup. For a unique twist, consider infusing your blue tea with a hint of citrus to complement the flavor while also maintaining a beautiful visual presentation.

Can pets enjoy any part of the Iced Blue Tea Latte?
While the butterfly pea flowers themselves are not toxic to pets, it’s always best to keep your Iced Blue Tea Latte away from them, especially due to the dairy and vanilla syrup that can upset their stomachs. Stick to safe pet treats for your furry companions!