If you have ever wanted to bring a magical pop of color and a delightful twist to your beverage routine, this Butterfly Pea Milk Tea with Boba (Easy Bubble Tea) Recipe is just for you! This charming drink combines the vibrant blue hues of butterfly pea flower tea with the chewy fun of tapioca pearls, creating a treat that’s not only stunning to look at but also wonderfully soothing and creamy. Whether you’re craving a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up or a fun party drink, this recipe makes it simple to whip up an irresistible and caffeine-free bubble tea at home. Let’s dive into making this little glass of happiness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role. Every component, from the vivid butterfly pea flowers to the creamy milk and chewy boba pearls, comes together to deliver a perfect blend of taste, texture, and that eye-catching blue shade.
- 2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers (or 1 butterfly pea tea bag): The star ingredient that gives the tea its magical blue color and earthy flavor.
- 1/2 cup hot water: Used for steeping the butterfly pea flowers and unlocking their vibrant hue.
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls (boba): The classic chewy additions that make bubble tea so fun and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tea’s floral notes and complement the milky texture.
- 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Creates a creamy base that softens the boldness of the butterfly pea tea while enhancing the drink’s richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Introduces subtle warmth and depth, elevating the overall flavor.
- Ice cubes: Keeps the drink refreshingly cool, perfect for sipping anytime.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Milk Tea with Boba (Easy Bubble Tea) Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers
Start by steeping 2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers in 1/2 cup of hot water for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll watch the water transform into a beautiful deep blue, which is simply mesmerizing. Once steeped, strain out the flowers and let the tea cool completely. This step is key because it sets the whole color and flavor tone for your bubble tea.
Step 2: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
While the tea is cooling, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the tapioca pearls following the package instructions, usually for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re soft and chewy. Drain them, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and then toss them with honey or simple syrup if you like a sweeter bite. This makes sure each pearl is coated with a delicious glaze that harmonizes beautifully with the butterfly pea tea.
Step 3: Assemble Your Bubble Tea
Grab a tall glass and add your prepared boba pearls at the bottom. Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes to keep things chill. Next, pour in your milk — dairy or non-dairy, depending on your preference — and stir in vanilla extract if using. The milk will create a lovely creamy layer that sets the stage for the star tea.
Step 4: Create the Layered Effect
For a show-stopping presentation, slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the back of a spoon held just above the milk. This technique creates a stunning layered effect, with the deep blue tea floating atop the milky base. Resist the urge to stir right away; snap a photo and enjoy the visual magic. When ready to sip, give it a gentle stir to mingle all the flavors and the lively colors together.
How to Serve Butterfly Pea Milk Tea with Boba (Easy Bubble Tea) Recipe
Garnishes
To make your butterfly pea milk tea feel extra special, consider topping it with a few fresh edible flowers or a thin lemon wheel. This not only enhances the drink’s floral aroma but also complements the natural color shift if you add a splash of lemon juice to turn the blue tea into a vibrant purple shade. A wide bubble tea straw is essential for enjoying those perfect chewy boba pearls with every sip.
Side Dishes
This drink pairs wonderfully with light, sweet treats like mochi, almond cookies, or even fresh tropical fruits. The mellow sweetness and creamy texture of the butterfly pea milk tea balance well with touches of crisp or fruity flavors, making for an enjoyable snack or dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel free to experiment with layering colors by gently pouring a lemon juice splash on one side of the glass for a gradient from blue to purple. You can also serve this drink in clear mason jars or tall glasses with colorful boba beads for a festive, eye-catching touch. Adding a dusting of edible glitter or a few pastel-colored tapioca pearls can take your presentation to another level of fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover butterfly pea tea, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tapioca pearls separate, as they tend to harden if left soaking too long. This way, you can quickly assemble your bubble tea whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy this bubble tea fresh, you can freeze the brewed butterfly pea tea in ice cube trays. Frozen tea cubes can be a fun way to chill your drinks without diluting the flavor, and they help preserve the tea’s vibrant blue color.
Reheating
To reheat leftover butterfly pea tea, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, but avoid boiling to preserve its delicate floral taste. Tapioca pearls should be refreshed by briefly soaking them in hot water before adding to your drink once again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh butterfly pea flowers can be used, but you might need to adjust the quantity and steeping time since fresh flowers may have a milder flavor compared to dried ones.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! Just swap the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and make sure your sweetener fits your dietary choices.
What gives butterfly pea tea its color, and does it change?
The deep blue color comes from natural antioxidants called anthocyanins in the butterfly pea flower. Interestingly, the color can shift to purple or pink when acidic ingredients like lemon juice are added, offering a fun visual surprise.
Can I prepare this recipe without tapioca pearls?
Of course! The butterfly pea milk tea tastes fantastic on its own if you prefer a simpler drink or want to avoid the chewiness of boba pearls.
How long do tapioca pearls last after cooking?
Cooked tapioca pearls are best enjoyed within a few hours of preparation as they tend to harden when stored for longer periods. If you want to keep them longer, store them in a simple syrup at room temperature, but consume within a day for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Butterfly Pea Milk Tea with Boba (Easy Bubble Tea) Recipe is one of those dazzling creations that’s just as fun to make as it is to drink. The bright blue color brings a little joy to any moment, and the creamy, sweet flavors paired with chewy boba pearls make every sip a little celebration. Give it a try and watch this enchanting bubble tea become your new favorite go-to treat!
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Butterfly Pea Milk Tea with Boba (Easy Bubble Tea) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This easy Butterfly Pea Milk Tea with Boba recipe offers a visually stunning and refreshing bubble tea experience at home. Featuring naturally caffeine-free butterfly pea flower tea that changes color, paired with chewy tapioca pearls and creamy milk, it’s a delightful Asian-inspired drink perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers (or 1 butterfly pea tea bag)
- 1/2 cup hot water
Boba
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls (boba)
- 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup (optional)
Milk Mixture
- 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Steep the butterfly pea flowers: Place the dried butterfly pea flowers or tea bag in 1/2 cup of hot water. Let steep for 5–7 minutes until the liquid turns a deep blue color. Strain out the flowers and leave the tea to cool completely.
- Cook the tapioca pearls: Boil the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions, typically for 5–7 minutes until chewy. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking. Optionally, mix the cooled pearls with honey or simple syrup to sweeten them.
- Assemble the drink: In a glass, add the cooked boba pearls at the bottom. Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the milk along with vanilla extract if using.
- Create the layered effect: Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the back of a spoon to float the blue tea on top of the milk, creating a beautiful layered look. Stir before drinking to blend the flavors and colors.
- Serve: Insert a wide bubble tea straw and enjoy your homemade, colorful bubble tea.
Notes
- Butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free and changes color with pH; add a splash of lemon juice to turn it purple for a fun color twist.
- You can sweeten either the tea or milk layer according to your taste using honey, maple syrup, or condensed milk.
- Use any type of milk: dairy, almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk to suit your preference.
- For an extra creamy texture, use evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of regular milk.
