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
Scale
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.
