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Infuse Color With Color-Changing Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Butterfly pea tea is a rare tea that changes color when ingredients are added to change its pH level. The tea alone features a brilliant blue color that can change to vibrant red or deep purple with a simple slice of lemon or a few hibiscus petals. Discover striking beauty with butterfly pea flower tea and learn how to brew it right here.

Want to brew color-changing tea today? Check out our Butterfly Pea Flower Tea for a strikingly beautiful tea right here.

What Is Butterfly Pea Tea?


Butterfly pea tea is an herbal tea made using the rich blue flowers of the butterfly pea plant. The plant goes by the botanical name Clitoria ternatea and is also known as fairy tea, blue tea, and Asian pigeonwings. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly used in Ayurveda and as a natural food coloring. The tea infusion is naturally caffeine-free and features healthy compounds such as anthocyanins

The most unique attribute of this plant is that it is a color-changing tea. The blue color of the tea changes to deep violet or purple when the pH level is altered. The addition of lemon juice or another acid causes these color changes. The tea can also change color to a fire red or fuchsia hue when combined with hibiscus petals.

Photo by Nora Schlesinger from A Clean Bake.

How Is Butterfly Pea Tea Brewed?

Uncover stunning color-changing tea with our Butterfly Pea Flower Tea petals.


The traditional brewing methods of this tea hail from Thailand and Malaysia. In Thai culture, the tea is called nam dok anchan and is mixed with honey, lemon, and mint. Other additions include ginger, lemongrass, and even green tea.

As the tea becomes more popular in the United States, new and unique infusions are emerging. The tea is a staple ingredient in mood ring cocktails and is often paired with blue foods to play up the vibrant color characteristics of the tea.

To brew this tea, simply add one tablespoon of dried butterfly pea flower petals to 10 ounces of hot water. Steep the bright blue petals for five to 10 minutes. Use a strainer to remove the leaves and pour the tea mixture into a clear glass mug. Add a splash of lemon juice so the tea changes color to deep purple. If you want the deep pink hue instead, add a teaspoon of hibiscus petals to the hot water along with the butterfly pea tea.

Photo by Nora Schlesinger from A Clean Bake.

Be Colorful With Butterfly Pea Tea

Blue pea tea is an Asian tea that makes tea brewing a blast. The color-changing properties and mild flavor make it a great tea for beginner drinkers as well as connoisseurs. The unique color properties offer a visually pleasing dimension to the brewing process that make this tisane perfect for tea parties and friendly gatherings.

Enjoy the pretty hue of blue butterfly pea tea as-is or add an acidic element like lemon juice or lemon slices to turn the color a rich purple. For a fiery atmosphere, add hibiscus petals and watch the blue color change into a brilliant fuchsia. However you decide to enjoy this tea, you're sure to love the vibrant vibes these petals add to your tea repertoire.

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Erika Marty

As a digital nomad, I get to work from anywhere in the world and discover new teas every week. When I'm not working, you can find me mountain biking, hiking, and petting every stray dog I meet.