Tea Shop
Butterfly Pea
Explore our collection of premium loose leaf butterfly pea at Tea Pilgrim. Each blend is hand-selected and ethically sourced from gardens around the world, then shipped fresh from Toronto across Canada. Free shipping on orders over $49.
2 teas
About Butterfly Pea
A guide to butterfly pea flower tea
What is butterfly pea flower tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea is a herbal infusion made from the dried blossoms of Clitoria ternatea, a climbing vine native to Southeast Asia. In Thailand and Malaysia it has long been used to make blue drinks and to colour rice and desserts naturally. It is best known for its striking colour: the flowers brew a deep, vivid blue.
On this page you will find pure butterfly pea flowers and blends that use them for their colour and gentle flavour.
How it tastes
Butterfly pea flower has a mild, earthy, slightly woody flavour, similar to a very light green tea, with no bitterness. Its real magic is visual. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime and the acidity turns the cup from sapphire blue to violet or pink, because the flower's natural pigments change colour with pH. Many people blend it with lemongrass, mint or citrus for more flavour.
How to brew butterfly pea flower tea
Use hot water at about 90–100°C and 1–2 g (roughly 5–8 dried flowers) per 250 ml. Steep for 5–7 minutes, until the colour is a deep blue. Add lemon or lime at the table to watch the colour change, and a little honey if you like it sweeter.
It makes a spectacular iced tea, lemonade or latte: brew it strong, chill it, and layer it over ice. Browse our selection above for butterfly pea flowers and blends.
Caffeine in butterfly pea flower tea
Pure butterfly pea flower tea is caffeine-free, so it suits any time of day. Blends that include green or black tea will contain some caffeine; check each tea's ingredients if you are avoiding it.
- Water
- 90–100°C
- Steep
- 5–7 minutes
- Leaf
- 1–2 g (5–8 flowers) per 250 ml
- Caffeine
- None (unless blended with tea)
Frequently asked questions
Why does butterfly pea tea change colour?
Its natural blue pigments react to acidity. Adding lemon, lime or another acidic ingredient shifts the colour from blue to purple or pink.
What does butterfly pea tea taste like?
Mild, earthy and slightly woody, a bit like a very light green tea, with no bitterness. Citrus, lemongrass and honey are popular additions.
Does butterfly pea flower tea have caffeine?
Pure butterfly pea flower tea is caffeine-free. Blends that include tea leaves contain some caffeine.
Can I make butterfly pea iced tea or lemonade?
Yes. Brew it strong, chill it, then pour it over ice and top with lemonade for a drink that turns from blue to violet as you pour.
How many flowers should I use?
About 5–8 dried flowers per 250 ml cup. Use more for a deeper colour, especially if you are mixing it into lemonade or milk.