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      Home » Drinks

      Blue Milk Tea Recipe with Boba

      Published: Aug 16, 2023 by Suwanee · This post may contain affiliate links.

      Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

      Satisfy your thirst by making a delicious drink with this butterfly pea blue milk tea with boba pearls. This yummy and refreshing beverage mixes butterfly pea flower tea powder with condensed milk and the enjoyable chewiness of tapioca pearls. It's such an enchanting drink with deep blue. All natural coloring too!

      Blue milk tea boba in a glass.

      For more creamy and exotic Thai drinks, make these recipes, Thai iced coffee-Oliang, Thai bubble tea, Thai pink milk, Mango boba tea, Tamarind iced tea, and Butterfly pea pink lemonade.

      Experience the magic of color-changing beverages and explore the rich culture of Southeast Asian countries through the sips of this delicious and visually stunning boba tea.

      Jump to:
      • Why you'll love this bubble tea drink
      • What is Blue Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea
      • What are butterfly blue pea flowers?
      • Magical Drink
      • Ingredients for Butterfly Pea Flower Milk Tea
      • How to make Blue Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea
      • Helpful kitchen notes and tips
      • Helpful kitchen tools for this recipe
      • What to serve with butterfly pea milk tea
      • Variations on blue Butterfly tea
      • Substitutes
      • Storage
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • More easy recipes you'll love
      • Blue Milk Tea Recipe with Boba
      • Related Recipes You'll love
      • Pairing

      Why you'll love this bubble tea drink

      • Visually mesmerizing! With its deep blue and vibrant colors.
      • A refreshing drink perfect for any time of the year. 
      • A fusion of herbal tea and creamy milk for a delightful contrast.
      • Chewy tapioca pearls add a fun and satisfying texture.
      • Adaptable to various milk and sweetener preferences.

      What is Blue Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea

      Blue Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea, also called boba milk tea, is a beautiful and sweet drink that combines blue butterfly pea flower tea and creamy milk, topped with chewy tapioca balls. This blue bubble tea has become a sensation on social media because it looks stunning and tastes amazing. The creamy texture mixed with the chewy balls adds an extra layer of deliciousness to this refreshing and creamy drink.

      What are butterfly blue pea flowers?

      Butterfly blue pea flowers are tropical flowers native to Thailand and Southeast Asia. They are not only beautiful but also have culinary uses. The flowers can be used for baking, cooking, and making blue pea tea. When brewed, the tea has a deep blue color, which makes it visually appealing. It can be enjoyed as a cold drink, especially during hot weather. The butterfly pea plant is also a natural food coloring in various dishes and beverages.

      Magical Drink

      An interesting fact about butterfly pea flower drinks is that when combined with a citrus agent like lemonade, citrusy drinks, lemon, or lime juice, the drink magically changes into shades of pink, violet, and purple right before your eyes! Experiment with this exotic drink with this beautiful butterfly pea lemonade, which will wow your kids and guests.

      Ingredients for Butterfly Pea Flower Milk Tea

      • Butterfly pea flower tea bags.
      • Water. You'll need 4 cups of tea and enough to cook 1 cup of tapioca pearls.
      • Blue butterfly pea powder
      • Sweetened condensed milk. This is why the coffee is so tasty! (; 
      • Use coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, whole milk, or almond milk as substitutes.
      • Tapioca pearls. These quick-cooking black sugar flavor tapioca pearls are easy to make and ready in 5 minutes!
      • Ice cubes. Use crushed ice for a more fun and enjoyable texture.
      • Optional: Honey, maple, brown sugar, or simple syrup (adjust to taste).

      How to make Blue Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea

      ​Step 1: Prepare the tapioca balls: Cook the tapioca balls according to package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water and chill in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of honey or agave to the pearls to sweeten them and keep them from sticking together. Or use water for a less calory option.

      Cooking tapioca pearls in a pot.
      Cooking tapioca black pearls in a pot.

      Step 2: Make the sugar mixture. Add sweetened condensed milk, salt, and butterfly pea powder to a large glass bowl. Whisk together until you have a blue, creamy texture.

      Condensed milk, sugar and salt in a bowl.
      blue cream in a bowl.

       Step 3: Make the butterfly pea flower tea: Bring close to 5 cups of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add 3 cups of hot water to the sugar mixture in a bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined. Look at that hypnotizing blue!

      Blue tea in a bowl.

      Step 3: Steep the tea bags using 1 cup of hot water. Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on the strength of the tea you like. Pour the steeped tea into the beautiful blue water and whisk well. Allow the tea to cool off for 10 minutes.

      butterfly pea tea steeping in a glass.

      Step 4: Add the tapioca pearls: Place the chilled tapioca pearls at the bottom of each serving glass. Pour the base tea over the tapioca balls, filling each glass about ⅔ full.

      tapioca pearls in a glass.
      Blue tea pouring into a glass.

      Step 5. Add ice cubes to the glass and evaporated milk for extra creaminess. That's it! Done and enjoy!

      Milk pouring int blue tea boba glass.

      Garnishing options: Garnish your Blue Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea with a sprinkle of blue tea powder and perhaps an edible flower for a beautiful presentation.

      Helpful kitchen notes and tips

      • When boiling water, add enough water to make 4 cups of water. So maybe add a little extra water just in case you need more.
      • My recipe asks for 2 bags, but use more or less as desired—up to 4 bags per recipe.
      • To create unique flavors, you can blend butterfly pea tea with other tea leaves like green, black, Earl gray, English breakfast, or herbal tea.
      • Chill the serving glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing experience.

      Helpful kitchen tools for this recipe

      • Cheesecloth or a slightly higher-grade material
      • Tea or coffee sock filter
      • Ice cube trays
      • Large pot for boiling tapioca balls
      • Reusable large straws for boba tea
      • Tall glasses for serving drinks
      • Large pitcher for storing and refrigerating the coffee concentrate
      • Heat-safe glass bowl

      What to serve with butterfly pea milk tea

      • Enjoy this refreshing boba tea as a stand-alone treat, or pair it with a delicious snack or dessert like Khao Jee, shrimp cakes, or Thai corn fritters.

      Variations on blue Butterfly tea

      • Add a splash of fruit juice like blueberry or lime for a fruity twist.
      • Experiment with different types of milk for varying levels of creaminess and flavor.

      Substitutes

      • Use monk fruit sugar as a sweetener alternative.
      • Customize your tapioca boba pearls by cooking them in fruit juices or syrups for unique flavors.

      Storage

      • ​Tapioca pearls are best enjoyed on the day of preparation. Leftover tapioca pearls do not store well as leftovers. The pearls will be hardened and become tough to chew on.
      • ​Separating the tapioca pearls, you can keep the tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days! Make a fresh batch of tapioca pearls whenever you want to add some to your drink!

      Elevate your refreshment game with Blue Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea, a delightful combination of color, flavor, and texture that will delight your senses. Whether for sipping on hot summer days or simply enjoying a delicious and visually stunning drink, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your easy and exciting beverage collection.

      Butterfly pea tea boba in a glass.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Can I use fresh blueberries instead of dried butterfly pea flowers for color?

      While fresh blueberries won't give the same color change, they can be used as an addition, not as a substitute, to the drink for flavor and texture as a blueberry milk tea.

      What's the significance of butterfly pea flowers in Southeast Asian countries?

      Butterfly pea flowers, known as Clitoria ternatea, are used in various traditional dishes and beverages due to their natural dye and potential health benefits.

      Can I use different kinds of milk for this recipe?

      Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite plant-based or dairy milk to find your preferred blend.

      Can I use blue matcha instead of butterfly pea flower powder?

      Blue matcha is a wonderful alternative for adding color and flavor to your bubble tea.

      What is the best way to cook tapioca pearls?

      Follow the instructions on the package for the best results, usually boiling them until they're soft and chewy.

      What are tapioca pearls made of?

      Tapioca pearls are made from tapioca flour or starch derived from the cassava root. To make the pearls, a cup of tapioca pearls is soaked in enough hot water for about 15 minutes, then boiled in a pot with a couple of cups of water until the pearls become soft and translucent. The excess water is drained, and the tapioca pearls are ready to be used in various desserts and drinks.

      More easy recipes you'll love

      • Butterly blue tea. A healthy tea, drink it as a cold tea or hot tea.
      • Thai iced tea boba is a fun twist on a classic Thai drink. The boba adds to the fun experience of this delicious drink.
      • Butterfly pea lemonade. A fun and naturally-colored lemonade!
      • Thai hibiscus tea. A street drink with tangy sweet delicious flavors.

      **Love a recipe you've tried? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and a review in the comments section further down the page. Or follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram!**

      Print
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      blue milk tea in a glass.

      Blue Milk Tea Recipe with Boba


      ★★★★★

      5 from 1 review

      • Author: Suwanee
      • Total Time: 15
      • Yield: 5-6 1x
      • Diet: Gluten Free
      Print Recipe
      Pin Recipe

      Description

      Satisfy your thirst by making a delicious drink with this butterfly pea blue milk tea with boba pearls. This yummy and refreshing beverage mixes butterfly pea flower tea powder with condensed milk and the enjoyable chewiness of tapioca pearls. It's such an enchanting drink with deep blue. All natural coloring too! 


      Ingredients

      Scale
      • 3 cups of water
      • 1 cup of uncooked tapioca pearls (tapioca pearls or boba)
      • 1 cup of 
      • 1 cup of butterfly pea flower tea 
      • 1 ½ teaspoon blue butterfly pea powder. Add More or less as preferred. The more you add the deeper the blue color. It will not change the flavors of the drink since butterfly pea has no fragrance. 
      • ⅓ cup of sweetened condensed milk (Use coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, whole milk, or almond milk as subs)
      • 1-2 tablespoons evaporated milk. Use as needed. Use coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, whole milk, or almond milk as substitutes
      • 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, brown sugar syrup, or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
      • Ice cubes for filling the glasses

      Instructions

      1. Prepare the tapioca balls: Cook the tapioca balls according to package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water and chill in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of honey or agave to the pearls to sweeten them and keep them from sticking together. Or use water for a less calory option.
      2. Make the sugar mixture. Add sweetened condensed milk, salt, and butterfly pea powder to a large glass bowl. Whisk together until you have a blue, creamy texture. 

      3. Make the butterfly pea flower tea: Bring close to 5 cups of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add 3 cups of hot water to the sugar mixture in a bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined. Look at that hypnotizing blue!
      4. Steep the tea bags using 1 cup of hot water. Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on the strength of the tea you like. Pour the steeped tea into the beautiful blue water and whisk well. Allow the tea to cool off for 10 minutes. 

      5. Add the tapioca pearls: Place the chilled tapioca pearls at the bottom of each serving glass. Pour the base tea over the tapioca balls, filling each glass about ⅔ full.
      6. Add ice cubes to the glass and evaporated milk for extra creaminess. That's it! Done and enjoy!

      Garnishing options: Garnish your Blue Butterfly Pea Bubble Tea with a sprinkle of blue tea powder and perhaps an edible flower for a beautiful presentation.

      Notes

      • When boiling water, add enough water to make 4 cups of water. So maybe add a little extra water just in case you need more. 
      • My recipe asks for 2 bags, but use more or less as desired—up to 4 bags per recipe. 
      • To create unique flavors, you can blend butterfly pea tea with other tea leaves like green, black, Earl gray, English breakfast, or herbal tea.
      • Chill the serving glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing experience.

      ** Thank you so much for visiting my blog! This is truly a passion for me. If you have enjoyed these recipes and appreciate the hard work I put into them, I would love it if you would share them with your friends! Your recommendation is the highest review I could hope for, and I’d appreciate it! **

       

      • Prep Time: 5
      • Cook Time: 15
      • Category: Drinks
      • Method: Stovetop
      • Cuisine: Thai

      Did you make this recipe?

      Please rate and review this recipe in the comment section below so I can improve and make it a better experience for you!

      Related Recipes You'll love

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      • Moo Yang grilled pork slices on a platter.
        Moo Yang Recipe (Thai Grilled Pork Neck) 
      • Thai Pork Omelette (Kai Jeow Moo Sap)
      • Sticky Asian ribs on a plate on the table.
        Sticky Asian Ribs 
      • Jeow Som Sauce in a bowl.
        Jeow Som (Lao Spicy Dipping Sauce)

      Pairing

      These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

      • thai corn salad in a bowl with flowers on table
        Thai spicy grilled corn salad (Som Tum Khao Pod)
      • handholding eggplant salad
        Spicy Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad with Pork
      • Hand holding Egg salad in a platter
        Thai Crispy Fried Egg Salad (Yam Khai Dao)
      • cucumber salad in a glass bowl
        Thai Cucumber Salad for Satay (อาจาด)

      More Drinks

      • Brown sugar simple syrup in a spoon over a bottle.
        Brown Sugar Simple Syrup (with Pandan Leaves)
      • Grass Jelly Drink in 2 glasses.
        Grass Jelly Drink with Brown Sugar Syrup (เฉาก๊วยนมสด)
      • Evaporated milk pouring into green tea.
        Thai Green Tea (ชาเขียว)
      • Thai iced coffee in a glass on the table.
        Thai Coffee (Oliang)

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Suwanee

        August 23, 2023 at 10:07 am

        Great to hear, Jane. Load up on that boba for sure then!

      2. Jane

        August 21, 2023 at 2:34 pm

        I love this! Perfect for me as I’m a boba lover. Can’t wait to make them again.

        ★★★★★

      Leave a Reply

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      Hi there, I’m Suwanee! I'm the person behind this Thai food blog. I spent thirteen years of childhood in Thailand, where I was first introduced to the flavors of Thai cooking. You are in the right place if you: Love to cook Thai food. Come by often, and let's get cooking! Read More…

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