It all started on a lazy Sunday afternoon—the kind where the sun filters through half-drawn curtains, and you're nestled into the sofa with your fourth cup of chai, wondering if it’s too early for dinner.
I was doomscrolling through Instagram when a reel caught my eye. A deep indigo liquid was being poured into a transparent glass mug. It looked like a liquid sapphire, and the caption read:
“Blue tea made from butterfly pea flowers—good for your skin, stress, and your selfie game.”
Wait, blue tea? What on earth is that?
I’d had chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, even lemongrass—but this vivid, almost royal blue potion was something else. Naturally, curiosity took over. I googled it, fell into a YouTube rabbit hole, and by the end of the evening, I had added “butterfly pea flowers” to my cart on an organic tea store.
Little did I know, I was about to meet the diva of herbal teas.
What Is Blue Tea, Really?
Blue tea, also called butterfly pea flower tea, is an herbal infusion made from the petals (and sometimes the whole flower) of Clitoria ternatea—yes, that’s its real name. It’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and Southeast Asian cuisines for its health benefits, vibrant hue, and—let’s be honest—Instagrammable aesthetic.
In different cultures, it goes by different names:
Anchan tea in Thailand
Bunga telang in Malaysia
Aparajita in India
But no matter where it's brewed, it’s known for three things:
That stunning blue color 🌌
Its subtle, earthy flavor 🌿
And its party trick: it changes color with lemon juice! 💜
Flashback: My First Brew (and a Minor Kitchen Fire)
I’ll admit—I’m usually a tea snob. I measure water like a chemist, time my steeps with military precision, and scoff at people who overboil tea leaves. So, when the butterfly pea flower pouch arrived, I was ready to unleash my inner tea witch.
Except I left the kettle unattended.
Pro tip: Don’t walk away when your water is heating. Butterfly pea flowers need hot, not boiling water. I came back to an angry kettle, a half-melted silicone spatula, and a smoky kitchen. Not exactly the spa-like vibe I was going for.
Lesson learned. On attempt two, I nailed it.
Brewing Blue Tea Like a Beginner-Pro
If I can do it without setting off the fire alarm, you definitely can. Here’s my foolproof method:
🫖 What You’ll Need:
5–6 dried butterfly pea flowers (or 1 teaspoon if it’s a loose blend)
1.5 cups hot water (approx. 85–90°C)
Honey or jaggery, to taste
Lemon juice, if you want to watch the color shift
Optional: a few mint leaves or a cinnamon stick
👩🍳 Step-by-Step:
Heat your water, but don’t boil it. If you don’t have a thermometer, just let it steam but not bubble.
Steep the flowers in the water for 5–7 minutes. Watch it turn a stunning cobalt blue.
Strain into your favorite mug or glass.
Add honey if you prefer it sweet.
Squeeze lemon juice and witness the tea morph from blue to purple—it’s your own personal Hogwarts potion class!
And there you have it. Blue tea. No cauldron required.
What Does It Taste Like?
Here’s the thing—don’t expect it to taste like your masala chai or a sweet fruity tea. Blue tea is:
Mild
Slightly earthy
Almost woody
A bit like chamomile’s mysterious cousin who only shows up at full moon rituals
It pairs beautifully with honey or a hint of ginger if you want more personality in the cup.
Why I Fell in Love With It
I didn’t expect to fall head over heels. I thought it would be a one-time experiment. But then…
It calmed my nerves after a long workday.
It became my evening ritual while journaling or reading.
And—confession—it looked so aesthetic in my glass teapot that I felt like I had my life together.
Also, I’m a sucker for anything that has beauty benefits without me needing to slather things on my face.
Health Benefits (According to Ayurveda and My Mirror)
Blue tea isn’t just a pretty face. It’s packed with:
Anthocyanins – antioxidants that support skin health and fight aging
Flavonoids – good for brain health and memory
Anti-inflammatory properties – say goodbye to bloating and inflammation
Mood-enhancing effects – studies show it may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety
Now, I’m not saying it’s a miracle in a mug—but on days when I feel puffy, sluggish, or anxious, blue tea is my go-to.
Also, the glow-up is real. I swear my skin looks a little happier the next morning.
From My Mug to the World 🌍
Here’s where it gets fascinating.
🇹🇭 Thailand
In Thai culture, Nam Dok Anchan is traditionally served with honey and lemon, often as a welcome drink in homes and spas. It's more than just a beverage—it’s hospitality in a glass.
🇮🇳 India
In parts of India, the Aparajita flower is considered sacred. It's used in pujas, offered to deities, and referenced in Ayurvedic texts for boosting memory and reducing anxiety.
🇻🇳 Vietnam
In Vietnam, blue tea flowers are used to dye sticky rice and noodles. Imagine opening your lunchbox to find electric blue rice. It’s bizarre and brilliant.
Fun Ways to Experiment With Blue Tea
One cup turned into a dozen variations. If you're feeling adventurous, try these:
🧊 Iced Blue Tea with Mint and Lemon
Steep as usual, chill it in the fridge, and serve over ice with lemon slices and crushed mint. Refreshing and ridiculously photogenic.
🥥 Blue Tea + Coconut Water
Mix chilled blue tea with coconut water for a tropical twist. Add chia seeds for a faux detox drink that actually tastes good.
🍹 Butterfly Pea Flower Mocktail
Combine blue tea, soda water, lime juice, and a sprig of rosemary. Instant sophistication. Serve it at brunch, and watch your guests ask, “Wait… did you make this yourself?”
Real Talk: Things No One Tells You
Don’t over-steep: The longer it steeps, the earthier (read: grassy) it tastes.
Use filtered water: Minerals in tap water can dull the blue color.
It stains: Your white ceramic cup may retain a blue tint. Embrace the art.
And no—it won’t magically erase your stress, your deadlines, or your ex. But it will help you sip through the madness with a bit more grace.
My Blue Tea Ritual (a.k.a. Evening Zen Mode)
Every evening around 8, I put my phone on silent, light a candle, and brew a cup of blue tea. It’s become my wind-down ritual, a reminder that I deserve stillness, even if just for ten minutes.
Sometimes, I journal. Sometimes I just sit. But always, I sip slowly—watching the steam swirl like poetry, letting the earthy floral taste linger, and allowing my thoughts to settle.
Is Blue Tea Worth the Hype?
If you’re a tea purist, a wellness seeker, or just someone who likes pretty drinks—you’ll probably love it.
Blue tea is gentle. It doesn’t scream for attention. It’s not dramatic or overly sweet. But it offers calm, clarity, and just enough magic to make your day feel special.
So go on. Brew a cup. Watch the colors dance. And let yourself believe, just for a moment, that life is as soothing as a cup of blue tea.
🌟 Tea Tips Recap:
Use hot, not boiling water.
Add lemon juice for a color change.
Try iced versions in summer.
Don’t expect strong flavors—embrace the subtlety.
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Have you tried blue tea yet? Share your weirdest tea combos or magical brews in the comments—I’m always up for a new infusion experiment! ✨💬
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