Strawberry Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea
A visually stunning layered drink that combines floral butterfly pea tea, sweet strawberry syrup, and chewy tapioca for a refreshing boba experience at home.
Ingredients
Tea and Syrup
- 1 unit Butterfly pea flower tea bag Use whole-flower tea bags for deeper blue color.
- 1/3 cup Water (for tea) Bring to 195°F for best extraction.
- 1 teaspoon Brown sugar Dissolve in brewed tea.
- 1/3 cup Strawberry syrup Can use homemade or store-bought.
Boba and Milk
- 3/4 cup Ice Use large ice cubes for better layering.
- 2/3 cup Milk (any variety) Whole milk provides the creamiest texture.
- 3/4 cup Water (for boiling boba) Bring to a rolling boil.
- 1/4 cup Tapioca balls Cook according to package timing.
Instructions
Brew the butterfly pea tea
- Bring 1/3 cup of water to about 195°F and steep the butterfly pea flower tea bag for 5 minutes. Discard the tea bag and stir in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar until it dissolves. Set the tea aside to cool to room temperature.
- Pro Tip: The tea will be a vivid blue when it’s fresh. If it’s faint, brew a touch longer but avoid bitterness by not exceeding 6 minutes.
Cook the tapioca pearls
- Bring 3/4 cup of water to a rolling boil in a small saucepan, then add 1/4 cup tapioca balls. Cook on medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pearls don’t stick. When cooked, drain and set the pearls aside briefly.
- Pro Tip: You’ll know the boba is ready when they’re translucent with a slightly darker center. If the center is white, cook 1–2 minutes longer.
Build the base
- Place the warm tapioca balls into the bottom of a tall glass and pour in 1/3 cup strawberry syrup over them.
- Pro Tip: Warm boba absorbs syrup faster.
Add ice and milk
- Fill the glass with 3/4 cup ice. Slowly pour 2/3 cup milk directly onto the ice cubes.
- Pro Tip: Use large ice cubes for slower dilution and better layering.
Finish with butterfly pea tea
- Gently pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice so it floats and creates the final blue-to-purple layer.
- Pro Tip: If you want the purple hue to deepen, add a few drops of fresh lemon or a splash of lemon juice after pouring the tea.
Notes
Assemble components right before serving for best layers. Store components separately if you need to prepare ahead; avoid storing assembled drinks.