Name: Easy and Beautiful Butterfly Pea Tea Boba
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup tapioca pearls; 1/2 cup sugar; 5 cups water (for boiling pearls); 1 cup water (for soaking pearls); 1 tbsp butterfly pea tea; 1 cup water (for tea); 1/2 cup coconut milk; 1 tsp sugar; 1 cup ice

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Butterfly Pea Tea Boba is a stunning, refreshing drink that combines chewy tapioca pearls with the vibrant blue hue of butterfly pea tea. Layered with creamy coconut milk and lightly sweetened syrup, this drink is as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s the perfect way to enjoy boba at home while impressing guests with its magical color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally bright blue color from butterfly pea flowers
A creamy, floral drink with chewy tapioca pearls
Dairy-free and vegan-friendly with coconut milk
Easy to customize with different sweeteners or milk types
Gorgeous layered effect makes it Instagram-worthy

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the boba pearls:
1/4 cup tapioca pearls
1/2 cup sugar
5 cups water for boiling
1 cup water for soaking

For the butterfly pea milk tea:
1 tbsp butterfly pea tea
1 cup water
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tsp sugar
1 cup ice

Directions

Cook the boba pearls
- Bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot.
- Add tapioca pearls and cook on high for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until soft and chewy.
Sweeten the pearls
- Drain and rinse pearls under cold water until lukewarm. Separate with your fingers.
- In the same pot, dissolve sugar in 1 cup water over low heat.
- Return pearls to the syrup and let soak for 10–15 minutes to absorb sweetness.
Brew butterfly pea tea
- Steep tea leaves in 1 cup hot water for 3–5 minutes until deep blue.
- Strain and let cool.
Assemble the drink
- Add sweetened boba pearls to a tall glass.
- Fill with ice, then add coconut milk and a touch of sugar.
- Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the ice to create a layered effect.
Serve
- Stir to mix the layers if desired, and enjoy with a wide boba straw.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1–2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: about 35–40 minutes

Variations

Citrus twist: Add lemon or lime juice to the tea for a magical color change from blue to purple.
Different milk options: Try almond milk, oat milk, or dairy milk instead of coconut milk.
Flavored syrup: Sweeten pearls with honey, brown sugar, or vanilla syrup for variety.
Iced latte style: Mix the tea and milk fully for a smooth, creamy drink without layers.
Extra toppings: Add grass jelly, aloe, or coconut jelly for more texture.

Storage/Reheating

Cooked pearls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in syrup for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
Refrigeration makes pearls hard, so avoid chilling them if possible.
Brewed butterfly pea tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

FAQs

What does butterfly pea tea taste like?

It has a mild, earthy flavor, similar to green tea but more subtle.

Can I use store-bought boba pearls?

Yes, quick-cook or traditional pearls both work. Just follow the package directions.

How do I make the drink change color?

Add lemon juice or any acidic fruit juice to the blue tea—it will turn purple or pink.

Can I make this drink vegan?

Yes, using coconut milk or any plant-based milk keeps it 100% vegan.

How do I get the layered effect?

Pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over ice slowly to keep it floating above the milk.

Can I make a bigger batch?

Yes, simply multiply the recipe and prepare in a pitcher for serving multiple drinks.

Does butterfly pea tea have caffeine?

No, it’s naturally caffeine-free, making it a great evening drink.

Can I sweeten the tea instead of the pearls?

Yes, dissolve sugar or honey in the tea if you prefer sweet tea over sweet pearls.

What type of milk works best?

Coconut milk gives a creamy, tropical taste, but any milk can be used.

Can I use butterfly pea powder instead of tea leaves?

Yes, whisk 1/2 tsp butterfly pea powder into hot water as a substitute.

Conclusion

Easy and Beautiful Butterfly Pea Tea Boba is not only visually stunning but also refreshing and satisfying. With its natural blue hue, chewy pearls, and creamy coconut milk, this drink combines fun textures with light floral flavor. Perfect for a homemade treat, it’s a unique boba recipe that’s sure to impress.

Maggie