If you are searching for a drink that is not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious, the Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea Recipe is your new best friend. This magical beverage combines the enchanting sapphire hue of butterfly pea flower tea with the creamy sweetness of coconut cream and the fun, chewy texture of tapioca pearls. Every sip feels like a refreshing tropical escape, turning an ordinary day into a celebratory moment. Whether you’re a bubble tea fan or simply love trying unique flavors, this recipe delivers a beautiful and tasty experience that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea Recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the tender boba pearls to the sweet coconut cream and the vibrant tea, these simple components come together effortlessly to make a show-stopping treat.
- 1 cup sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness base for the simple syrup that coats the boba.
- 1 cup water: Essential for dissolving sugar into the simple syrup and cooking the boba pearls.
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract: Adds a concentrated burst of tropical coconut flavor to the syrup for extra aroma.
- 10 cups water: Needed to boil the boba tapioca pearls until perfectly chewy and plump.
- 8.8 oz. dried boba tapioca pearls: The chewy star ingredient that gives bubble tea its unique texture.
- 1 cup dried butterfly pea flower buds: Infuses the tea with its signature dazzling sapphire blue color and mild floral notes.
- 2 cups boiling water: To extract vibrant color and flavor from the butterfly pea flowers.
- 1 can (13.5 oz.) coconut milk: The luscious creamy base for the rich sweet coconut cream topping.
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens and thickens the coconut cream to a dreamy consistency.
- Crushed ice: Keeps the tea cold and refreshing for the ultimate drinking experience.
How to Make Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea Recipe
Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup
Start by combining sugar and water in a microwave-safe bowl and heating until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir in the coconut extract for that signature island aroma. This simple syrup is key not only for sweetening the drink but also for soaking the boba pearls to keep them soft and flavorful. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Cook the Boba Pearls
Bring a pot of water to a vigorous boil and add the dried boba pearls. Watch as they magically float to the surface, signaling they’re halfway cooked. After gently stirring, cover and simmer for a few more minutes until perfectly chewy. Then drain, rinse quickly under cool water to stop the cooking, and transfer the boba to the chilled simple syrup. Letting them soak refreshes their sweetness and keeps them delightfully tender.
Step 3: Brew the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Pour boiling water over a bowl of dried butterfly pea buds and let steep until the liquid transforms into a gorgeous deep sapphire blue. This bright, natural color is what makes this tea recipe truly special. Strain out the buds and allow the tea to chill in the fridge so it refreshingly cools down for assembling the drink.
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Coconut Cream
Whisk together coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk until perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious blend adds tropical sweetness and a velvety mouthfeel that beautifully balances the earthy floral notes of the butterfly pea tea and the chewy boba texture. Keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble your drinks.
Step 5: Assemble Your Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea Recipe
In a tall glass, layer a generous scoop of boba pearls at the bottom. Pour the sweet coconut cream about one-third of the way up, then add plenty of crushed ice for a refreshing chill. Finally, top it off with the vibrant blue butterfly pea flower tea and watch as the colors swirl together like a tropical sunset. Give it a gentle stir with a bubble tea straw or spoon, and enjoy the multi-sensory delight of this stunning drink.
How to Serve Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches can elevate this recipe even more. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers enhance the tropical vibes and add a burst of color. A lime wedge on the side provides a zesty contrast that brightens the tea’s floral sweetness. Feel free to get playful with your presentation and make it uniquely yours!
Side Dishes
This drink pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing bites like coconut macaroons, tropical fruit platters, or delicate Asian-inspired sweets such as mochi or pandan cake. The contrast between creamy, chewy, and fruity creates an irresistible balance that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the coconut cream and butterfly pea tea in clear glasses for a stunning ombré effect that guests will admire before sipping. Using fun bubble tea straws adds a playful touch that brings out the joy in every sip. You can also serve in mason jars or mini pitchers for easy sharing at gatherings, making it not just a drink but an experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The simple syrup, butterfly pea flower tea, and sweet coconut cream can be made one day ahead and stored separately in the fridge. This makes assembling your Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea Recipe quick and effortless whenever you crave it. Keep the boba pearls stored in their syrup but remember they’re best enjoyed fresh the same day for optimal texture.
Freezing
Because boba pearls lose their chewy texture when frozen, it’s best not to freeze the assembled drink or pearls. However, you can freeze the simple syrup and sweet coconut cream in airtight containers to extend their shelf life without affecting flavor. Just thaw and whisk before using.
Reheating
Since this is a cold beverage, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to enjoy it warm, brew a fresh batch of butterfly pea flower tea and gently warm the coconut cream, but avoid heating the boba pearls as that will cause them to harden and lose their signature chewiness.
FAQs
What makes butterfly pea flower tea blue?
The vibrant sapphire blue color comes from natural pigments called anthocyanins found in the butterfly pea flower petals. These pigments are sensitive to pH and can even change color when mixed with acidic ingredients like lemon juice.
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Yes, fresh butterfly pea flowers can be used for a similar taste and color, but they are less concentrated. You may need to use more flowers or steep for longer to achieve the signature deep blue hue.
How long do boba pearls stay fresh?
Boba pearls are best consumed the same day they are cooked, ideally within a few hours. Over time, they harden and become less enjoyable to chew. Storing them in simple syrup helps retain softness for a short period but is not a long-term solution.
Is the Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea Recipe vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by choosing a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative or using coconut sugar in the syrup. The rest of the ingredients such as butterfly pea flower tea and coconut milk are naturally vegan.
Can I substitute tapioca boba pearls with something else?
While tapioca pearls are traditional and provide that characteristic chew, you could experiment with popping boba or jelly cubes for a different texture. Just keep in mind it will alter the classic bubble tea experience.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea Recipe is truly a celebration in a glass—a dazzling fusion of colors, textures, and tropical flavors that feels wonderfully indulgent and refreshing all at once. Whether you’re cooling off on a warm day or treating yourself to a delicious homemade bubble tea experience, this recipe is a must-try. Grab your ingredients and dive into this beautiful, delicious adventure. You’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a favorite go-to refreshment!
PrintCoconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea Recipe
Coconut Butterfly Pea Flower Boba Tea is a refreshing and vibrant Taiwanese-inspired drink perfect for hot days. Featuring homemade simple syrup infused with coconut extract, chewy boba pearls, vividly blue butterfly pea flower tea, and creamy sweet coconut cream, this beverage is a delightful, sippable dessert that can be assembled quickly and enjoyed chilled. The recipe yields 5 servings in 12 oz glasses and allows preparing some components ahead of time for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (12 oz glasses)
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: South East Asian, Taiwanese
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
Boba Pearls
- 10 cups water
- 1 package (8.8 oz) dried quick-cooking tapioca pearls (5-minute type)
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
- 1 cup dried butterfly pea flower buds
- 2 cups boiling water
Sweet Coconut Cream
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, well shaken
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
For Serving
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Make Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at full power for 2 minutes, then stir until sugar dissolves. If any granules remain, reheat in 1-minute increments until completely dissolved. Stir in 1 teaspoon coconut extract. Refrigerate to cool before use.
- Cook Boba Pearls: Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add the boba pearls and stir gently until they float to the surface, about 7 minutes. Cover and cook an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Drain with a colander and rinse under cool water for 20 seconds.
- Cool Boba in Syrup: Transfer cooled simple syrup from refrigerator to a bowl and add drained boba pearls. Let them soak and cool in the syrup for about 1 hour at room temperature, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to speed cooling.
- Prepare Butterfly Pea Flower Tea: Place 1 cup dried butterfly pea flower buds into a large glass bowl and pour 2 cups boiling water over them. Stir gently and let steep uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid becomes a deep sapphire blue. Strain out the buds using a sieve and refrigerate the tea to chill.
- Make Sweet Coconut Cream: In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk together 1 can well-shaken coconut milk and 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth.
- Assemble the Drink: In each 12-ounce glass, add about 1/4 cup of boba pearls at the bottom. Pour sweet coconut cream to fill about one-third of the glass. Add crushed ice to the top, then pour chilled butterfly pea flower tea to fill the glass. Serve immediately with bubble tea straws or spoons. Stir thoroughly before drinking.
- Storage: Store leftover boba in syrup in the refrigerator and keep coconut cream and butterfly pea flower tea chilled until ready to use. Consume boba pearls the same day for best texture.
Notes
- Cooking boba pearls slightly longer than package instructions helps maintain a soft texture for longer.
- Boba pearls are best enjoyed fresh and should be discarded at the end of the day.
- Simple syrup, butterfly pea flower tea, and coconut cream can be made one day ahead and chilled for convenience.
- Use crushed ice for the perfect chilled beverage experience.
- Adjust the quantity of boba pearls according to personal preference when assembling drinks.
