Keep Cool with these 5 Refreshing Iced Tea Recipes
Last updated on Jun 18, 2021Sabrina BombergerIf you're looking to put a unique spin on a refreshing summertime drink that is good enough to be enjoyed all year long, then try out these iced tea recipes. Use different types of tea to add any one of these delicious recipes to your beverage menu and let your customers enjoy a vacation in a glass!
Ginger Mint Iced Tea
The feeling of cool mint combined with the zing of ginger creates a tea that is extra refreshing.
Recipe
- 5 oz. peeled and crushed ginger
- 4 mint tea bags
- 8 cups water
- 2 tbsp. simple syrup
- 10 mint leaves, crushed
Instructions
- Steep ginger, tea, and boiling water together for 10 minutes
- Strain solids, then and add simple syrup and mint
- Cool and serve over ice
Honey Orange Sweet Tea
Honey adds natural sweetness and warmth to classic Southern sweet tea. Try using orange blossom honey for the perfect flavor complement!
Recipe
- 1 orange
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 4 tea bags
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Dissolve sugar and honey in boiling water
- Steep tea for 5 minutes
- Cool, add sliced oranges, and serve over ice
Blackberry Iced Tea
This version of iced tea uses sweet blackberries to make a delicious fruity flavor. It’s loaded with antioxidants too!
Recipe
- 6 cups blackberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 10 mint leaves, crushed
- 5 tea bags
- 4 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Steep tea and mint in boiling water for 10 minutes
- Remove tea bags and mint and add sugar
- Puree and strain blackberries, then add puree to tea
- Serve over ice with blackberry and mint garnish
Peach Raspberry Iced Tea
This fresh and fruity mixture will have your customers savoring every moment of summer.
Recipe
- 2 cups raspberries
- 4 peaches
- 6 tbsp. agave nectar
- 4 tea bags
- 8 cups of water
Instructions
- Steep tea for 5-10 minutes, set aside to cool
- Blend raspberries, peaches, and agave, then strain juice into tea
- Serve over ice with additional fruit garnish
Classic Southern Sweet Tea
You can’t go wrong when you serve this simple drink that will never go out of style. Make it as sweet as you like by adjusting the sugar to taste, and don’t forget the baking soda to keep the tea clear.
Recipe
- 6 tea bags
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Instructions
- Steep tea in boiling water with baking soda
- Remove tea bags and dissolve sugar
- Cool and serve over ice
Related Resources
The Best Way to Make Tea
Have you ever wondered what goes into the perfect cup of tea? It’s not sugar and milk, but rather a knowledge about minerals, temperatures, and time, although sugar and sweeteners certainly never hurt. Whether you own a cafe or are simply hoping to become a tea connoisseur, you can refer to the infographic below as a quick and easy guide to tea brewing. For a more detailed breakdown of how to brew the best cup of tea, read on to learn more. Shop All Tea The Best Water for Making Tea Water is obviously a key ingredient to any cup of tea, but not all water is equal. If you’re using tap water, make sure it’s fresh and cold. You’ll want to avoid tap water that’s been sitting in your kettle for any length of time or that’s been previously boiled. The reason you should use cold water from the tap (as opposed to warm or hot water) is that hot tap water tends to carry more minerals, like calcium and lime, that will affect the flavor of your tea. Spring water is preferable to distilled water because it contains just the right amount and type of minerals that will bring out the best flavors. Tea Brewing Methods There are so many different ways to brew tea, and many of them simply come down to personal preference. If you’re going with a loose leaf tea, there are several equipment options to choose from. Steeping with a Tea Ball Infuser These unique infusers are basically meshed spheres with a hinge, which allows you to fill them with loose tea and then clasp them shut. Tea ball infusers work essentially the same way as tea bags, in that you dip them into hot water, and then pull them out when it’s fully steeped. The advantage of using these handy little devices is that they can be used again and again, where tea bags must be thrown away. Another advantage is that you can mix your own blends of different tea varieties to create a signature blend for your restaurant or cafe. Making Tea in a French Press You may be familiar with a French press for brewing coffee, but you may not realize that you can use a French press to make tea. One advantage of using a French press to make tea is that you can brew several cups at once. Another advantage of this tool is that you can steep and serve in the same vessel. One of the drawbacks, however, is that you run the risk of over-steeping your tea because the leaves are not removed after brewing, but simply sit at the bottom of the press. Tea Brewing Strainers Tea strainers sit over your cup and hold loose leaf tea in a small mesh basket. Tea is made by pouring hot water on top of the leaves, allowing it to pass over them and flow through the mesh of the strainer. The strainer is then removed from the top of the cup before serving. This technique is not very popular and doesn’t give you much control over the length of your brewing time, but if you’re looking to give your customers an elegant and interactive tea experience, this is a good option. Using a Paper Sachet to Brew Tea You can purchase ready-made paper pouches for brewing loose leaf tea, or make your own from a coffee filter or other similar food-safe paper. This option is convenient when easy cleanup is a priority because paper teabags are disposable, which will save you time during cleanup. Making Tea in a Teapot If you’re not interested in any of the aforementioned contraptions for brewing your tea, a good old teapot is always a great choice. But, as with many aspects of the brewing process, not all teapots will deliver the same results. Many teapots have built-in strainers that assist in the infusion process, but others will require the use of a separate straining device. Another major factor to consider is how the material of your teapot retains heat and what tea brewing temperature is ideal for your type of tea (which we’ll get into a little later). Iron - Teapots made of iron are common for serving Asian-style green teas, but keep in mind that iron retains heat for a long time, making it a better option for teas that need to be brewed at a higher temperature, such as black tea. Glass - Glass teapots not only beautifully showcase the color of your tea but also retain heat well. This means they will deliver the ideal green tea temperature and are great for white tea, as well. Factors that Impact Tea Flavor As with any culinary endeavor, several factors will affect the flavor of your product. Knowing the way in which each of these factors impacts your tea will help you come up with a brewing system that works best for you. Tea Brewing Temperature A common mistake when brewing tea is to let the water come to a rolling boil. The state of boiling releases oxygen from the water, which prevents your tea from reaching its fullest flavor potential. Different types of tea also taste best when steeped at different temperatures. For example, green tea temperature should be different from black tea. The temperatures in the table below are shown in Fahrenheit. Tea Type Ideal Tea Steeping Temp. White Tea 175 F Green Tea 175 F Oolong 195 F Black Tea 195-205 F Mate 208 F Rooibos 208 F Other Herbal 208 F As you can see, many types of tea taste best when brewed just before the water reaches its boiling point (of 212 degrees Fahrenheit). Even if your water has reached a boil and cools down to the ideal temperature, it still will have released oxygen, so it’s best to start over with new water at that point. Tea Steep Time Determining the brew times for tea can be tricky because times can vary widely depending on the type of tea you’re using. On top of that, there are subtle flavors that will emerge as your tea steeps, and many people have different preferences as to which of those flavors is most appealing to them. So, even though there may be a broad guideline for each general variety of tea, it’s suggested that you test out any tea that is new to you and taste it every 30 seconds as it steeps to find the flavor that is best for you. Taking the time to explore these flavor developments will also give you valuable knowledge that you can use while describing each tea to your customers. Explaining the nuances of your teas will impress customers and can help them decide which teas they’d like to try. Amount of Loose Tea Leaves Many people think that the longer you brew your tea, the stronger it will be, but the truth is that extending your steeping time will only bring out bitter flavors. If you want your tea to taste stronger, add more tea leaves. The basic rule of thumb for tea proportions is to use 2 grams of tea for every 8oz of water (more if it's a fluffy variety, like chamomile.) How to Brew the Best Iced Tea You can use the same tea leaves that you would use for hot tea to make delicious iced tea. There are a few different ways you can brew iced tea, but regardless of which method you choose, you should always double the number of tea leaves that you would use for a hot cup to ensure a robust and flavorful iced drink. As for iced tea-making techniques, the three most common include: Hot brew - This is likely the most common technique for brewing iced tea, and it basically entails creating a concentrated batch of hot tea that you then pour over ice and refrigerate. When using a hot brew method, you should add your sugar or honey while the tea is still hot so that it dissolves more completely. Cold brew - This method does not entail heating at any point in the process, but rather relies on time to draw flavors out of your tea leaves. Simply place your chosen infusing device in a container of cold water and let it sit in the refrigerator for 6-12 hours. As for sweeteners, agave or simple syrup are a good choice for a cold brew, since they dissolve more easily than regular granulated sugar. Sun brew - You may have heard of “sun tea.” This technique is pretty much as simple as it sounds. Just place your tea bag or tea ball in a translucent container of cold water and set it in the sun for a few hours. You can finish your sun tea with fruit juice for a concoction that is entirely your own. Tea Brewing FAQs How can I avoid tea leaves settling at the bottom of my cup? The truthful answer to this question is that if you’re using loose leaf tea, there is no surefire way to prevent some straggler leaves from escaping. The best thing to do about this problem is to simply change your attitude about those pesky little leaves and instead embrace them. The art of tea leaf reading is a magical tradition in many cultures. And in most tea-drinking cultures around the world, it’s customary to leave a centimeter or two of liquid at the bottom of your cup because that’s where the leaves stay, and that’s okay! Can I make tea in the microwave? Making tea in the microwave is not recommended because the sharp increase in the temperature of your water impacts the flavor and can cause bitterness.Can I use the same tea leaves more than once? Yes. Most kinds of tea stand up well to multiple steepings. The flavor and caffeine won’t be as strong, but as long as it’s not over-steeped or brewed at too high a temperature, you shouldn’t have to worry about bitterness. As you can see, there’s more that goes into the perfect cup of tea than meets the eye. Also, the more you know about your different varieties of tea, the more prepared you’ll be for answering any questions customers may have. So, next time you go to brew a cup of tea, keep in mind these simple tricks that will enhance the natural flavors of your tea and help you get the most enjoyment out of your hot beverage. To find other great information about the difference between types of tea, be sure to check out our buying guide.
How to Start a Tea Business
Tea houses offer timeless elegance and upscale experiences, and while they have long-standing traditions, they’re anything but outdated. Tea is trending amongst young consumers, with 75% of Gen Z reporting as tea drinkers. By opening a tea house, you can capitalize on the modern desire for experiential dining and interest in the health benefits of tea. We guide you through the steps of launching your tea business. Shop All Tea House Supplies Click below to learn more about opening a tea business: Conduct Market Research Develop a Tea House Concept Perform a Location Analysis Write a Business Plan Secure Financial Backing Gain Knowledge About Tea Consider Becoming a Tea Sommelier Curate a Tea Shop Aesthetic Create a Tea Shop Menu Purchase Tea Equipment Acquire Health and Business Permits Create a Website Market Your Tea Business Hire and Train Staff Host a Soft and Grand Opening 1. Conduct Market Research Conducting market research allows you to gather valuable insights that can inform your business decisions and help you position your tea shop for success. By understanding who your target customers are, you can tailor your products and marketing strategies to meet their needs and preferences. You want to know where your core customers are located, what motivates them to make a purchase, and what their values are. In addition to identifying your target customers, market research also involves analyzing trends and consumer preferences in the tea industry. This includes staying up to date on the latest tea flavors, brewing techniques, and packaging innovations that resonate with consumers. This will affect whether you’re establishing a trendy tea bar or a traditional English-style tearoom. 2. Develop a Tea House Concept Your tea house concept will be the foundation upon which your tea shop’s brand and identity are built. It sets the tone for the customer experience and helps create a cohesive and memorable atmosphere that resonates with your target market. Whether you choose a traditional tea house with a focus on authentic tea ceremonies and cultural experiences, a modern tea shop with a trendy and innovative approach, or you're interested in starting a boba tea business, your concept should be reflected in every detail of your business. Knowing your concept and who you’re serving will help you write your mission statement. Your mission statement, and the concept you create to fulfill it, helps you differentiate your tea shop from competitors. By offering a distinct and memorable experience that aligns with your concept, you can attract and retain customers drawn to your specific brand of tea culture. Whether through specialty tea blends, themed decor, or interactive tea-tasting events, your concept should set you apart in a crowded market and appeal to a niche audience. 3. Perform a Location Analysis Choosing a location with high foot traffic is essential for attracting potential customers to your tea shop. Areas with bustling streets, shopping centers, or nearby popular attractions can help increase the chances of attracting more customers. Select a location that offers good visibility from the street, making it easy for passersby to notice your shop and be enticed to step inside. A location with ample signage opportunities can also help increase visibility. Consider the proximity of your tea shop to other businesses, such as cafes, restaurants, or retail stores. Being located near complementary businesses can create synergy and attract customers who may be interested in visiting multiple establishments in the area. Additionally, being close to other businesses can help increase foot traffic and exposure for your tea shop. 4. Write a Business Plan A well-crafted business plan serves as a roadmap for your tea shop, outlining its objectives and future projections. This document plays a crucial role in securing financial support from banks and investors, as it provides them with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about funding your tearoom. To create a thorough and effective tea shop business plan, include the following key sections: Executive Summary: A high-level summary of your business plan highlighting your overall goals and why investors should support your tea business. Company Description: A company description provides more detailed projections and strategies than an executive summary. Concept and Menu: Describe your tea shop concept and what menu items you will serve. Will you be tea-exclusive? If offering food, what kind of food? Management and Ownership Structure: Give detailed insight into what type of ownership structure your tearoom will have, including the management hierarchy. Employees and Staffing Needs: Give insight into how many employees you need to operate your tea shop successfully. Marketing and Competitor Analysis: Analyze potential competitors and identify target demographics and markets. Advertising and Marketing Strategies: Outline relevant marketing and advertising strategies you plan to use to reach your target demographics. Financials: List expected expenses and costs. Analyze financial projections including how long it will take the business to become profitable. 5. Secure Financial Backing Securing financial backing is a crucial step in turning your vision into a reality. Explore different funding sources to secure startup capital for your tea shop. Options include personal savings, loans from financial institutions, investment from family and friends, crowdfunding campaigns, or seeking out business grants tailored for small businesses in the food and beverage industry. For purchasing tea shop equipment, take advantage of WebstaurantStore’s partnership with Credit Key which offers a beneficial equipment financing program. Create realistic financial projections that estimate your tea shop's revenue, expenses, and profitability over the first few years of operation. This information should be outlined in your business plan and is crucial for demonstrating the viability of your business to investors and ensuring that you have a solid financial strategy in place to support your tea shop's growth. By carefully considering your financial needs and sharing a comprehensive business plan with potential investors, you can gain the financial backing you need to start your business and maintain its ongoing financial health. 6. Gain Knowledge About Tea There are various types of tea, including black, green, white, oolong, and herbal teas, each with unique flavors and characteristics. By familiarizing yourself with tea varieties, you can offer a wide selection to cater to varying preferences. Learning about tea brewing methods is equally important. Factors such as water temperature, steeping time, and tea-to-water ratio significantly impact the flavor of the tea. Mastering these techniques will help you serve the perfect cup of tea every time. Additionally, understanding tea culture can enhance the overall customer experience. Tea has a rich history and cultural significance in many countries, influencing traditions, ceremonies, and rituals. Whether you’re offering a traditional English- or Asian-style tea service, incorporating this knowledge into your tea shop can add depth and authenticity to the tea-drinking experience. Expand your tea knowledge by enrolling in courses, workshops, or obtaining certifications. These educational opportunities provide in-depth insights into tea varieties, production processes, and tasting techniques. 7. Consider Becoming a Tea Sommelier To take your tea expertise to the next level, consider obtaining a tea sommelier certification. A tea sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable tea professional who has completed the TAC TEA SOMMELIER course. This certification equips individuals with the expertise to curate tea menus, conduct tea tastings, and educate others about the art of tea just like a wine sommelier certification does for wine experts. Becoming a tea sommelier can elevate your tea shop's credibility and attract tea enthusiasts seeking a refined tea experience. To become a tea sommelier, start by enrolling in a reputable tea sommelier certification program. These programs cover many topics, including tea history, cultivation, processing techniques, tasting methods, and pairings. Gain practical experience by working in a tea shop or attending tea tastings and workshops. Practice tasting and evaluating teas regularly to refine your palate. Explore the art of tea pairing by experimenting with different food combinations. Once prepared, take and pass the TAC TEA SOMMELIER exam. Then, you can advertise your tea business as being run by a certified tea sommelier. Back to Top 8. Curate a Tea Shop Aesthetic The aesthetic of your tea shop will play a significant role in attracting customers and creating a memorable experience. There is no one “right” tea shop aesthetic; it will largely depend on your brand and the design trends you choose to incorporate. For those aiming to create an English-style tea house, consider incorporating elements such as elegant china teacups, floral patterns, and Victorian-style furniture to evoke a sense of sophistication and tradition. Soft colors, vintage decor, and cozy seating arrangements can further enhance the English tea house ambiance. If you are leaning towards an Asian-style tea house, elements like bamboo accents, minimalist design, and Asian-inspired artwork can help create a tranquil and Zen-like atmosphere. Consider incorporating traditional Japanese tea sets, paper lanterns, and low seating arrangements to capture the essence of Asian tea culture. For a more modern approach, consider establishing a sleek tea bar specializing in high-quality loose-leaf tea. In this setting, contemporary furniture, cozy interior design, and innovative tea brewing equipment can create a fresh and inviting ambiance. Displaying an array of premium loose-leaf teas in glass jars can showcase your commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Transitioning from a daytime tea bar to a nighttime sober bar that offers tea-centric mocktails can be a strategic move to attract a different clientele. To achieve this, create a tea bar ambiance that mirrors a sophisticated cocktail lounge or nightlife venue. 9. Create a Tea Shop Menu When starting a tea shop, offering a diverse selection of tea options is essential to cater to different tastes and preferences. This includes traditional teas such as black, green, and oolong teas, as well as flavored teas like jasmine, chai, and fruit-infused blends. Additionally, incorporating specialty teas such as matcha, pu-erh, and butterfly pea tea can add a unique touch to your menu and attract tea enthusiasts. Consider whether you want to offer tea lattes and espresso-based drinks to reach a wider audience. To enhance the tea-drinking experience, consider pairing your tea offerings with food items. Traditional British baked goods like scones, finger sandwiches, and clotted cream can complement English breakfast, Early Grey, and Darjeeling teas and appeal to customers looking for a traditional English afternoon tea experience. On the other hand, Asian pastries like moon cakes, egg tarts, and pineapple buns can add an authentic touch to your menu and provide a taste of Asian tea culture. 10. Purchase Tea Equipment In addition to sourcing high-quality loose-leaf tea, you will need a range of tea house equipment to brew and serve tea, store and merchandise your products, and prepare any food items on your menu. Invest in quality tea kettles, teapots, infusers, and brewing accessories to cater to different brewing methods and tea varieties. Consider items such as tea timers, temperature-controlled kettles, and tea scales to ensure consistency in flavor and quality. Tea serving supplies create an inviting and functional tea service experience for your customers. Stock up on teacups, saucers, teapots, tea trays, and accessories like sugar bowls, creamers, and tea strainers. Choose servingware that complements the aesthetic of your tea shop and enhances the presentation of your beverages. Invest in airtight tea storage containers to maintain the freshness of your loose-leaf teas. Display your teas attractively with shelving units, display racks, and signage to entice customers and facilitate browsing. Invest in loose-leaf tea merchandising pouches so customers can purchase your teas to brew at home. 11. Acquire Health and Business Permits Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits is a crucial step to ensure your tea shop operates legally and meets health and safety standards. The licenses and permits required will vary depending on the regulations set forth by your local, state, and federal authorities. To legally operate your tea shop, you will need a business license. This license allows you to conduct business in a specific location and is typically obtained from your local government. To find out the specific rules for obtaining a business license in your state and city, visit the US Small Business Administration’s website. In the foodservice industry, health department approval is essential to ensure your tea shop meets food safety regulations and standards. Having the proper food handling certifications is also important. This ensures that you and your staff are trained in safe food handling practices, minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensuring the quality of the products you serve to your customers. The cost of obtaining licenses and permits for your tea shop can vary significantly. Depending on the specific requirements of your area and the type of establishment you are operating, you can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and a few thousand dollars for licensing before you can legally open and operate your tea shop. 12. Create a Website An online presence is essential for any modern business, including a tea shop. A well-designed website serves as a virtual storefront that can attract customers from all over the world. When setting up a website for your tea shop, it's important to consider the design, functionality, and user experience. Your website should reflect the aesthetic and branding of your tea shop while being easy to navigate and optimized for mobile devices to provide a seamless shopping experience for your customers. In addition to selling your teas online, your website is a valuable marketing tool. Use it to share information about your tea shop, highlight your unique offerings, and engage with your customers through blog posts, newsletters, and social media integration. When creating a website for your tea shop, use an e-commerce platform that allows you to showcase your products effectively and facilitate online transactions. By offering online sales of your tea products, gift sets, and merchandise, you can reach a wider audience beyond your physical location. Customers worldwide can browse your products, make purchases, and have them shipped directly to their doorstep. Consider creating customer loyalty programs where paying members receive new teas and food items to pair them with in a monthly subscription box. 13. Market Your Tea Business Use traditional and mobile marketing strategies to increase visibility and attract customers to your establishment. Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to reach a wide audience. By creating engaging content and interacting with customers on TikTok, you can build a loyal following and generate interest in your tea shop. Local advertising is another effective way to promote your tea shop to potential customers in the area. Consider placing ads in local newspapers, magazines, or radio stations to reach a broader audience. Hosting promotional events is a great way to create buzz around your tea shop and attract new customers. Consider hosting tea-tasting events, workshops, or themed nights to showcase your offerings and engage with the community. By offering discounts or special promotions during these events, you can incentivize customers to visit your tea shop and try your products. You can also explore partnerships with other local businesses to cross-promote each other's products and services. 14. Hire and Train Staff To ensure excellent customer service and operational efficiency, train your staff on various aspects of the business. Providing training on tea preparation will ensure that your team can consistently deliver delicious and well-brewed teas to customers. Your staff should be well-versed in the different types of teas, brewing methods, and flavor profiles. Not only will educating them make them better at their jobs, but it will also increase their job satisfaction and buy into your business, helping you retain your best employees. Customer engagement is another critical component of running a successful tea shop. Your staff should be trained in effective communication skills, active listening, and building rapport with customers. In addition to tea preparation and customer engagement, training your staff in sales techniques is essential for maximizing revenue and driving business growth. Teach your employees how to upsell and cross-sell products, recommend tea pairings, and promote special promotions or new arrivals. 15. Host a Soft and Grand Opening Before the grand opening of your tea shop, it's a good idea to host a soft opening event. This event can help create excitement and collect feedback from a select group of attendees, including friends, family, local influencers, and potential customers. Offer them the chance to taste your menu and share their feedback on the teas, atmosphere, and overall experience to assist you in making any needed improvements before your official opening. A grand opening generates buzz, attracts new customers, and sets the tone for your restaurant's future success. To host a successful grand opening, create a marketing plan, decorate your space, and provide samples of your signature teas and menu items. Consider offering a limited-time special menu or exclusive deals to encourage guests to return in the future. Lastly, capture the event through photos and videos to share on your website and social media platforms. This will help to extend the reach of your grand opening and attract even more customers to your tea business. Back to Top Starting a tea shop can be a rewarding venture for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the growing market of specialty teas. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to set yourself up for success in the competitive tea industry. From selecting the right location and designing an inviting space to sourcing high-quality teas and marketing your business effectively, each aspect plays a crucial role in establishing a thriving tea shop. With dedication, passion, and careful planning, you can turn your dream of owning a tea shop into a profitable reality.
What Is Butterfly Pea Tea?
Butterfly pea tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from Clitoria ternatea, a plant species native to Southeastern Asia. This type of tea is most famous for its vibrant colors, as the tea has a strong blue hue after being steeped in water. Lemon juice and other acidic elements can be added to butterfly pea tea to alter the drink's pH levels, further changing the tea’s color to violet. Butterfly pea tea has been gaining popularity around the world in recent years as one of the top tea trends, making it a great menu addition for your coffee shop or restaurant. Below, we’ll cover how you can make butterfly pea tea and some of the best ways you can integrate the trend into your menu. Use these links to learn more about butterfly pea flower tea: How to Make Butterfly Pea Tea How to Make Butterfly Pea Tea Video Butterfly Pea Tea Benefits What Does Butterfly Pea Tea Taste Like? Butterfly Pea Tea FAQ How to Make Butterfly Pea Tea Making butterfly pea tea is simple, which makes the drink an easy addition to your menu. Although different ingredients can be added to the beverage, creating the base drink is no different than making any other herbal tea. To make butterfly pea tea, follow the steps below: Place dried leaves in a tea infuser, resting the tea infuser in a teapot or teacup. Heat a cup of water to around 212 degrees Fahrenheit before pouring the water over your infuser. Let the tea steep for at least five minutes. You can extend the time for a few minutes if you’re looking for extremely vibrant colors and a strong taste. Remove the tea infuser and serve. How to Make Butterfly Pea Tea Video To learn how to properly make butterfly pea tea, watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on the process: <iframe itemprop="embedURL" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1whKNhUO7JM?si=vY_0svKMvjTOk1A3" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Butterfly Pea Tea Benefits Butterfly pea tea is much more than a niche drink that changes colors, as it has a lot of health benefits to pair with its unique look. As such, butterfly pea tea can be promoted to customers as a healthy alternative when introduced to your menu. Here are some of the most common health benefits butterfly pea tea has to offer: Boosts Immune System - Many antioxidants can be found in butterfly pea tea. These antioxidants boost your immune system, helping you fight off colds and other illnesses. Augments Brain Activity - Butterfly pea tea is known to contain acetylcholine, a molecule that is key in memory retention and concentration. Improves Eye Health - Proanthocyadin, a flavonoid associated with improved eye health, can be found in butterfly pea tea. Butterfly Pea Tea Side Effects Butterfly pea tea is considered safe to consume in moderation and is more well-known for its health benefits rather than its side effects. There are anecdotal reports of minor side effects like stomach pain and nausea, but no claims have been backed by scientific research. The drink is considered a healthy beverage with lots of positive immune-boosting benefits, making it a great drink to include in diets. What Does Butterfly Pea Tea Taste Like? Butterfly pea tea has a mild and earthy taste, similar to green tea. For those who find green tea’s flavor profile too strong, butterfly pea tea can serve as a milder substitute. The taste of butterfly pea tea is often altered with lemon juice or honey to change its color from blue to violet, adding some extra flavor to the drink. Butterfly pea tea can also be mixed with other drinks such as matcha, lemonade, and alcoholic beverages, creating entirely new flavor profiles and combinations. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Cocktail As butterfly pea tea continues to trend, its use in cocktails is constantly evolving. Butterfly pea tea allows bartenders to get creative when coming up with new drinks, as wildly different color combinations can be made depending on what mixers are added. For bartenders looking to create trendy new cocktails with vibrant natural colors, butterfly pea tea is a fantastic option. The tea is also great for making mocktails, combining with several other ingredients to create striking non-alcoholic beverages that resemble real cocktails. Butterfly Pea Tea FAQ Below we cover some of the most common questions regarding butterfly pea tea: Why Does Butterfly Pea Tea Change Color? Butterfly pea tea is made from the Clitoria ternatea plant, getting its strong natural blue coloring from the plant's blue leaves. These leaves contain anthocyanin, an acid-base indicator that changes color in response to changes in pH levels. When acidic elements like lemon juice are mixed with butterfly pea tea, the drink's pH alters and the tea's color changes. Does Butterfly Pea Tea Have Caffeine? Butterfly pea tea is a caffeine-free beverage, making it a great decaf addition to any menu. Caffeine-free diets are already a popular consumer trend, and many others are looking to reduce their caffeine consumption. Adding butterfly pea tea to your establishment’s menu can be a great way to cater to these customers, giving them more decaf options to choose from. Whether you’re just starting a tea bar or are looking to expand your menu, butterfly pea tea can be a great addition to your beverage list. The trendy drink’s vibrant colors and great taste are sure to appeal to customers and boost sales. Butterfly pea tea’s health benefits and lack of caffeine position the drink as a great alternative to coffee and other caffeinated beverages. You can also get creative with butterfly pea tea, integrating the drink into your menu in a way that best appeals to your customer base.
