Oh, you’re in for a treat! The first time I made my slow cooker butterfly pea flower tea, I couldn’t believe how stunning that deep blue color turned out – like liquid sapphires in my mug. And when I squeezed in that lemon wedge? Magic! The whole drink transformed to this gorgeous purple right before my eyes. What I love most is how ridiculously easy it is – just toss the flowers in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. My kids call it my “wizard tea” because of the color-changing trick, and honestly? I feel like a kitchen wizard every time I make it. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants – beauty and benefits in one sip!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Trust me, this tea is about to become your new obsession. Here’s why:
- Effortless magic: Dump ingredients in the slow cooker and walk away – it practically makes itself while you binge your favorite show
- Nature’s food coloring: That mesmerizing blue hue looks fancy but comes straight from the flowers (no artificial stuff!)
- Instant mood booster: One sip of this floral, slightly earthy tea instantly melts my stress away
- Your tea, your rules: Make it sweet with honey, tangy with lemon, or keep it pure – it’s all delicious
- Good-for-you sips: Packed with antioxidants that make you feel fancy and healthy
Seriously, it’s like having a spa day in a mug!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Gathering ingredients for this magical tea is simpler than you think! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 cups water – filtered if you’re fancy like me
- 1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers – the star of our show (find them at Asian markets or online)
- 1 teaspoon honey – optional, but adds lovely sweetness
- 1 thin lemon slice – optional for that dramatic color change effect
That’s it! Four simple ingredients for a tea that looks and tastes like pure luxury. Pro tip: Buy extra flowers – you’ll want to make this again and again!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you probably already have everything! Here’s the short and sweet list:
- Slow cooker (any size works, but I love my little 2-quart for tea)
- Fine mesh strainer to catch those pretty blue petals
- Measuring spoon—that tablespoon is your best friend here
See? Told you it was easy. Now let’s make some magic!
How to Make Slow Cooker Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Okay, let’s get brewing! This is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making tea this way forever. The slow cooker gives the flowers time to really infuse their magic into every drop. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Combine Water and Flowers
First, pour your water into the slow cooker—no need to boil it first, that’s the beauty of this method! Then, sprinkle in those gorgeous dried butterfly pea flowers. They’ll float at first like little blue petals in a pond. Set your slow cooker to LOW heat. (Trust me, we don’t want to rush this—low and slow brings out the best flavor and color!)
Step 2: Steep the Tea
Now, walk away for 2 hours—yes, really! This isn’t instant tea, and that’s what makes it special. The slow heat coaxes out all the flower’s delicate flavors and that stunning blue hue. I like to peek occasionally just to watch the color deepen, but resist stirring! Let those flowers work their magic undisturbed.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
After 2 hours, you’ll have this breathtaking blue elixir. Carefully strain it through a fine mesh sieve into your favorite mug or pitcher—those flowers have done their job! Now the fun part: customization. Add honey if you like it sweet, or drop in a lemon slice for both flavor and that dramatic color change from blue to purple. (My kids go wild for this part!) Serve warm for comfort or chilled over ice for refreshment.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Want to take your tea game to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:
- Play with time: Like stronger flavor? Steep for 3 hours. Prefer it lighter? Try 90 minutes—your slow cooker, your rules!
- Fresh is fabulous: If you find fresh flowers, use about 10 blooms instead of dried—the aroma is incredible
- Sweetener experiments: Swap honey for agave, maple syrup, or even a cinnamon stick while steeping for fun twists
- Double the magic: Make a big batch—it keeps beautifully in the fridge for 2 days (if it lasts that long!)
Remember, the best tea is the one that makes you happiest—so don’t be afraid to tweak!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the fun part! Serve this tea warm in your prettiest mug when you need cozy comfort, or pour it over ice for a refreshing cooler. My favorite trick? Garnish with fresh mint leaves or citrus twists – it looks gorgeous and adds a lovely aroma. For parties, float edible flowers on top and watch guests gasp at your “fancy potion” skills!
Storage and Reheating
This magical tea keeps its vibrant color and flavor beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days—just store it in a sealed jar. When reheating, go gentle—a quick warm-up on the stove or 30 seconds in the microwave preserves that gorgeous hue and delicate floral taste. (Pro tip: The color change still works with lemon even after refrigeration!)
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers – the good kind! This magical tea is practically guilt-free. Here’s the scoop per cup (without honey or lemon):
- Calories: About 5 – yes, really!
- Fat/Sugar: Zero grams of each in the basic version
- Vegan magic: Naturally plant-based and dairy-free
Of course, adding honey or other sweeteners changes things – but even then, it’s still a light treat. The flowers themselves pack antioxidants without adding calories. Basically? It’s hydration with benefits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh flowers work beautifully—use about 10 blooms per batch. The aroma is more vibrant, though the color might be slightly lighter. Just remember to rinse them gently first to remove any little critters (learned that one the hard way!).
Why does the tea change color when I add lemon?
Isn’t it magical? The butterfly pea flowers contain natural pigments called anthocyanins that react to acidity. Lemon juice lowers the pH, transforming that stunning blue into a vibrant purple. It’s like having a science experiment in your mug!
Do I have to add sweeteners?
Not at all! The tea has a lovely, delicate floral taste on its own. I often drink it plain—especially when I’m feeling fancy. The sweeteners are totally optional, so adjust to your taste buds’ desires.
Can I make this tea faster?
While you can steep it quicker on the stove, the slow cooker method gives that deep, rich flavor and color that makes this version special. Think of it as the difference between a quick dip and a long, luxurious soak—both get you clean, but one feels more indulgent!
Did you make this magical tea? I’d love to hear about your creations! Drop a comment below with your favorite variations or tag me on social media – let’s spread the butterfly pea flower love together!
Print**7 Magical Slow Cooker Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Tricks**
A soothing and naturally vibrant tea made with butterfly pea flowers in a slow cooker for a deep infusion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 slice lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Add water and dried butterfly pea flowers to the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it steep for 2 hours.
- Strain the tea to remove the flowers.
- Add honey or lemon if desired.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- The tea changes color when lemon is added due to its acidity.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
