Try a bright, refreshing drink that looks like a little magic in a glass. The Butterfly Pea Coconut Refresher is simple, pretty, and gentle on sugar. It is a great pick for warm days, light meals, or a calm, healthy snack time.
INTRODUCTION
The Butterfly Pea Coconut Refresher blends floral tea and creamy coconut milk for a low calorie, gluten free drink that feels fancy and tastes clean. This drink is a healthy version of a café layered latte, made without dairy and with the option to keep sugar very low. It works well as a lighter option for people who want a simple cool drink that fits a diabetic-friendly or low calorie plan. If you enjoy floral flavors, you might also like our butterfly pea lavender silk latte for a softer, aromatic sip.
This refresher is easy to make. It uses brewed butterfly pea flower tea and chilled coconut milk. The drink naturally turns purple when you add lemon, and the look is fun for kids and adults alike. It is a good fit for meal prep, parties, or a calm morning treat.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Quick to make: brew, chill, pour. It takes minutes if your tea is ready.
- Low sugar and low calorie when you skip or limit sweetener. That makes it a lighter option and good for weight loss plans.
- Gluten free and dairy free, so it fits many diets.
- Visually smart: the color shift with lemon makes it a showstopper.
- Great for meal prep: brew a batch of tea and keep bottles in the fridge for easy drinks all week.
- A balanced sip: coconut milk gives small amounts of healthy fats while the tea adds antioxidant benefit.
This recipe is great for anyone who wants a refreshing drink that is simple to make and easy to share. For another calm, low-sugar frozen treat, try the calming peach chamomile healthy popsicle recipe after you taste this refresher.
HOW TO MAKE Butterfly Pea Coconut Refresher
This drink is made in three easy parts: brew the tea, cool it, mix with chilled coconut milk, and add lemon to change the color. You can keep it very low sugar or add up to 2 teaspoons of sweetener if you like. If you want a richer cup, use full-fat coconut milk. For a lighter option, use thin coconut milk or a mix of coconut milk and water.
For a neat meal pairing, this refresher goes well with savory coconut dishes like 30-minute pineapple chicken coconut rice. The drink keeps the meal feeling light and fresh.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Tea kettle or pot for boiling water
- Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser
- Pitcher or jar for chilling tea
- Tall serving glass
- Spoon for stirring
- Measuring spoons
- Ice tray (optional)
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 cup butterfly pea flower tea (brewed & cooled)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (chilled)
- 1-2 tsp sweetener (optional)
- Ice cubes
- A splash of lemon juice (for purple color shift)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Brew a strong cup of butterfly pea flower tea. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried flowers or 1 tea bag per cup. Steep for 5–10 minutes until the tea is deep blue.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge. You can brew several cups at once for meal prep.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- If you use sweetener, stir it into the chilled coconut milk until it dissolves well. Use 1–2 teaspoons of your chosen sweetener or a sugar-free option for a diabetic-friendly drink.
- Pour the chilled butterfly pea tea into the glass over the ice.
- Slowly pour the sweetened or plain coconut milk over the back of a spoon onto the tea to create a layered look.
- Add a small splash of lemon juice for a color change from blue to purple. Add more if you want a brighter purple.
- Stir gently before drinking, or leave layered for a pretty photo.
HOW TO SERVE Butterfly Pea Coconut Refresher
Serve this drink in a tall glass with ice. For a light snack or mini-meal, pair it with a small bowl of fresh fruit and a handful of nuts. If you want a more filling option, enjoy it alongside a high protein meal, like grilled chicken or a tofu salad. The drink is very low calorie when you skip added sugar, so it fits into many weight loss or low calorie plans.
Portion control tips:
- One serving is about 10–12 ounces.
- Keep sweetener to 1–2 tsp per serving or skip it for the lowest sugar.
- Use light coconut milk to cut calories if you want a lighter option.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Butterfly Pea Coconut Refresher
You can store brewed butterfly pea tea in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep the coconut milk separate until you are ready to serve to keep layers fresh. If you want a frozen treat, pour mixed drinks into ice pop molds and freeze for 3–4 hours to make simple popsicles.
To freeze tea:
- Cool the tea fully and pour it into an airtight container or ice cube tray.
- Label with the date and use within one month for best flavor.
When thawed, mix with chilled coconut milk and add lemon just before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Healthy snack: a small bowl of plain Greek yogurt with berries (adds protein).
- Balanced option: serve with a spinach salad topped with chickpeas for fiber and protein.
- Low calorie side: fresh sliced cucumber and carrot sticks.
- For a party: float a few edible flowers or a thin lemon slice on top.
For a festive mocktail idea, mix this refresher with mint and sparkling water, and serve with a side of citrus bites like the coconut clementine pomegranate mojito mocktail to keep the spread bright and light.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use unsweetened coconut milk and skip sweetener for a lower calorie, diabetic-friendly drink. Add a teaspoon of chia seeds to the bottom for fiber and texture.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Stir in a scoop of unflavored whey or plant protein powder into the chilled coconut milk before layering. Use a low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to keep carbs down. This makes the drink work with a high protein meal or as a protein boost after a workout.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: While the drink itself does not need heat, you can make toasted coconut chips as a crunchy garnish. Toss thin coconut slices with a pinch of salt and a drop of oil, then air fry at 330°F (165°C) for 4–6 minutes, shaking once. Or bake them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes. These chips add texture and a warm coconut aroma.
For a floral, creamy twist, try the butterfly pea vanilla zen latte as an alternate warm drink when you want something cozy.
FAQs
Q: Is the Butterfly Pea Coconut Refresher good for weight loss?
A: Yes. When made with unsweetened coconut milk and no added sugar, this drink is low calorie and can be part of a weight loss plan. It is a good low calorie choice to replace sugary drinks.
Q: Is this drink diabetic-friendly?
A: It can be. Use zero-calorie sweetener or skip sweetener and choose unsweetened coconut milk. That keeps the drink diabetic-friendly with low sugar and low carbs per serving.
Q: How long does brewed butterfly pea tea keep in the fridge?
A: Brewed tea keeps for up to 5 days in a sealed jar in the fridge. Store the coconut milk separately and mix when you serve.
Q: Can I make this drink high protein?
A: Yes. Stir a scoop of unflavored protein powder into the chilled coconut milk. Use a low-carb protein powder and sweeten lightly for a high protein meal accompaniment or post-workout drink.
Q: Is the drink gluten free?
A: Yes. The recipe uses butterfly pea flowers and coconut milk, both naturally gluten free. Always check labels on any added sweeteners or flavored protein powders.
Q: Can I make a larger batch for party use?
A: Yes. Brew a large pitcher of tea and chill. Keep coconut milk in a chilled container. Pour tea and then coconut milk per glass for the layered effect, or mix both in a pitcher if you prefer a single, ready-to-serve drink.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Butterfly Pea Coconut Refresher
- Brew tea ahead: Make a large batch of butterfly pea tea and chill for up to 5 days. This makes the drink great for quick assembly.
- Prep coconut milk: Chill the coconut milk or blend it with any sweetener or protein powder and store cold.
- Ice cubes: Freeze tea in ice cube trays to keep drinks cold without watering them down. This is great for meal prep and for making sure flavor stays strong.
- Garnish prep: Toast coconut chips in the oven or air fryer up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight jar.
These tips make the Butterfly Pea Coconut Refresher great for meal prep and quick service. It is a handy go-to when you want a simple, pretty drink that fits many diets.
Butterfly Pea Coconut Refresher
A bright and refreshing drink that blends floral butterfly pea tea with creamy coconut milk, creating a visually stunning and healthy option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Diabetic-Friendly
Ingredients
- 1 cup butterfly pea flower tea (brewed & cooled)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (chilled)
- 1–2 tsp sweetener (optional)
- Ice cubes
- A splash of lemon juice (for purple color shift)
Instructions
- Brew a strong cup of butterfly pea flower tea, steeping for 5–10 minutes until deep blue.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- If using sweetener, stir it into the chilled coconut milk until it dissolves.
- Pour the chilled butterfly pea tea over the ice.
- Slowly pour the coconut milk over the back of a spoon onto the tea to create layers.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a color change from blue to purple.
- Stir gently before drinking or leave it layered for a visual treat.
Notes
Great for meal prep; brew several cups at once and store in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: butterfly pea tea, coconut milk, refreshing drink, low calorie, diabetic-friendly
