Magical Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (Nil Katarolu Drink)
A vibrant, naturally blue herbal drink made from dried or fresh butterfly pea flowers (Nil Katarolu). Add a splash of fresh lime juice to watch it magically transform from deep cobalt blue to rich purple!
Ingredients
- Fresh or dried Blue Butterfly Pea flowers (Nil Katarolu)8–10
- Water2 cups
- Honey, sugar, or kithul treacle (adjust to taste)1–2 tbsp
- Fresh lime or lemon juice1 tbsp
- Ice cubes (optional, for iced version)A few
- Lime or mint leaves (for garnish)1 slice
Taste as you go. Traditional Hela cuisine balances heat, salt, and acidity by feel — trust your senses.
Method
Start by bringing two cups of water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan or kettle. Once boiling, add the blue butterfly pea flowers, immediately turn off the heat, cover, and let them steep for three to five minutes until the water turns a deep cobalt blue color.
Next, strain the blue liquid into a cup or glass pitcher to discard the flowers, and stir in your choice of sweetener—such as honey, sugar, or treacle—while the drink is still warm.
Now for the fun part: if you want to enjoy it hot, squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir to watch the deep blue magically shift into a vibrant purple. If you prefer an iced drink, let the tea cool first, pour it over ice cubes, and drizzle the lime juice on top right before serving for a stunning color-layered effect. Finish by garnishing with a fresh lime slice or a mint sprig, and enjoy your magical herbal refreshment!