Moon Milk Tea

Last updated on December 13, 2025

I still remember the first time I made Moon Milk Tea: I was lured by the idea of a glowing blue drink and, honestly, a little nervous about whether the color would actually show up. My kitchen smelled like cinnamon and warm milk, and when the butterfly pea tea bloomed into that rich, inky blue, I laughed out loud. It felt like a small kitchen magic trick. If you’ve ever felt unsure about trying a new tea or worried it might be fussy, I promise this recipe is simple, stress-free, and totally doable—even if it’s your very first time steeping tea on the stove.

Why I Love This Recipe of Moon Milk Tea

I love Moon Milk Tea because it’s comfort in a cup and a tiny ritual at the same time. It’s the kind of drink I make when I want to slow down: warm milk, the gentle floral notes of butterfly pea, a whisper of cinnamon, and a touch of honey. It’s soothing, not showy. The color is a delightful surprise that makes an ordinary moment feel a little more special.

This recipe is beginner-friendly. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced skills—just a small pot, a spoon, and a gentle hand. If you’re new to tea, you’ll find the steps clear and forgiving. If you love experimenting, there’s room to play with spices and sweeteners. For another cozy milk tea with a fruity note, I sometimes open the cupboard for a quick twist inspired by a blueberry milk tea recipe I like: blueberry milk tea. It’s a nice reminder that milk teas are endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Moon Milk Tea

Essentials (for one cup)

1 cup milk (dairy or your favorite plant-based milk)
- Whole milk gives the creamiest result. For plant-based, try oat milk or almond milk for good texture. Unsweetened versions let you control sweetness.
1 teaspoon butterfly pea tea (loose or in a teabag)
- Butterfly pea flower is the ingredient that gives the tea its signature blue color. Use loose petals or a teabag—both work well.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Just a pinch of warmth; it pairs beautifully with the floral notes.
1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)
- Honey adds gentle sweetness and depth. Maple syrup, agave, or simple syrup work too for vegan options.

Optional Add-Ons (small amounts go a long way)

Pinch of ground cardamom for a floral, slightly citrusy lift.
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract or a small scraped piece of vanilla bean for cozy depth.
A tiny pinch of ground nutmeg if you like a spicier edge.
A squeeze of lemon or lime if you want to experiment—acid will change the color from blue to purple (a pretty, magical effect).
A splash of brewed chamomile or lavender infusion for extra calm before bed.
A milk frother or handheld whisk for a frothy top.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

If you don’t have butterfly pea tea, you can steep blue mallow or use a natural food color—but I recommend sourcing butterfly pea for its flavor and natural color. If you want a floral but not blue option, chamomile or lavender will give a different calmness.
Swap honey for maple syrup or agave to make the recipe vegan.
Use pre-warmed milk from the kettle to speed things up: heat water, soak the teabag in a cup with hot water for a minute to bloom, then pour hot milk over it.
For an iced version (shortcut): double the tea strength, pour over ice, and top with cold milk or oat creamer.

How to Make Moon Milk Tea Step-by-Step

This is where the small ritual becomes soothing. I break the process down into thoughtful steps so you can follow easily and avoid common pitfalls. Each step includes tips to get the best color, texture, and flavor.

Choose your milk and measure

Measure 1 cup of your chosen milk. I like whole milk or oat milk for a creamy mouthfeel. If you prefer a lighter texture, use almond or light soy milk. When you’re making multiple servings, scale up in a small pot or saucepan—1 quart of milk will work for about four cups.

Warm the milk gently

Pour the milk into a small pot. Warm it over medium-low heat. You’re not boiling; aim for tiny steam wisps and a gentle lift of heat at the edge of the pot. This is about 140–160°F (60–70°C) if you use a thermometer. Heating slowly keeps the milk creamy and prevents scorching. Stir the milk occasionally to create even heat and avoid a film on top.

Add the butterfly pea tea

Once the milk is warm, add 1 teaspoon of butterfly pea tea. If you’re using a teabag, place it directly into the pot. If you’re using loose tea, use a fine mesh infuser or a small strainer to keep petals out of the cup. Keep the heat very low now—just enough to help the flowers release their color and flavor without boiling.

Steep gently for color and flavor

Let the tea steep for 3–5 minutes. Watch as the milk blooms into a rich blue. Shorter steep times (around 3 minutes) give a subtle flavor and lighter color; longer (closer to 5 minutes) builds a deeper hue and stronger floral notes. Swirl gently now and then to distribute color and warmth.

Remove the tea and strain if needed

After steeping, remove the teabag or lift out the infuser. If you used loose tea without an infuser, pour the milk through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pot or cup. This keeps the texture silky.

Add cinnamon and sweetener

Stir in 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. It will dissolve and settle into the milk, adding a warm, homey aroma. Add 1 teaspoon of honey, stirring until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust: add more honey if you prefer it sweeter, or a drop more cinnamon for spice. If using a liquid sweetener like maple syrup, add a little at a time and taste.

Optional froth or texture step

If you like a frothy top, use a handheld milk frother or a small whisk. Hold the frother just at the surface and pulse until you see a soft foam build. A whisk works well too—move it briskly in a circular motion to create light bubbles. Pour gently into your favorite cup so the blue color stays smooth and even.

Serve and finish

Pour the Moon Milk Tea into a cozy mug. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top for visual warmth and aroma. If you’re feeling playful, add a few edible flowers or a thin lemon twist at the edge—if you add lemon, remember it will shift the color toward purple, which is a beautiful effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Moon Milk Tea

Boiling the milk

Boiling milk is the most common mistake. When milk reaches a rolling boil it changes in flavor and can develop a film or boil over the pot, making a mess. Milk that’s been boiled may taste slightly cooked and lose the delicate floral notes of butterfly pea. Keep the heat gentle—look for steam rather than bubbles. Low and slow gives you the best texture and a smooth cup.

Oversteeping or using too much butterfly pea tea

Too much tea or too long a steep can lead to a slightly bitter or overly floral cup. While butterfly pea is milder than many black teas, it still benefits from moderation. Stick to about 1 teaspoon per cup and check after 3 minutes. If the color and flavor are already to your liking, remove it. You can always deepen both with an extra 30–60 seconds, but it’s harder to fix an oversteeped cup.

Adding the wrong sweetener or too much spice

Some sweeteners and strong flavors can mask the delicate notes of butterfly pea. For example, molasses or a large amount of dark brown sugar will dominate the profile. Also, spices like cardamom and nutmeg are lovely but should be used sparingly. Add sweetener and spices little by little, taste as you go, and remember you can always add a touch more at the end.

Serving Suggestions for Moon Milk Tea

Cozy bedtime cup

Moon Milk Tea is a natural bedtime companion because of its warm, calming profile. Serve it in a favorite ceramic mug, dim the lights, and pair it with a small hand towel or a good book. If you like, add a light cookie—an almond biscotti or simple shortbread pairs beautifully without overpowering the tea’s gentle floral notes.

Afternoon tea with light bites

For a simple afternoon tea, offer Moon Milk Tea alongside mild cheeses (like a soft ricotta or mild cream cheese), fresh fruit (pear or apple slices), and a plate of buttery scones or oat biscuits. The cinnamon in the tea echoes the baked goods, and the blue color adds a fun visual contrast on a tea tray. Keep flavors balanced: avoid anything too sharp or salty that could clash.

Dessert pairing or a colorful treat

Turn Moon Milk Tea into a dessert experience. Try serving it after a light lemon tart or vanilla panna cotta—the citrus or vanilla will complement the floral and honeyed notes. For a playful approach, make an iced layered drink with lavender syrup and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream floated on top for a grown-up affogato-style treat that still keeps things alcohol-free.

Conclusion

You’ve learned how simple Moon Milk Tea can be: warm the milk gently, steep butterfly pea tea for a few minutes, add cinnamon and a touch of sweetener, and enjoy a soothing, blue-hued cup. It’s easier than it looks, forgiving for beginners, and wonderfully customizable—swap milks, adjust spices, or turn it into an iced treat. If you want a ready-made Moon Milk blend or more ideas about using butterfly pea, I recommend checking out this Moon Milk option from Tea Huntress: Moon Milk – Tea Huntress. Try the recipe tonight, tweak it to match your tastes, and tell me how it turns out—did the color bloom perfectly for you?

If you enjoy experimenting with milk teas, there are plenty of variations to explore—fruit-infused versions, spice-forward blends, and iced adaptations. For inspiration on other milk tea flavor combinations, I sometimes browse creative recipes like this cherry earl grey twist which blends fruity and floral notes: cherry earl grey milk tea.

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FAQs About Moon Milk Tea

What is Moon Milk Tea and what makes Moon Milk Tea different from regular milk tea?

Moon Milk Tea is a warm, comforting drink made by steeping butterfly pea flower in milk and adding spices like cinnamon and a sweetener such as honey. What sets Moon Milk Tea apart is the use of butterfly pea tea, which lends a floral note and a striking blue color. Regular milk tea often uses black tea or other traditional tea bases and doesn’t have the color-changing or floral qualities.

Is Moon Milk Tea caffeine-free?

Yes, Moon Milk Tea made only with butterfly pea flowers is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great evening or bedtime drink. If you mix in caffeinated tea or other added bases, check those labels, but the classic recipe is caffeine-free.

Can I make Moon Milk Tea vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely. To make Moon Milk Tea vegan, use plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave. Oat milk often gives the creamiest, most comforting texture.

How long can I store Moon Milk Tea, and can I reheat it?

Store Moon Milk Tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove; do not boil. Fresh is always best, but refrigeration is okay for a short time.

Can I add lemon to Moon Milk Tea and what happens if I add lemon to Moon Milk Tea?

Yes, you can add lemon or another citrus to your Moon Milk Tea. If you do, the acidity will change the color from blue to beautiful purple or violet because of the anthocyanins in butterfly pea flowers. It’s a lovely color change, but add citrus sparingly if you want to keep the floral taste subtle.