Thai Blue Tea (Anchan): The Vibrant Herbal Infusion Transforming Wellness and Mixology in 2025

What is Thai Blue Tea (Anchan)?

Thai Blue Tea, also known as Anchan or butterfly pea flower tea, is a striking herbal infusion made from the vibrant blue petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant. Native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, this caffeine-free tea has been cherished for centuries for its mesmerizing color and subtle, earthy flavor. In 2025, Anchan is making waves globally, not just for its beauty but also for its wellness and culinary versatility.

The tea’s natural blue hue comes from anthocyanins—powerful antioxidants that also give blueberries and purple cabbage their color. When lemon or lime juice is added, the tea transforms from deep blue to a vibrant purple, making it a favorite for both wellness enthusiasts and creative mixologists.

  • Origin: Thailand and Southeast Asia
  • Main Ingredient: Butterfly pea flower
  • Color-changing: Blue to purple with citrus
  • Caffeine-free: Suitable for all ages
A close-up of a glass teapot pouring deep blue Thai Blue Tea into a clear cup, surrounded by fresh butterfly pea flowers and citrus slices on a wooden table

Health Benefits: Why Wellness Experts Love Anchan

In 2025, Thai Blue Tea is at the forefront of wellness trends, celebrated for its impressive health benefits. The butterfly pea flower is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health. Wellness experts and nutritionists are recommending Anchan as a daily ritual for its gentle, holistic effects.

Benefit Description
Antioxidant Power Helps neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Cognitive Support Traditionally used to enhance memory and brain function.
Stress Relief Promotes relaxation and may help reduce anxiety.
Eye Health Contains compounds that support healthy vision.

Unlike many herbal teas, Anchan is free from caffeine and artificial additives, making it a safe and soothing choice for all ages. Many wellness brands now offer ready-to-brew sachets and blends, making it easier than ever to incorporate this vibrant tea into your daily routine.

A wellness influencer preparing Thai Blue Tea in a bright kitchen, surrounded by fresh herbs, fruits, and a yoga mat in the background

Mixology Magic: Anchan’s Color-Changing Appeal in Cocktails

Thai Blue Tea’s visual drama has made it a sensation in the world of mixology. Bartenders and home enthusiasts alike are using Anchan to create show-stopping drinks that change color before your eyes. The tea’s ability to shift from blue to purple with a splash of citrus is not just a party trick—it’s a way to elevate the sensory experience of any beverage.

Popular bars in Bangkok, New York, and London are featuring Anchan-based cocktails on their 2025 menus. Apps like Difford’s Guide and Cocktail Flow now include recipes for blue tea mojitos, gin fizzes, and even non-alcoholic mocktails.

  • Blue Gin & Tonic: Add Anchan tea to your gin and tonic for a mesmerizing blue hue. Squeeze in lime for a purple twist.
  • Butterfly Pea Lemonade: Mix blue tea with lemonade for a refreshing, color-changing summer drink.
  • Mocktail Spritz: Combine Anchan, soda water, and fresh fruit for a healthy, Instagram-worthy beverage.

For those looking to experiment at home, many specialty stores and online retailers now offer dried butterfly pea flowers and pre-made blue tea concentrates. The possibilities for creative mixology are endless.

A trendy bar scene with a bartender pouring a vibrant blue Anchan cocktail, surrounded by citrus fruits and glowing neon lights

How to Brew and Enjoy Thai Blue Tea at Home

Brewing Thai Blue Tea is simple and rewarding, whether you’re seeking a calming cup or a base for creative drinks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect infusion:

  • Boil fresh, filtered water and let it cool slightly (about 90°C/194°F).
  • Add 5–7 dried butterfly pea flowers per cup to a teapot or infuser.
  • Pour hot water over the flowers and steep for 5–7 minutes.
  • Strain and enjoy as is, or add honey and lemon for extra flavor and a color-changing effect.

For iced tea, simply let the infusion cool and pour over ice. You can also blend Anchan with other herbal teas like lemongrass or mint for a unique twist. Many tea brands, such as Tealyra and DAVIDsTEA, now offer butterfly pea flower blends and accessories for easy brewing.

Pro tip: Store dried butterfly pea flowers in an airtight container away from sunlight to preserve their vibrant color and potency.

A cozy home kitchen with a glass teapot steeping blue tea, surrounded by dried butterfly pea flowers, honey, and lemon slices

Where to Find Thai Blue Tea and Experience Its Culture

Thai Blue Tea is widely available in 2025, both online and in specialty stores. In Thailand, you can experience Anchan at traditional tea houses and bustling markets, especially in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Many wellness cafes and mixology bars around the world now feature Anchan on their menus, reflecting its growing global appeal.

For those interested in the cultural roots of Anchan, guided tours and workshops in Thailand offer hands-on experiences, from harvesting butterfly pea flowers to learning traditional brewing techniques. Online platforms like Etsy and Amazon provide access to high-quality dried flowers and tea blends, making it easy to bring a taste of Thailand into your home.

  • Local Thai markets: Fresh and dried butterfly pea flowers
  • Specialty tea shops: Curated blends and accessories
  • Online retailers: Global shipping and variety

Whether you’re a wellness seeker, a culinary explorer, or a cocktail enthusiast, Thai Blue Tea offers a vibrant, healthful, and culturally rich experience that’s set to define beverage trends in 2025 and beyond.

A bustling Thai market stall with baskets of fresh butterfly pea flowers, tea accessories, and smiling vendors in traditional attire

Here’s to sipping on a little more color, wellness, and wonder—one beautiful cup of Anchan at a time.

-Hot Water

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