Fresh Butterfly Pea Flower Color Changing Lemonade Tea Recipe Easy and Refreshing Summer Drink
A quick and refreshing summer drink featuring butterfly pea flower tea that changes color from blue to purple when fresh lemon juice is added. This easy recipe is perfect for hot days and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers
- 2 large fresh lemons (for juice and slices)
- 4 cups filtered or spring water
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sweetener of choice (organic cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, stevia, or monk fruit)
- Ice cubes as needed
- Optional garnishes: fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, edible flowers
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups (950 ml) of filtered water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan (about 5 minutes).
- Place 1 tablespoon of dried butterfly pea flowers into a heatproof pitcher or jar. Pour the boiling water over the flowers, cover, and steep for 5 to 7 minutes until the water turns deep blue.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another container or back into the pitcher, discarding the flowers.
- While the tea is still warm, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of your preferred sweetener until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill thoroughly.
- Juice 2 large lemons (about 1/3 cup or 80 ml), straining out seeds and pulp.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled blue tea into each glass, then slowly add fresh lemon juice to watch the color change from blue to purple.
- Garnish with lemon slices, fresh mint leaves, or edible flowers if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not over-steep butterfly pea flowers to avoid bitterness; steep 5-7 minutes. Use fresh lemon juice for the best color change. Chill tea before adding lemon juice for a dramatic color shift. Add lemon juice slowly to control the color transition. Store brewed tea in the fridge up to 3 days before adding lemon juice; consume within 24 hours after adding lemon juice. Sparkling water can be added before serving for fizz but may dull color intensity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 8 oun
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 16
Keywords: butterfly pea flower tea, color changing lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, natural color change, iced tea, lemon tea, floral tea