Print

Fresh Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

- featured image

A refreshing and visually stunning lemonade that changes color from blue to purple when lemon juice is added, made with butterfly pea flowers and fresh lemons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers (or 1/2 cup fresh)
  • 4 cups (1 liter) water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 46 lemons)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional garnishes: lemon slices, mint sprigs, edible flowers

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (1 liter) of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers. Let steep for 10โ€“15 minutes until the water turns a deep, vibrant blue.
  2. Strain the butterfly pea flowers out of the liquid into a large pitcher using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Press lightly on the flowers to extract all the color and flavor. Discard the flowers.
  3. While the butterfly pea flower tea is still warm, stir in 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar or honey until fully dissolved.
  4. Once the tea has cooled to room temperature, stir in 1 cup (240 ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Watch as the blue liquid gradually shifts to a beautiful purple hue.
  5. Add plenty of ice cubes to the pitcher or pour the lemonade over ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lemon slices or mint if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Steep butterfly pea flowers in hot water (not boiling) to avoid bitterness. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best color change. Dissolve sugar while tea is warm. For longer-lasting cold without dilution, freeze butterfly pea tea into ice cubes. Prepare tea and lemon juice separately if making ahead and combine just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: butterfly pea flower, lemonade, color-changing drink, refreshing beverage, summer drink, natural ingredients, floral lemonade