Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail
These magic color changing Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktails are made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, simply syrup and dried butterfly pea flower. Easy to make into a mocktail and super impressive to share with friends!
It’s magic! Or is it?
The first time I saw a video about butterfly pea flowers, I remember thinking to myself: “these can’t be real.”
Something about that bright vibrant shade of blue that’s so difficult to find in nature just seemed unreal. Not to mention the magical color change to even brighter shades of violet and then hot pink.
The whole concept just screams “artificial ingredients!”
So, I spent the unnecessarily high price on Amazon, waited for my bag of dried up flowers to ship from Thailand and tested them myself.
And I’m here to tell you, they are 100% real.
According to Thrillist, butterfly pea flowers are one of many plants that fall into the category of a “pH indicator”. Meaning, the color of the plant changes based on the pH levels present.
This explains why the color changes from blue to purple, then pink, when any form of acidity is introduced.
Check out this guava margarita recipe for another colorful & fun drink!
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Step by Step Instructions
In a large pitcher, combine butterfly pea flowers and hot water. Allow 5-10 minutes to steep, develop a dark blue color, and cool completely.
In your glasses, add citrus wedges and lavender and muddle (if using) with the back of a wooden spoon. Add ice, a shot of liquor to each glass as well as citrus juice, simple syrup and mix.
Pour in the butterfly pea flower water and watch the magic happen!
The acidity from the lemon will turn the blue water purple. Enjoy!
More ideas for your butterfly pea flowers
Cocktails and mocktails are my favorite way to use these, but you’re bound to have leftovers and there are tons of creative ways to use them!
Here are some ideas:
- A colorful latte: brew a batch of butterfly pea flower tea (just add hot water) then finish with some frothed milk for a beautifully blue latte
- blue and purple sushi: add some of your butterfly pea flower liquid to your sushi rice to make colorful sushi rice. add a splash of rice vinegar to the mix to make things purple!
- blue and purple eggs: if you’ve ever used natural dye to make colorful easter egg designs, you know what to do! add some of your blue liquid to a bowl and soak your hard boiled eggs in it overnight. add lemon juice or vinegar to the bowl to make purple or pink dye.
Always remember to drink responsibly!
Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktails
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 drinks
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Steeped
- Cuisine: American, Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These magic color changing Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktails are made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, simply syrup and dried butterfly pea flower. Easy to make into a mocktail and super impressive to share with friends!
Ingredients
- 4-6 dried butterfly pea flowers
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 shots vodka, gin or tequila
- 1/4 cup lemon or lime juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup or sugar
- Optional: lemon or lime wedges & fresh lavender
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine butterfly pea flowers and hot water. Allow 5-10 minutes to steep, develop a dark blue color, and cool completely.
- In your glasses, add citrus wedges and lavender and muddle (if using) with the back of a wooden spoon. Add ice, a shot of liquor to each glass as well as citrus juice, simple syrup and mix.
- Pour in the butterfly pea flower water and watch the magic happen! The acidity from the lemon will turn the blue water purple. Enjoy!
Do the full 2 cups of water get added? That seems a lot.
Yep! If you want a more concentrated color and flavor, you could certainly add less water.
Made a more concentrated version of tea. This cocktail was great!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s such a fun ingredient to play with.