Butterfly pea flower tea is a drink like no other.
It changes color from blue to purple when you add lemon juice.
This natural transformation makes it as fun to watch as it is to drink.
Originating in Thailand, where it’s called “Nam Anchan,” this lemonade is not only beautiful but also packed with health benefits.
It’s refreshing, antioxidant-rich, and a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
If you want a drink that looks great, tastes amazing, and is good for you, this color-changing lemonade might just be your new favorite.
In this post, we’ll show you how to make this amazing drink at home!
How to Make Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Lemonade: At A Glance
- Steep butterfly pea flowers in warm water until it turns a deep blue.
- Strain the tea and dissolve sugar or syrup into the liquid.
- Add fresh lemon juice, watching the color change from blue to purple.
- Pour over ice and top with soda water for a fizzy version.
- Garnish with lemon slices or mint for extra flavor and presentation.
What is Butterfly Pea Flower Tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea comes from Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries.
It’s made by steeping the vibrant blue petals of the butterfly pea flower in water, creating a tea that is known for its striking color and mild, earthy flavor.
This tea has subtle floral undertones, making it both refreshing and gentle on the palate.
Beyond its visual appeal, butterfly pea flower tea is packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body.
Regular consumption of this tea may help reduce stress, improve digestion, and promote healthy skin.
Its traditional use in regions like Thailand and India also highlights its cultural significance, as it is often used for both culinary purposes and in rituals.
Why Does Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade Change Color?
The magic behind butterfly pea flower lemonade’s color change lies in its sensitivity to pH.
The tea starts out as a deep blue, thanks to a compound in the butterfly pea flower called anthocyanin.
When you add something acidic, like lemon juice, the pH level shifts, causing the color to transform from blue to purple.
This fascinating reaction is not only visually captivating but also adds to the fun of making and drinking the lemonade.
The color change enhances the overall appeal, making it perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a drink that’s as beautiful as it is refreshing.
Ingredients Needed
- ½ cup dried or fresh butterfly pea flowers – These create the striking blue tea that forms the base of the lemonade.
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice – You can also use lime juice if preferred. This triggers the color change from blue to purple.
- ⅓ cup sugar or simple syrup – Adjust based on your sweetness preference. You can also use floral syrups like lavender or elderflower for added flavor.
- 3 cups soda water or sparkling water (optional) – Add this for a fizzy version of the lemonade.
- Ice cubes – To keep the drink chilled and refreshing.
- Optional garnishes – Mint, lemon slices, or edible flowers for extra flair and presentation.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Lemonade (3 Versions)
Standard Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade
- Brew the tea: Start by steeping ½ cup of butterfly pea flowers in 3 cups of warm water for about 5-10 minutes, or until the water turns a deep blue.
- Strain the tea: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the flowers, leaving just the vibrant blue tea.
- Add sweetener: Stir in ⅓ cup sugar or your preferred sweetener until it fully dissolves.
- Add lemon juice: Slowly pour in ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice. Watch as the color changes from blue to purple!
- Serve: Pour the lemonade over ice, garnish with lemon slices or mint, and enjoy!
Sparkling Butterfly Pea Lemonade
- Prepare the tea: Follow the steps above to brew the butterfly pea flower tea and mix in your sweetener and lemon juice.
- Add soda water: Once the tea is prepared, top it off with 3 cups of soda water or sparkling water to give the lemonade a fizzy finish.
- Serve: Pour over ice and serve immediately to maintain the fizz. You can garnish with lemon slices or edible flowers for a fancy touch.
Layered Butterfly Pea Lemonade
- Brew the tea: Follow the brewing instructions for the butterfly pea flower tea as outlined earlier.
- Prepare ice-filled glasses: Fill each glass with ice cubes to help with the layering effect.
- Layer the liquids: First, pour the sweetened blue tea over the ice, filling each glass halfway. Then, gently pour lemon juice over the tea. The lemon juice will settle at the bottom, creating a purple layer beneath the blue.
- Finish with soda water (optional): To make it extra special, top off with soda water for a sparkling layered lemonade.
- Garnish and serve: Add lemon wedges or mint on top, and serve without stirring to keep the layers intact.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting the Recipe
Use Fresh Lemon Juice for the Best Flavor
To get the most vibrant flavor from your butterfly pea flower lemonade, always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Bottled lemon juice might be convenient, but it often lacks the fresh, tangy punch needed to make the lemonade truly stand out.
Fresh lemons will not only enhance the flavor but also trigger a more dramatic color change, making your lemonade even more visually appealing.
Adjust Sweetness with Syrups or Sugar
One of the great things about this recipe is how flexible it is when it comes to sweetness.
You can stick with plain sugar for a traditional taste, or you can experiment with floral syrups like lavender or elderflower.
These syrups add a subtle aroma and flavor that can take your lemonade to the next level.
Adjust the amount based on your preference—start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
Steep the Tea Longer for a More Intense Color
If you want a deeper, richer blue for your lemonade, steep the butterfly pea flowers a bit longer.
Typically, 5-10 minutes is enough, but if you’re looking for a more intense hue, let it sit for a few extra minutes.
Just be careful not to over-steep, as it could lead to a slightly bitter taste.
Prepare in Advance, Add Soda Water Last
If you’re planning to serve butterfly pea flower lemonade at a party or gathering, you can easily prepare the tea and lemonade mix ahead of time.
Store the mixture in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, simply add the soda water right before pouring it into glasses.
This way, you’ll keep the fizz intact, giving your guests a refreshing and sparkling experience.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve Over Ice with Garnishes
Butterfly pea flower lemonade is best served ice-cold, so make sure to pour it over plenty of ice.
For extra flair, you can garnish each glass with a lemon wedge, fresh mint, or even edible flowers.
These garnishes not only enhance the drink’s appearance but also add subtle flavor touches that complement the lemonade’s natural tanginess and sweetness.
Mint adds a refreshing bite, while lemon slices accentuate the citrus notes.
Add Other Juices for a Unique Twist
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding other fruit juices to the mix.
Pineapple juice pairs well with the floral and citrus notes, while orange juice adds a sweeter, slightly tangy flavor.
Keep in mind that the addition of other juices may alter the color of the drink, possibly making it more vibrant or shifting it away from the classic blue-to-purple transformation.
Freeze Leftover Tea as Ice Cubes
One creative way to intensify the color and flavor of your butterfly pea flower lemonade is by freezing leftover tea into ice cubes.
These blue ice cubes can be used in future batches of lemonade, slowly releasing more color as they melt.
This not only makes the drink look more vibrant, but it also prevents the flavor from diluting over time as the ice melts.
You can even freeze some lemon juice or floral syrup in the cubes for an added burst of flavor.
Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Butterfly pea flower tea is packed with antioxidants, with one of the most notable being anthocyanins.
These powerful compounds are responsible for the vibrant blue color of the tea and offer various health benefits, such as anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
They help neutralize free radicals in the body, which may slow down signs of aging and reduce inflammation.
Another bonus is that this tea is completely caffeine-free, making it a great alternative to traditional iced teas, especially for those looking to cut back on caffeine without sacrificing flavor.
Beyond its physical health benefits, butterfly pea flower tea is known for its stress-relieving qualities and may even help boost memory.
It’s a drink that not only looks good but also helps you feel good from the inside out.
Conclusion
Butterfly pea flower lemonade is not only visually magical but also full of health benefits.
Its antioxidant-rich properties and caffeine-free nature make it a refreshing and health-conscious choice.
The color-changing effect adds a fun and interactive element, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying at summer gatherings.
Give this recipe a try for a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
FAQs
Can I use butterfly pea flower powder instead of the dried flowers?
Yes, you can.
Butterfly pea flower powder works just as well as dried flowers and may be easier to find in some stores or online.
It dissolves quickly and provides the same vibrant blue color for your lemonade.
Can I store the lemonade?
Yes, you can store the prepared butterfly pea flower lemonade in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
If you want to save the tea for longer, consider freezing it as ice cubes.
These cubes can be used later to maintain the color and flavor when making more lemonade.
Where can I buy butterfly pea flowers?
Butterfly pea flowers are available online through platforms like Amazon, and you can also find them in many Asian markets.
They come in both dried form and as a powder, giving you options based on your preference.
