Butterfly pea flower lemonade is the color-changing drink I saw on TikTok and immediately knew I had to find a way to recreate it my way. I knew that the science is simple: butterfly pea flowers steep into a vibrant blue tea, and when you pour it over acidic lemonade, the pH shift transforms it into purple right before your eyes. It's part kitchen science experiment, part Instagram-worthy refreshment-and it takes less than 10 minutes. Ready in 10 minutes (5 minutes steep, 5 minutes assembly).
The butterfly pea flower tea is naturally blue, but when mixed with the acidic lemonade, it transforms into a gorgeous purple hue-a fun science experiment in your glass!
Ingredient notes:
- 1 cup store-bought lemonade (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried butterfly pea flowers (or 2 butterfly pea flower tea bags)
- 1 cup hot boiling water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
What does butterfly pea flower taste like?
Butterfly pea flower has a mild, earthy flavor with subtle floral notes. It's not overpowering, making it a great base for drinks like this lemonade.
Substitutions
Can I use homemade lemonade instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade lemonade works perfectly and allows you to control the sweetness and tartness to your preference.
Can I use cold water instead of hot water to steep the flowers?
Hot water extracts the color and flavor more effectively, but you can cold-steep the flowers overnight in the refrigerator for a lighter version.
Seasonal Favorite
This is the best homemade seedless black raspberry jam recipe made with fresh or frozen black raspberries.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Crystal Glass Pitcher
Features a sturdy handle and sleek spout, ensuring effortless, precise pours.
Instructions
Prepare the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
- In a heatproof container, pour 1 cup of boiling water over the butterfly pea flowers (or tea bags).
- Let it steep for 5 minutes, or until the water turns a rich, vibrant blue.
- Remove the flowers or tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Drink
Fill two 12-ounce glasses with ice cubes.
Pour ½ cup of store-bought lemonade into each glass.
Add the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the lemonade in each glass.
Why does the color change when mixed with lemonade?
The butterfly pea flower contains a natural pH-sensitive pigment called anthocyanin. When mixed with acidic lemonade, the blue color shifts to purple or pink.
Garnish and Serve
Watch as the blue tea mixes with the lemonade, creating a stunning purple color change!
Customization Ideas
- Adding a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy version.
- Sweetening the tea with honey or simple syrup for a more floral flavor.
- Use limeade instead of lemonade for a tangier twist.
Substitutions
Here's what happens when you swap ingredients in this recipe.
- Homemade Lemonade Instead of Store-Bought - This works beautifully if you already have homemade lemonade on hand.
- What you gain: control over sweetness and tartness.
- What you lose: nothing, really...the color change happens the same way. I prefer store-bought for this recipe purely because it's faster and the acidity is reliable, but homemade works just as well.
- Cold Water Instead of Hot Water for Steeping - This doesn't work. I tried it thinking it would save time in cooling down the tea but the flowers barely released any color at all. You end up with pale blue water that doesn't have enough pigment to create the dramatic color shift. Hot boiling water is required to extract the anthocyanin compounds that give you that rich blue.
- Fresh Butterfly Pea Flowers Instead of Dried - Fresh flowers are less concentrated, so you'll need 5-6 fresh blooms to match the color intensity of 1 teaspoon dried. I haven't tested this myself (I only have access to dried, I WISH I had access to fresh!), but based on how dried herbs work compared to fresh, this ratio should get you close. Adjust to your preference.
- Limeade Instead of Lemonade - This creates a tangier, more tropical flavor profile. The color change still happens because lime juice is acidic like lemon juice. I haven't tried this variation, but readers who have say it works and tastes great-more Key lime pie vibes than lemonade.
Did you make this recipe?
Do you have feedback that would be helpful to others? If so can help this small business owner by leaving a rating and a review in the comments section? Thank you for being part of the Savoring The Good Community. ~ Sarah
Storage Tips
If you have leftover butterfly pea flower tea, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Mix with lemonade just before serving.
Souper Cubes
Pour extra tea into silicone molds, freeze, and add the butterfly pea flower ice cubes to lemonade at a later date.
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
10 Count - Pyramid Plant Based Tea Bags
Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
Yes, you can use fresh flowers, but you may need to adjust the quantity since fresh flowers are less concentrated. Start with 5-6 fresh flowers and adjust to taste.
Besides lemon slices, try garnishing with fresh mint leaves, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of butterfly pea flower powder for extra flair.
Chef Tip
If your store-bought lemonade is too tart, add a touch of honey or simple syrup to balance the flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Teaspoon dried butterfly pea flowers or 2 butterfly pea flower tea bags
- 1 Cup boiling water
- 1 Cup lemonade store-bought
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
- In a heatproof container, pour 1 cup of boiling water over the butterfly pea flowers (or tea bags). Let it steep for 5 minutes until the water turns a rich blue color. Remove the flowers or tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.1 Cup boiling water, 1 Teaspoon dried butterfly pea flowers
Assemble the Drink
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes. Pour ½ cup of store-bought lemonade into each glass.Ice cubes, 1 Cup lemonade
Add Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
- Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea flower tea over the lemonade in each glass. Enjoy the beautiful color change as the blue tea mixes with the lemonade!
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Stir gently and serve.Lemon slices
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