Butterfly Pea Flower Mocktail
A visually stunning color-changing mocktail made with butterfly pea flower tea, fresh citrus, and honey simple syrup. This refreshing, naturally blue beverage transforms to purple when acid is added, creating a magical drinking experience with subtle floral notes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers or 6 butterfly pea flower tea bags
- 4 cups filtered water divided
- 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 cup coconut water optional, for added hydration
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Lemon or lime wheels for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Sparkling water optional, for a bubbly version
Instructions
- Prepare the butterfly pea flower tea: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to just below boiling point (around 175°F/80°C).Remove from heat, add the dried butterfly pea flowers or tea bags, and let steep for 5-7 minutes until the water turns a deep blue color.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-proof container or pitcher. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled (about 1 hour).
- Make the honey simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 2 cups of water with honey or agave nectar. Heat gently while stirring until the sweetener completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare your serving glasses by filling them halfway with ice cubes. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of the blue butterfly pea flower tea into each glass.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the honey simple syrup to each glass and gently stir. The drink should maintain its beautiful blue color at this stage.
- If using coconut water, add 1/4 cup to each glass and stir gently. This adds a subtle tropical note and natural electrolytes to your mocktail.
- For the magical color-changing effect, serve the lemon and lime juices in small separate containers alongside each drink. When ready to enjoy, have everyone pour about 1 tablespoon of citrus juice into their glass and watch the transformation from blue to purple!
- Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint and a wheel of lemon or lime. For a sparkling version, top with a splash of sparkling water just before serving.
Notes
- Butterfly pea flowers can be found at specialty tea shops, Asian markets, or online retailers.Make sure they’re food-grade and not treated with chemicals.
- For a stunning layered effect, freeze some of the blue tea into ice cubes and use them in clear drinks—they’ll slowly melt and create beautiful blue swirls.
- The tea concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
- For a more pronounced flavor, consider adding a hint of vanilla extract or lemongrass to the simple syrup.
- This mocktail can easily become a cocktail by adding 1 oz of gin, vodka, or white rum per serving.