Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade Recipe

Heather Dessinger

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Two glasses of butterfly pea flower lemonade with blue ice cubes

I don’t do magic tricks, unless you consider the ability to transform mornings with magic beans – aka coffee – a type of alchemy. I do make magic lemonade, though, thanks to the color changing properties of butterfly pea flowers.

Rich in antioxidants like epigallocatechin gallate (one of the main catechins found in green tea) and quercetin, these vibrant blue flowers have a long history of traditional use as a nootropic (brain tonic), stress support herb, and more.

Of course, for our purposes the important thing to know is that its flowers create a deep blue color when brewed in hot water . . .

Two glasses of iced blue butterfly tea

But when you add a squeeze of lemon, the change in acidity levels will transform the blue tea into a gorgeous pink or purple hue.

Butterfly pea flower lemonade in the process of changing color from blue to purple

In Thailand, butterfly pea blossoms are often enjoyed as an after dinner drink called nam doc anchan, which is a blend of butterfly pea tea, sweetener, and lemon or lime juice. If you’re thinking, “Hey, that combination of ingredients sounds familiar,” you’re right. Nam doc anchan is basically the Thai version of lemonade.

Tart and sweet, this simple recipe can be made in three ways:

  • As one big batch – I like to make blue ice cubes with butterfly tea using this ice cube tray. They create a beautiful contrast to the pink/purple lemonade.
  • Mixed in individual glasses so that each guest can watch their blue tea transform before their eyes.
  • As a fizzy drink by replacing some of the filtered water with sparkling water (again with blue ice cubes if available)

I’ve included instructions for all three below.

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Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade Recipe

Made with butterfly pea flowers, this vibrant lemonade changes colors when you add in the lemon juice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Steeping Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 79kcal
Author Heather Dessinger

Ingredients

  • 8-10 dried butterfly pea flowers
  • ⅓-½ cup light colored honey (Or more to taste)
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (Or more to taste. If you use organic lemons don't waste the rind – use it to make lemon pepper seasoning)
  • 5 cups filtered water (Can use 1 cup of filtered water and 4 cups sparkling water if desired)
  • ice cubes
  • additional lemon slices and/or butterfly pea flowers for garnish (Optional)

Instructions

To Make One Big Batch

  • Bring five cups of water to a boil.
  • Remove the tea kettle or pot from the stovetop and add the butterfly pea blossoms to the water. Cover with a lid and set aside to steep for one hour.
  • While the flowers are steeping, squeeze the lemon juice and set it aside.
  • When the butterfly tea is ready, strain out the flowers.
  • Add in the honey and lemon juice and stir until well-combined. Adjust the lemonade to taste if needed (more honey or more lemon depending on your preference), then serve and enjoy.

To Make Lemonade In Individual Glasses

  • Bring five cups of water to a boil.
  • Remove the tea kettle or pot from the stovetop and add the butterfly pea blossoms to the water. Cover with a lid and set aside to steep for one hour.
  • While the flowers are steeping, squeeze the lemon juice and divide it into 5 individual containers (about 3 generous tablespoons per container). You can add it directly to the glass you‘re planning to serve the lemonade in, or you can add it to a small jar that allows your guest to pour in the lemon juice and watch it change color.
    Tip: If you add the lemon juice directly into the serving glass the lemonade will change color pretty quickly. If you add it to a separate jar, your guest can pour it in slowly and watch the color change more gradually.
  • When the butterfly tea is ready, strain out the flowers and stir in the honey. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined.
  • Place ice cubes in your serving glasses, then gently pour the sweetened blue tea in. If the lemon juice is already added to the glasses, the bottom will turn purple as the sweetened tea mixes with the lemon juice. If the lemon juice was not already added, gently pour it over the top after the tea has been divided between the cups. Stir to combine, then enjoy.

To Make Sparkling Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

  • Bring one cup of water to a boil.
  • Remove the tea kettle or pot from the stovetop and add the butterfly pea blossoms to the water. Cover with a lid and set aside to steep for one hour.
  • While the flowers are steeping, squeeze the lemon juice and set it aside.
  • When the butterfly tea is ready, strain out the flowers and stir in the honey and lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined.
  • Add the remaining 4 cups of sparkling water to the sweetened blue tea, then place ice cubes in your serving glasses.
  • Pour the lemonade into the serving glasses, then serve and enjoy.

Notes

Nutritional values are estimates. 
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Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Up close view of butterfly pea flower lemonade

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most common questions I receive when I share an herbal tea or lemonade recipe.

How safe is butterfly pea flower?

Butterfly pea flower has been consumed for centuries without any apparent significant adverse effects, and most sources say it’s generally considered safe when taken in moderation. However, there are some contraindications and even a little controversy to be aware of, which you can read about here.

Where can I find the kettle in the photo?

You’ll find it in this article along with a few other glass teapots I love.

What other herbal lemonade recipes can I try?

This refreshing lavender lemonade is tart and sweet with notes of lavender and a hint of thyme. You can serve it in the classical style, dress it up by replacing the water with sparkling mineral water, or make it into a grown-up drink.

butterfly pea flower benefits

More Butterfly Pea Recipes To Try

Blue Moon Milk – There’s something that just feels so beautiful and therapeutic about whipping up a nighttime cup of moon milk with sleep supporting herbs. In this article I dive into its Ayurvedic origins and benefits, plus how to make it four ways.

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea – In this article I cover the research-backed benefits of butterfly pea, plus a simple recipe for brewing a cup of tea.

Butterfly Pea Latte (Coming Soon)

Butterfly Pea Flower Facial Toner – This three-ingredient recipe is easy to make and feels so refreshing. It also contains a wide variety of potent antioxidants that hydrate, support collagen and elastin integrity, promote skin clarity and more.

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Up close view of one glass of butterfly pea flower lemonade

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world.