Butterfly Pea Lemonade – Color-Changing Summer Mocktail

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Butterfly Pea Lemonade is a vibrant, color-changing drink made from butterfly pea flower tea and fresh lemon juice. Naturally deep blue before citrus is added, it transforms into purple or pink when mixed with acid, making it visually striking and refreshing. This easy lemonade recipe takes just 15 minutes and balances floral notes with bright citrus sweetness. The key is brewing a strong blue tea concentrate and layering the lemonade for dramatic color contrast.

Vertical image of Butterfly Pea Lemonade changing from blue to pink as lemon juice is poured
Vertical image of Butterfly Pea Lemonade changing from blue to pink as lemon juice is poured

Butterfly Pea Lemonade

Edward founder of easy no bake cookies Easy No-Bake CookiesEdward Thompson
A refreshing, naturally blue lemonade that shifts to purple when lemon juice is added. Perfect for summer parties and Instagram-worthy serving.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Steep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverage, Mocktail, Party Drink
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, International
Servings 4 Glasses
Calories 110 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan or kettle
  • Heatproof pitcher
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Citrus press
  • Measuring cups
  • Tall clear glasses

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp dried butterfly pea flowers or 4 tea bags
  • 1 cup hot water just below boiling, 200°F
  • ¾ cup fresh lemon juice about 4–5 lemons
  • ½ –¾ cup simple syrup adjust to taste
  • 3 cups cold filtered water
  • Ice cubes
  • Garnish: lemon wheels edible flowers, mint

Instructions
 

  • Steep butterfly pea flowers in 1 cup hot water for 5–7 minutes until deep blue. Strain and cool.
  • In a pitcher, combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and cold water. Stir well.
  • Fill glasses with ice and pour lemonade mixture ¾ full.
  • Slowly pour blue tea over the back of a spoon to layer.
  • Stir before drinking to watch the color change to purple-pink.

Notes

  • Use clear glasses for best visual effect.
  • Brew tea stronger for deeper blue color.
  • Chill tea before layering to prevent premature color change.
  • Store tea concentrate refrigerated up to 48 hours.
  • For sparkling version, replace 1 cup water with soda water.
Variations:
  • Honey or agave instead of simple syrup.
  • Add lavender syrup for floral depth.
  • Cocktail version: add 1 oz gin or vodka per serving.
  • Frozen: blend lemonade with ice, drizzle tea on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 28gSugar: 25gVitamin C: 35mg
Keyword butterfly pea flower, color-changing drink, gluten free, lemonade, refreshing, summer drink, vegan
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CONCLUSION

Butterfly Pea Lemonade combines refreshing citrus flavor with a stunning natural color change that makes every glass memorable. It’s easy to prepare, visually impressive, and perfect for warm weather gatherings. Try it layered for maximum effect and enjoy the transformation.

Author

  • Smiling young man with wavy blond hair and blue eyes wearing a colorful floral shirt, standing in a modern kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Edward Thompson, founder of Easy No-Bake Cookies. I grew up as my mom's kitchen shadow, drawn in daily by the magical aroma of chocolate and peanut butter no-bake treats. While she encouraged me to focus on studies and keep baking as a hobby, those after-school moments taught me that the best recipes come with heart. Today, I share the simple joy of no-bake baking with families everywhere, passing on the warmth and sweetness that filled my childhood home.

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