Before diving into the vibrant world of Butterfly Pea Lemonade, let me paint a picture for you. Imagine a sun-soaked picnic, where laughter fills the air and everyone has a refreshing drink in hand. Pairing this enchanting drink with light appetizers can elevate your gathering.
Think fresh fruit salads, crispy vegetable platters, or even a zesty chickpea salad. The floral notes of the Butterfly Pea Lemonade beautifully complement the fresh vegetables and fruit, making your menu a hit.
What is Butterfly Pea Lemonade?
Butterfly Pea Lemonade is a refreshing beverage made from dried butterfly pea flowers, which impart a stunning blue hue to the drink. When you mix in citrus, like lemon juice, the color changes dramatically to a beautiful purple. This transformation is not just visually enchanting; it’s a conversation starter. The butterfly pea flower has been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices throughout Southeast Asia for ages. Known for its antioxidant properties, it adds not just color but also a sprinkle of health to your drink.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Butterfly Pea Lemonade?
While many recipes for Butterfly Pea Lemonade exist, my version brings in a few unique ingredients that raise the bar. You might find lemon juice in other iterations, but I chose to add elderflower syrup for a layer of floral sweetness that complements the floral notes in the butterfly pea. Often, recipes sweeten with regular sugar. I opted for organic cane sugar, which is less processed and has a more delightful flavor profile. Plus, I replaced soda water with sparkling water—because let’s be honest, who needs extra sweetness in a drink that is already a feast for your eyes?
How Does It Taste?
Picture this: the first sip is a burst of freshness. The sweetness of the organic cane sugar mingles with the tang from the lemon juice. Then comes the elderflower syrup, softly dancing in the background. And just when you think it couldn’t get more refreshing, the bubbles from the chilled sparkling water lift it all to another level. Overall, it’s light, bright, and incredibly thirst-quenching. It’s the perfect drink for bright summer days or a whimsical tea party.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
To whip up the enchanting Butterfly Pea Lemonade, gather these ingredients:
- ½ cup dried or fresh butterfly pea blossoms: The star of the show!
- ⅓ cup organic cane sugar: Sweet, less processed, and flavorful.
- 3 cups warm filtered water: To infuse the color and flavor.
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: For that tangy twist.
- 1 teaspoon elderflower syrup: A little touch of floral magic.
- Pinch of sea salt: To enhance the overall experience.
- 3 cups chilled sparkling water: For a crisp fizziness.
- 3 cups crushed ice
- Fresh lemon wheels and rosemary sprigs
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea
Start by boiling the 3 cups of warm filtered water. In a heatproof bowl, add your butterfly pea blossoms. Pour the hot water over the blossoms and let them steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. Feel free to admire the mesmerizing transformation of color during this time. You’ll get a rich, deep blue tea.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
Once the tea is ready, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. While it’s still warm, add the ⅓ cup of organic cane sugar. Stir until it completely dissolves. Measured sugar can be replaced with other sweeteners, but keep the balance in mind!
Step 3: Add the Lemon Juice and Elderflower Syrup
Next, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the teaspoon of elderflower syrup. This is where the magic happens—mixing these ingredients creates a taste sensation and marriage of flavors. Don’t forget to sprinkle in that pinch of sea salt to elevate the flavors.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Cover the pitcher and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The colder, the better. This is also the perfect time for you to clean up your kitchen.
Step 5: Assemble the Drink
When you’re ready to serve, take out the pitcher. Fill glasses with crushed ice, then pour the chilled butterfly pea lemonade over the ice. It’s gorgeous!
Step 6: Finish with Sparkling Water
Top each glass with chilled sparkling water. Watch your drink bubble up as it takes on a light, effervescent quality. Garnish with lemon wheels and a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks on Making Butterfly Pea Lemonade
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Making this drink is straightforward, but using top-notch ingredients will yield a superior flavor. Choose organic whenever possible!
- Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some might prefer it less sweet. You can cut back on the sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey.
- Infuse for Different Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other flavor infusions while steeping the blossoms. Things like mint or ginger can add a new layer.
- Serve Chilled: For the best experience, serve it ice-cold. A drink is best enjoyed when it refreshes, right?
- Play with Colors: You can create a layered drink by carefully pouring in the mixture. The colors will transition from blue to purple beautifully.
How Do I Store This Dish?
Butterfly Pea Lemonade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle. The drink can lose its vibrant color over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
What Other Substitute Can You Use in Butterfly Pea Lemonade?
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Both add sweetness and distinct flavors. Honey offers a rich taste, while maple syrup brings compost.
- Lime Juice: Instead of lemon, lime can give your drink a zesty twist. Experiment and see which citrus you prefer!
- Flavored Sparkling Water: For added flavor, try using a hint of infused sparkling water. Various fruit flavors can give a unique taste.
- Coconut Water: It can add a tropical touch and enhance hydration. This could make your lemonade feel more like a summer vacation in a glass!
- Herbal Teas: If you want to play with flavors, consider other herbal teas to steep along with the butterfly pea blossoms. Hibiscus can pair nicely for a tart kick.
Conclusion
Butterfly Pea Lemonade is a stunning, flavorful drink that you can whip up with ease. It captures the essence of summer, brings a splash of color to your table, and surprises with its delightful taste. Whether serving it at a gathering or treating yourself to a cooling afternoon sipper, this drink is bound to charm everyone.
As you dive into this culinary adventure, I hope you enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen crafting this beverage. Trust me, once you take a sip, you will find it hard to go back to any regular lemonade!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
Butterfly Pea Lemonade Recipe – Treat Indulgently
Description
When I first stumbled upon Butterfly Pea Lemonade, I was instantly captivated. The vivid blue color alone is enough to spark curiosity. As someone who has a passion for experimenting in the kitchen, this drink had my name written all over it. I had no idea what a treat awaited me. This zingy, gorgeously colorful beverage not only tastes delightful, but it also brings with it a host of health benefits. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or sipping it on a lazy afternoon, prepare to fall in love.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea
-
Start by boiling the 3 cups of warm filtered water. In a heatproof bowl, add your butterfly pea blossoms. Pour the hot water over the blossoms and let them steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. Feel free to admire the mesmerizing transformation of color during this time. You’ll get a rich, deep blue tea.
Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
-
Once the tea is ready, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. While it’s still warm, add the ⅓ cup of organic cane sugar. Stir until it completely dissolves. Measured sugar can be replaced with other sweeteners, but keep the balance in mind!
Step 3: Add the Lemon Juice and Elderflower Syrup
-
Next, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the teaspoon of elderflower syrup. This is where the magic happens—mixing these ingredients creates a taste sensation and marriage of flavors. Don’t forget to sprinkle in that pinch of sea salt to elevate the flavors.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
-
Cover the pitcher and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The colder, the better. This is also the perfect time for you to clean up your kitchen.
Step 5: Assemble the Drink
-
When you’re ready to serve, take out the pitcher. Fill glasses with crushed ice, then pour the chilled butterfly pea lemonade over the ice. It’s gorgeous!
Step 6: Finish with Sparkling Water
-
Top each glass with chilled sparkling water. Watch your drink bubble up as it takes on a light, effervescent quality. Garnish with lemon wheels and a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 206kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10.1g16%
- Saturated Fat 5.4g27%
- Cholesterol 25mg9%
- Sodium 45mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 27g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 13g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Making this drink is straightforward, but using top-notch ingredients will yield a superior flavor. Choose organic whenever possible!
- Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some might prefer it less sweet. You can cut back on the sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey.
- Infuse for Different Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other flavor infusions while steeping the blossoms. Things like mint or ginger can add a new layer.
- Serve Chilled: For the best experience, serve it ice-cold. A drink is best enjoyed when it refreshes, right?
- Play with Colors: You can create a layered drink by carefully pouring in the mixture. The colors will transition from blue to purple beautifully.
