This gorgeous and refreshing butterfly pea flower lemonade is a layered drink that’s made with only 4 ingredients! It’s a pretty twist on a classic lemonade.
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Layered Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade
Butterfly pea flower is a plant that’s originally from Southeast Asia. The dried blue flowers are steeped in water to make an herbal tea, also known as a tisane.
The caffeinated-free infusion has an earthy, vegetal flavor that can be an acquired taste.
One of butterfly pea flower’s most unique characteristics is its ability to change color when the pH levels shift.
The brewed tea will go from blue to purple when combined with an acidic ingredient like lemonade.
This layered butterfly pea flower lemonade is sweet, tart, and absolutely refreshing.
RELATED: Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower
Recipe Highlights
- Butterfly pea flower lemonade is a cold beverage made with butterfly pea flower tea, water, lemonade, and ice.
- The drink is naturally caffeine-free and layered with lemonade at the bottom and butterfly pea flower tea on top.
- Because the lemonade is already sweet, there’s no need for additional sugar.
- This recipe is for a 16 ounce (2 cups) serving.
RELATED: Hibiscus Lemonade
Ingredient Notes
- Butterfly pea flower tea
Use butterfly pea flower tea bags for easy cleanup. Since the tea will be mixed with lemonade, you don’t need the highest quality. - Lemonade
Any lemonade can be used. - Water
For the best tasting drink, always use filtered water. - Ice
Make the ice with filtered water, if possible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to see the recipe.
- Put butterfly pea flower tea bag and hot water into a teapot.
Boil water on the stovetop or use an electric kettle with a temperature setting. - Cover and steep.
The water will turn a deep blue. Remove the tea bag and let cool. - Pour lemonade into a cup with ice.
Optional: Garnish with thinly sliced lemon. - Add cooled down tea.
RELATED: Butterfly Pea Flower Cold Foam
Recipe Notes
To make pretty layers, add the lemonade in first.
The trick to making a layered drink is to start by adding the sweetest components, followed by the least sweet.
In this recipe, that means the lemonade goes in first, then the tea.
The more sugar the bottom layer has compared to the top is what will create a more separated layer.
Loose butterfly pea flower tea can be used instead of a tea bag.
If you only have dried flowers, you can substitute 1 heaping teaspoon in place of the tea bag.
Make the tea ahead of time.
You can steep the butterfly pea flower tea in advance and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Combine with the lemonade when you’re ready to serve.
RELATED: Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
Expert Tips
- To garnish with lemon slices, place them into the cup first, then add ice. The lemonade and the butterfly pea flower tea can be poured in next.
- Add matcha to make it a butterfly pea flower matcha lemonade.
- If you’d like additional flavor, try a flavored syrup like strawberry. Just be aware that’ll increase the sugar levels.
- Store-bought lemonade is great, but you can also make it from scratch, which offers you more control over the sugar levels if you prefer your drinks less sweet.
Questions You May Have
It has a mild woody flavor that’s not all that pleasant on its own, which is why it’s often combined with other ingredients such as lemon or lemongrass.
Butterfly pea flower has high levels of antioxidants and is known to help reduce high blood sugar, protect the heart, and support healthy skin.
Though there is pigment that turns water blue, it does not stain teeth.
Related
- Strawberry Butterfly Pea Flower Latte Bubble Tea
- Butterfly Pea Flower Matcha Lemonade
- Butterfly Pea Flower Syrup
- Butterfly Pea Flower Bubble Tea
- Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade Copycat Recipe
- Lavender Lemonade
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Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade
INGREDIENTS
- 1 butterfly pea flower tea bag (or 1 teaspoon loose tea)
- ⅓ cup hot water
- ⅔ cup lemonade
- 1 cup ice
- 2 lemon slices (optional garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put butterfly pea flower tea bag and ⅓ cup of hot water into a teapot.Boil water on the stovetop or use an electric kettle with a temperature setting. Set water temperature to 195°F.
- Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bag and let cool.Herbal teas like butterfly pea flower can be steeped for longer without getting bitter.
- Pour lemonade into a cup with ice. Add cooled down butterfly pea flower tea.Optional: Garnish with thinly sliced lemon.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- Use butterfly pea flower tea bags for easy cleanup. Since the tea will be mixed with lemonade, you don’t need the highest quality.
- The trick to making a layered drink is to start by adding the sweetest components, followed by the least sweet. In this recipe, that means the lemonade goes in first, then the tea.
- You can steep the butterfly pea flower tea in advance and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Combine with the lemonade when you’re ready to serve.
- Store-bought lemonade is great, but you can also make it from scratch, which offers you more control over the sugar levels if you prefer your drinks less sweet.
- To add thinly sliced lemons, line them inside the cup first, then add the ice. The lemonade can be poured in next followed by the cooled down tea.