Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade
Updated Feb 19, 2025
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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.
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. This caffeinated-free infusion has an earthy flavor.
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 lemon juice.
I took butterfly pea flower tea and combined it with lemonade to make this pretty layered iced drink. It’s sweet, tart, and absolutely refreshing.
Note from Jee
Let’s talk about how butterfly pea flower tea tastes. I’m not a fan of just the tea on its own since I don’t find it pleasant at all.
I only like butterfly pea flower tea when it’s mixed with lemonade or with other stronger flavors that will basically mask the taste of the tea. Just make sure you stir the drink to get the lemonade and the tea in one sip.
Recipe Summary
- Butterfly pea flower lemonade is a cold beverage made with a butterfly pea flower tea bag, water, lemonade, and ice.
- The drink is naturally caffeine-free and layered with lemonade at the bottom and butterfly pea flower tea on top.
- This recipe is for a 16 ounce (2 cups) serving.
RELATED: Hibiscus Lemonade
Ingredient Notes
- Butterfly pea flower tea: I like using tea bags for this recipe for easy cleanup. Since the tea will be mixed with lemonade, you don’t need the highest quality.
- Lemonade: Any lemonade can be used. I especially like the Trader Joe’s lemonade from the refrigerated section.
- Water: For the best tasting drink, always use filtered water.
- Ice: Make the ice with filtered water, if possible.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Cover and steep. The water will turn a deep blue. Remove the tea bag and let cool.
Step 3: Pour lemonade into a cup with ice. Optional: Garnish with thinly sliced lemon.
Step 4: Add cooled down tea.
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 butterfly pea 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.
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.
- 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.
Related
- Butterfly Pea Flower Matcha Lemonade
- Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
- Butterfly Pea Flower Syrup
- Butterfly Pea Flower Bubble Tea
- Lavender Lemonade
- Lemonade
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Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade
Equipment
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.
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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
