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Butterfly Pea Lemonade Recipe (2026)

Glass of butterfly pea lemonade on a wooden table with lemon and mint garnish
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Butterfly pea lemonade is a refreshing, color-changing drink made with butterfly pea flower tea, fresh lemon juice, and a sweetener. It tastes similar to regular lemonade with a light floral or earthy note, and the lemon juice naturally turns the tea from blue to purple. Easy to make and striking to serve, it works well for summer gatherings, parties, or any time you want a simple homemade drink with extra visual appeal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups warm filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers (or 1/4 cup fresh)
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup honey or granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups soda water (optional, for a fizzy version)
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Add the butterfly pea flowers to the warm filtered water in a teapot or heat-safe bowl. Let steep for 10 minutes, or until the water turns a deep blue.
  2. Strain the tea to remove the flowers, then let it cool to room temperature.
  3. Stir in the honey or sugar until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
  4. Pour in the lemon juice slowly and stir gently. The tea will naturally shift from blue to purple as the acidity changes the color.
  5. Fill serving glasses with ice and pour in the lemonade.
  6. Top with soda water if using, then garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint. Serve immediately for the best color and flavor.

Notes

  • Flavor note: Butterfly pea lemonade tastes similar to regular lemonade, with a light floral or earthy note from the tea.
  • Why it changes color: The lemon juice adds acidity, which naturally shifts the butterfly pea tea from blue to purple.
  • Serving tip: For the strongest visual effect, use clear glasses and add the lemon juice shortly before serving.
  • Sparkling variation: Top with soda water for a fizzy version, or skip it for a still lemonade.
  • Make-ahead tip: Prepare the tea base in advance and refrigerate it. Add the lemon juice, ice, and soda water closer to serving time.
  • Sweetener options: Honey gives a softer sweetness, while granulated sugar keeps the flavor more neutral.
  • Ingredient note: Use food-safe butterfly pea flowers intended for culinary use.
  • Caffeine note: Butterfly pea flower tea is naturally caffeine-free.
  • Storage: The tea base can be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days. Fully mixed lemonade is best served the same day.
  • Recipe focus: This drink is presented as a fun homemade recipe, not as a health or wellness treatment.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.tolearnrecipes.com/butterfly-pea-lemonade/

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