Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade is a delightful drink that looks as beautiful as it tastes. This stunning beverage gets its vibrant blue color from butterfly pea flowers, which are often used in traditional drinks in Southeast Asia. When combined with lemon juice, the drink transforms into a lovely purple hue, making it not just refreshing but also visually appealing. Whether you enjoy it on a hot summer day or as a charming treat for guests, this lemonade is sure to impress.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade is not just another lemonade recipe. It stands out for several reasons. First, its unique color and transformation make it a fun drink to make and serve. The sweet and tangy flavors balance perfectly, satisfying your thirst and taste buds. Additionally, butterfly pea flowers are known for their health benefits, including antioxidants that support your well-being. This drink is easy to make and can be enjoyed at any time. You will love how refreshing it is and how it brings a touch of magic to your table.

HOW TO MAKE Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

Making Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade is straightforward. With just a few ingredients, you can create a wonderful drink. Follow the simple steps below to craft this beautiful lemonade in no time.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade, you will need a few pieces of equipment:

• A medium saucepan
• A mixing bowl
• A strainer or sieve
• A whisk or spoon
• Glasses for serving
• Ice cube tray (if using ice cubes)

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this lovely lemonade, gather these ingredients:

• 8-10 dried butterfly pea flowers
• ⅓-½ cup light colored honey (or more to taste)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 5 cups filtered water (can use 1 cup of filtered water and 4 cups sparkling water if desired)
• Ice cubes
• Additional lemon slices and/or butterfly pea flowers for garnish (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

To Make One Big Batch

1. Prepare the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea:
   • Boil 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
   • Add 8-10 dried butterfly pea flowers to the boiling water.
   • Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the water turns deep blue.
   • Remove from heat and strain the tea into a mixing bowl. Discard the flowers.
2. Mix the Lemonade:
   • Add the honey to the warm butterfly pea flower tea. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
   • Pour in 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
   • Add the remaining 3 cups of cold filtered water. Stir well.
3. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour.
   • Serve over ice cubes in glasses. Optionally, garnish with lemon slices or extra butterfly pea flowers.

To Make Lemonade In Individual Glasses

1. Prepare the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea:
   • Follow the same method as above to make a small batch of butterfly pea flower tea. Use about 1/2 cup of water to steep 1-2 dried flowers.
2. Mix with Lemon Juice:
   • In a glass, combine the brewed tea (approximately 1/2 cup), 1-2 tablespoons of honey, and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Adjust sweetness to your taste.
   • Add cold water to fill the glass, stirring well.
3. Serve:
   • Add ice cubes and garnish with lemon and butterfly pea flowers if desired.

To Make Sparkling Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

1. Prepare the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea:
   • Make the butterfly pea flower tea as described above.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a large pitcher, combine the tea, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 cup of filtered water.
3. Add Sparkling Water:
   • Just before serving, gently mix in 4 cups of sparkling water.
4. Serve:
   • Serve over ice, garnished with lemon and additional butterfly pea flowers.

HOW TO SERVE Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade can be served in various styles. For a casual gathering, serve it in mason jars or clear glasses to show off the beautiful color. For a more elegant presentation, use fancy glassware, and garnish with lemon slices, fresh mint leaves, or additional butterfly pea flowers. It’s also lovely served as a refreshing drink at parties, picnics, or during afternoon tea.

 

 

STORAGE & FREEZING: Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade can be stored easily. Keep it in a pitcher or sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The drink may lose some vibrancy in color over time but will still taste delicious. For long-term storage, you can freeze the lemonade in ice cube trays for future use. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing glass anytime by adding the cubes to water or sparkling water.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade pairs wonderfully with many foods. Serve it with light snacks like cucumber sandwiches, fruit platters, or a refreshing salad. It also complements spicy foods, making it a great choice for Asian cuisine or summer barbecue dishes. The lemonade’s sweetness and tanginess balance spicy flavors beautifully.

VARIATIONS

You can customize your Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Herbal Variations: Add fresh mint or basil leaves for an herbal twist.
• Citrusy Mix: Incorporate other citrus juices like lime or orange for a mixed flavor.
• Flavored Syrups: Use flavored simple syrups, such as lavender or ginger, for added depth.
• Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer, substitute honey with agave syrup, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute to cater to dietary needs.

FAQs

1. What is butterfly pea flower?
Butterfly pea flower is a natural flower used in teas and drinks, known for its vibrant blue color and health benefits.

2. Can I use fresh butterfly pea flowers instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh flowers. Use about 10-15 fresh flowers for similar results.

3. Is this drink safe for children?
Absolutely! Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade is safe for children, and they will love its beautiful color.

4. Can I make this lemonade without sugar?
Yes, you can omit the honey or use a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie version.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

If you want to prepare Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade ahead of time, you can make the butterfly pea flower tea the day before and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply mix it with lemon juice, sweetener, and chilled water. This makes the process quick and convenient, allowing you to enjoy this lovely drink anytime without much fuss!

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