Ever wish you could wow your guests with a drink that’s not only refreshing but also a little magical? This Butterfly Pea Lemonade is the easiest way to bring a pop of color (and a little science magic) to your next gathering.

This drink starts out a beautiful deep blue, but the moment it meets lemonade, it transforms into a stunning shade of purple. Kids love it, adults are fascinated by it, and best of all? It takes just a few minutes to make.

So, whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, a birthday party, or just need an Instagram-worthy drink to brighten your day, this butterfly pea lemonade is your new go-to.

What Is Butterfly Pea Flower?

If you haven’t heard of butterfly pea flower before, let me introduce you to your new favorite ingredient. These deep blue dried flowers come from Southeast Asia, where they’ve been used for centuries in teas, drinks, and even desserts.

The coolest part? Butterfly pea flowers are pH-sensitive, meaning they react to acidity, so when mixed with something like lemon juice, they shift from deep blue to vibrant purple! It’s a little bit of science and a whole lot of fun in a glass.

Butterfly Pea Lemonade: A Magical Color-Changing Drink

How to Make Butterfly Pea Lemonade

This recipe is so simple that even the busiest host can whip it up in minutes. Here’s how:

Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Start by boiling 1 cup of water. Place your dried butterfly pea flowers (or tea bags) in a heatproof container and pour the hot water over them. Let them steep for about 5 minutes, or until the water turns a gorgeous deep blue.

Once the tea is a rich blue shade, remove the flowers or tea bags and allow the liquid to cool to room temperature. You can pop it in the fridge if you’re in a hurry.

Step 2: Fill Your Glasses with Ice and Lemonade

Grab two glasses and fill them with ice cubes. Then, pour ½ cup of lemonade into each glass.

Step 3: Pour the Butterfly Pea Tea (and Watch the Magic!)

Now comes the best part! Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the lemonade in each glass. As the blue liquid meets the lemonade, watch as it magically changes from blue to purple right before your eyes. If you have kids around, get ready for some wide-eyed amazement!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

For a finishing touch, add a lemon slice to the rim of each glass. Give it a gentle stir if you want a more blended color, or leave it as-is for a mesmerizing ombré effect. Then, sip and enjoy!

Why This Drink Is Perfect for Parties

• It’s gorgeous! Let’s be honest, we all love a drink that looks as good as it tastes. The color-changing effect makes this an instant conversation starter.
• It’s ridiculously easy. No fancy bartending skills required, just steep, pour, and watch the magic happen.
• It’s kid-friendly. Since it’s a non-alcoholic drink, everyone can enjoy it, from toddlers to grandparents.
• You can make it ahead. Steep the butterfly pea tea in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, just assemble the drinks when guests arrive.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas to take your butterfly pea lemonade to the next level:

• Sparkling Butterfly Pea Lemonade – Swap regular lemonade for sparkling lemonade or club soda for some fizzy fun.
• Honey-Sweetened Version – If your lemonade is on the tart side, stir in a little honey or simple syrup to balance the flavors.
• Coconut Butterfly Pea Lemonade – Add a splash of coconut water for a tropical twist.
• Make It a Cocktail – Want an adults-only version? A splash of gin or vodka turns this into an elegant party drink.

FAQs

Where can I buy butterfly pea flowers?
You can find them at specialty tea shops, Asian grocery stores, or online. They’re usually sold as dried flowers or in tea bag form.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of store-bought lemonade?
Absolutely! Just mix fresh lemon juice with water and a little sugar to taste.

How long does the butterfly pea tea last?
Once brewed, you can store the tea in the fridge for 2–3 days. Just make sure to keep it sealed in an airtight container.

Does this drink have caffeine?
Nope! Butterfly pea flowers are naturally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy this drink any time of day.

If you’re looking for an easy, fun, and totally Instagram-worthy drink for your next party, Butterfly Pea Lemonade is the perfect choice. It’s refreshing, kid-friendly, and has a magical color-changing twist that never gets old. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip it up in minutes, no stress, just pure party fun.

View More Party Drinks

• Homemade Lemonade
• Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
• Watermelon Slushie

Butterfly Pea Lemonade

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup store-bought lemonade
• 1 teaspoon dried butterfly pea flowers
• 1 cup hot boiling water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Start by boiling 1 cup of water. Place your dried butterfly pea flowers (or tea bags) in a heatproof container and pour the hot water over them. Let them steep for about 5 minutes, or until the water turns a gorgeous deep blue. Once the tea is a rich blue shade, remove the flowers or tea bags and allow the liquid to cool to room temperature. You can pop it in the fridge if you’re in a hurry.
• Grab two glasses and fill them with ice cubes. Then, pour ½ cup of lemonade into each glass.
• Slowly pour the cooled butterfly pea tea over the lemonade in each glass. As the blue liquid meets the lemonade.
• Add a lemon slice to the rim of each glass. Give it a gentle stir if you want a more blended color, or leave it as-is for a mesmerizing ombré effect. Then, sip and enjoy!