Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail

Turn into a social butterfly with this botanically crafted cocktail. Experience the enchantment of butterfly pea flowers as you create something that not only flaunts a vivid and organic hue but also tantalizes your palate with its invigorating and captivating taste. The exquisite blend of floral essences from the flower tea and lemon juice produces a mystical elixir that is bound to bewitch anyone who gazes upon it. Let this magical elixir whisk you away to a world of enchantment and wonder.

Why you'll love this recipe:

• It's made with butterfly pea tea which is beautiful and good for you and has impressive health benefits, it's even included on our list of medicinal flowers with impressive benefits.
• It will make your party pop with its gorgeous color, a mood enhancer indeed!
• It's magical to watch the colors change! The visual effects are so fun!
• It's vibrant deep blue color turns purple naturally with no artificial colors, an all-natural food coloring

Make this syrup for your garden party!

Oh I dream of having a garden party. Just check out my pinterest board filled with inspiration. Here at frolic and fare we love making flower-infused syrups. There are many different types of edible flowers for syrups to choose from, and it is almost impossible not to find one that suits your every need. From cocktails, mocktails or lemonades- there's something for everyone! Whether you've picked up some flowers from the store, foraged them in nature, or grew your own in your edible flower garden, there's fun to be had. 

Other fun botanical syrups on the blog:

• lavender simple syrup
• rose simple syrup
• rose water simple syrup
• elderflower syrup
• jasmin syrup

what makes butterfly pea flowers change colors?

It turns out that the rich, sapphire blue color of tea made from these flowers is due to it's antioxidant property anthocyanin, which give the plant its naturally vibrant hue. But when exposed to pH changes like those found in lemon juice or baking soda (both common household ingredients), they transform into vibrant magenta color. Blue is the most rare color that naturally occurs in nature, making it even more special!

what are butterfly pea flowers?

The butterfly pea is a plant with interesting flowers that are native to Southeast Asia. The vivid blue color of its petals makes for an aesthetically pleasing sight and is easy to identify because these flowers usually have very distinctive traits! You may recognize them for their vibrant blue hue.

ingredients in this drink

BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER SYRUP

• Dried butterfly pea flowers
• Water
• Sugar

BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER SYRUP COCKTAIL

• Butterfly pea flower syrup
• Lavender or Rose water lemonade (any lemonade will work!)
• Tonic water
• Gin or vodka
• Ice

Quantities are in the recipe below!

how to make butterfly pea syrup

This 1:1 ratio is so simple; all it requires is 1 cup of water 1 cup of sugar, and ½ cup of butterfly pea flowers. 

1. In a small saucepan over medium/high heat, heat the water, sugar, and butterfly pea flowers until it comes to a simmer.
2. Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue simmering gently for 5 minutes, reduce heat, and let simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let the liquid cool.
   Lastly, strain into a jar (with an airtight lid)

how do butterfly pea flowers taste?

The flavor of this flower is akin to green tea, but very mild. It also has herbal and earthy undertones, but overall I find it has minimal taste - making it perfect for those who don't enjoy strong floral drinks. 

Want to learn the language of flowers?

love edible flowers? these resources may be useful to you:

• Ways to use edible flowers
• Popular edible flowers chart and their meaning - printable chart
• How to store and preserve edible flowers
• Edible flowers to grow in your garden
• Where to buy or find edible flowers for cookies and cakes

the recipe