Impress your guests with a unique and visually striking magically color changing Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail at your next gathering.
Impress your friends with a boozy magic trick by mixing up some Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktails at your next get-together!
This color changing co*cktail is spin off of mint juleps.As any Southerner or Derby die-hards will tell you, mint juleps are not for the faint of heart.They are on the boozier side, featuring lots of bourbon.And they are absolutely delicious and perfect to keep cool on a hot day.
I,Ashley Conwaymade this Butterfly Flower Pea co*cktail with lots of crushed ice, fresh mint, a color changing syrup (yes, seriously!) and some added lemon juice for a balanced and perfectly crushable co*cktail recipe!
Where does the magic part come in? With a little science and help from a flower! The Butterfly Pea Flower!
![Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (2) Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (2)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarandcloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Magic-Color-Changing-Mint-Julep-Ashley-Conway-3-640x959.jpg)
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Table of Contents
What is a Butterfly Pea Flower?
The butterfly pea plant orcl*toria ternateais wildflower vine plant. The floweroriginates from Thailand, where it is used in herbal teas and dishes to create a color changing effect.
When expanded, the vine plant expands to resemble a butterfly. (Hence, it’s name.) When citrus juice or other acidic ingredients are added to a drink or dish with the flower, it changes color!
When the ph level fluctuates, so does the color, changing from a vibrant blue to purple and finally to pink in some cases, giving the drink a “galaxy” like effect.
This special ingredient acts as a natural food coloring. And it doesn’t have to be only used in co*cktails!Locals actually use the flower in a popular Asian tea, Nam Dok Anchan.
![Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (3) Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (3)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarandcloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Magic-Color-Changing-Mint-Julep-Ashley-Conway-11-640x897.jpg)
Something as simple as lemonade pairs well with butterfly pea flower tea.
The Southeast Asia flower is actually withfilled with anti-inflammatory compounds. So it’s a perfect relaxing drink that’s rich in antioxidants.
For this co*cktail, lemon juice is poured over the drink to make the butterfly pea flower change from deep blue to a pretty purple.
![Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (4) Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (4)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarandcloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Magic-Color-Changing-Mint-Julep-Ashley-Conway-12-640x918.jpg)
Ingredients Needed
- Bourbon
- Butterfly pea flower syrup — The simple syrup is easy to to make and only requires dried butterfly flower, water and sugar.
- Mint leaves — For your co*cktail and for garnishing
- Lemon juice — The important acidic element needed to get your co*cktail to change colors.
- Crushed ice
![Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (5) Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (5)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarandcloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Magic-Color-Changing-Mint-Julep-Ashley-Conway-4-640x900.jpg)
Where to Buy Butterfly Tea Flower
You can purchase dried butterfly pea flowers online fromAmazon,Etsyor find them at a spice or herbal store. They’re also sold as butterfly pea tea (which is caffeine free). However, make sure to buy whole dried flowers instead of the powdered tea.
They’re really popular for their mood ring color changing ways so you’d be surprised how easily they can be found!
![Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (6) Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (6)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarandcloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Magic-Color-Changing-Mint-Julep-Ashley-Conway-6-640x964.jpg)
How To Make A Butterfly Pea Flower Syrup
Butterfly pea flower has a earthy and woody taste similar to green tea. However, with some sugar, it makes for a sweet blue tea simple syrup. You can also drizzle the syrup over pancakes, waffles, or desserts for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy experimenting with this unique and beautiful syrup!
Here’s how to brew your own:
1 — Steep 1/8 cup of dried butterfly pea flowers in boiling hot water for 15 minutes. Then, strain out the flowers with a fine mesh strainer.
2 — Add 1 1/2 cups of the butterfly flower tea to a saucepan with 1 1/2 cups of sugar and heat on medium. You can reserve the leftover tea to drink or freeze into ice cubes and crush for this drink.
3 — Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat and let cool.
Store your Butterly Pea syrup in a jar or airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to a month.
![Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (7) Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (7)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarandcloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Magic-Color-Changing-Mint-Julep-Ashley-Conway-7-640x953.jpg)
How to Make a Butterfly Pea Flower Tea co*cktail
Before you start, make sure you’ve made butterfly flower syrup beforehand.
Gently muddle mint leaves in a julep cup or fluted glass.
Next, add crushed ice to fill 3/4 of the glass.
Then, add bourbon and the Butterfly Pea Flower syrup and stir to chill. Add more crushed ice to fill the glass.
Pour lemon juice over the co*cktail and watch the blue pea change colors! The presentation alone makes this such a fun drink.
Make sure to stir it well. You’ll want to evenly mix the tart and sweet flavors. You’ll know when it’s ready when your drink is a deep magenta.
Smack mint sprigs to release oils and then, garnish the glass.
You don’t want to just throw in the mint. To “smack” the sprigs, place the sprig in one hand and gently smack it with the other. This is when the fresh flavors are released!
![Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (8) Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (8)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarandcloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Magic-Color-Changing-Mint-Julep-Ashley-Conway-10-640x953.jpg)
How to Make Butterfly Pea Flower Tea co*cktail for a Big Party
Our co*cktail recipe makes for one serving. However, if you are hosting a large gathering or don’t want to individually make each co*cktail, you can make a large batch.
Just make sure to keep the simple syrup recipe and the bourbon and lemon juice mixture in separate pitchers.
![Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (9) Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (9)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarandcloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Magic-Color-Changing-Mint-Julep-Ashley-Conway-8-640x894.jpg)
More Fun And Easy co*cktail Recipes
Love how unique this Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail is? Check out our other favorite drinks and boozy treats that will wow your guest:
- 24 Carrot co*cktail— This beautiful drink is garnished with mini carrots and edible flowers.
- Ice Sphere co*cktail— This co*cktail is served not on ice but in ice!
- Easy Champagne Jello Shots — These classy shots are actually made of edible gold.
- Dotted Thai Fruit co*cktail — Basil seeds and dragonfruit add playful patterns.
- Refreshing Mojito Pitcher Recipe — Made in a big batch and perfect to cool down.
- Spiked Lollipops — They look like pretty jellyfish on a stick.
- Coffee Old Fashioned co*cktail Drink Recipe — for a twist on the classic.
- A simple and delicious mulled wine recipe – Perfect for cozy, cool weather nights
- Dark and Stormy co*cktail – Halloween is just around the corner and this co*cktail is perfect for it!
- Root Beer Float – Make this as a boozy or classic drink recipe
- Apple Cider Drink – This can be a co*cktail, co*cktail, or just a detox iced drink!
![Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (10) Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail Recipe (10)](https://i0.wp.com/sugarandcloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Butterfly-Pea-Flower-Tea-co*cktail-Recipe-640x1422.jpg)
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea co*cktail Recipe
Print Recipe
5 from 15 votes
Impress your friends with a boozy magic trick by mixing up this color changing Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail at your next get together!
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine co*cktails
Equipment
Julep cup
Muddle
Ingredients
- 8 mint leaves and more for garnishing
- 2 1/2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz butterfly flower syrup refer to recipe below
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Crushed ice
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 1
Calories: 86kcal
Notes
- If you are hosting a large gathering or don’t want to individually make each co*cktail, you can make a large batch.Just make sure to keep the simple syrup recipe and the bourbon and lemon juice mixture in separate pitchers.
Instructions
Prepare the Butterfly Pea Flower simple syrup. Refer to the recipe below.
Gently muddle mint leaves in a julep cup or fluted glass.
Add crashed ice to fill 3/4 of the glass.
Add bourbon and the Buttefly Pea Flower syrup and stir to chill.
Add more crushed ice to fill the glass.
Pour lemon juice over the co*cktail and watch the blue pea change colors! Make sure to stir it well. You’ll want to evenly mix the tart and sweet flavors. You’ll know when it’s ready when your drink is a deep magenta.
Smack mint sprig to release oils and garnish the glass. To “smack” the sprigs, place the sprig in one hand and gently smack it with the other. This is when the fresh flavors are released!
KEYWORD: butterfly pea, butterfly pea flower, butterfly pea flower tea, color changing co*cktails
Butterfly Flower Pea Syrup Recipe
Print Recipe
5 from 11 votes
Changing from a vibrant blue to purple and finally to pink, this syrup gives any drink a “galaxy” like effect.
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine Syrup
Equipment
Saucepan
Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 0.125 cup dried Butterfly Pea flowers about 50 flowers
- 4 cup water
- 1.5 cup white granulated sugar
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Sodium: 13mg | Sugar: 75g | Calcium: 8mg
Servings: 4
Calories: 290kcal
Notes
- Store your syrup in a jar or airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to a month
Instructions
Boil water.
Steep Butterfly Pea flowers in boiling water for 15 minutes.
Strain out the flowers.
Add 1 1/2 cups of the Butterfly Pea Flower tea to a saucepan with 1 1/2 cups sugar on medium. You can reserve the leftover tea to drink or freeze into ice cubes and crush for this drink.
Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat and let cool.
KEYWORD: butterfly flower, co*cktail, color, flower, sugar and cloth, syrup
Don’t forget to share your Butterfly Pea Flower co*cktail with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? You can find them all right here!