How to Make a Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail (Color Changing)
Use butterfly pea flower tea to craft cocktails that change color like magic—stunning, simple, and delicious!
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Today is the last day of #BrunchWeek and I’m super excited to share this butterfly pea flower cocktail.
Be sure to read to the bottom of this post so you can see all of the other brunch recipes.
I’ve been wanting to make a cocktail using butterfly pea flowers ever since my daughter bought some to add to her smoothies and make tea.
Once I saw the vibrant blue color and learned that it was color-changing, I was intrigued! Plus, it has incredible health benefits.
5 Top Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower
- Rich in Antioxidants
Butterfly pea flowers are loaded with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. - Supports Brain Health
Traditionally used in Thai medicine, butterfly pea is believed to enhance memory and support cognitive function. - Natural Mood Booster
Compounds in the flower may help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a calm, focused mind. - Anti-Inflammatory Properties
It has natural anti-inflammatory effects, which can aid in reducing internal inflammation and supporting overall wellness. - Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair
Thanks to its high flavonoid content, butterfly pea flower can support collagen production, helping to maintain youthful skin and strong hair.
There are so many cool drinks you can make using butterfly pea flowers. The base for this cocktail is a simple syrup that can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for easy prep.
I also have a margarita recipe to share soon and it’s purple.
This is the exact brand of butterfly pea flowers that I used.
Let’s get to it!
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE THE BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER COCKTAIL
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this cocktail. (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post).
- Butterfly Pea Flowers – you can also check out the health food store
- Prosecco – Use your favorite brand. You don’t have to use top-shelf, however, I do recommend a mid-line brand. I’m a fan of LaMarca Prosecco.
- Vodka – use your favorite brand. Can also use a flavored vodka such as lemon.
- Sugar and Water
- Lemons – to change the color of the tea and for garnish.
- Blueberries and Raspberries – optional, but they definitely add to the aesthetic!
Kitchen Items
- Glass Teapot – this is optional, but it is fun to see the color changing.
- Mesh Tea Ball Strainer
- Glass Jar with Lid – I used a flip top glass bottle, but you can also use a mason jar.
- Champagne Flutes
How to Make a Butterfly Pea Flower Simple Syrup for Cocktails
Boil Water and Sugar – Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a pot over medium high heat.
Remove the tea ball or strain if pea flowers were added directly to the water. Let cool.
Add Butterfly Pea Flowers – Add 1 tbsp of butterfly pea flowers in a mesh tea ball strainer.
This strainer works wonderfully. However, you can also add the flowers directly to the boiling water and sugar mixture.
You will just need to strain it before adding it to your cocktail.
Bring to a quick boil, but turn it down to low immediately. Be sure not to let it boil as it will evaporate and alter the sweetness.
Let it Steep – Let infuse on low for 3-5 mins. It will turn bright blue! The longer you steep, the deeper the blue color will be.
This is the exact glass teapot I bought for my daughter for her infused tea. It includes 2 blooming tea flowers.
It only takes a few minutes for the butterfly pea flowers to change the color of the boiled water to a beautiful blue color. It really is cool to see how fast it changes.
The first image is after 1-2 minutes and the second image is about 15-20 minutes.
To achieve the vibrant purple color, add fresh lemon juice.
You will see the color-changing effect almost immediately. Again, the longer it steeps, the more vibrant it gets.
Place in Sealed Bottle – Pour the simple syrup into a clean bottle or jar to store.
Look at the gorgeous colors!
So, what do you think; do you like the bright blue or the pretty purple?
Color-changing cocktails – Use the butterfly pea flower simple syrup in cocktails with acidic mixers like lemon juice, lime juice, or even ginger beer for a stunning color-changing effect.
Add your favorite spirits. I went with a simple prosecco cocktail with vodka and fresh blueberries and raspberries. The exact amounts are in the printable card below.
This would be perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch, or afternoon tea with friends. Cheers!
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Now it’s time to see all the other great recipes for #BrunchWeek. Enjoy!
More Brunch Recipes:
- Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwich from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Monte Cristo Stuffed Waffles from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Pizza Frittata from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe from Blogghetti
- Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake from Hezzi-D’s Recipe Box
- Chorizo Breakfast Casserole from Our Crafty Mom
- Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail from Easy Recipes for One
- Horseradish Cheese Spread from Art of Natural Living
- Spring Salad with Grapes and Pistachio-Crusted Goat Cheese from The Spiffy Cookie
- Ham and Egg Cups from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Butterfly pea flowers are vibrant blue blossoms, native to Southeast Asia. They’re often used in teas, cocktails, and natural dyes due to their stunning color and health benefits.
They have a very mild, earthy flavor—slightly woody or grassy—making them perfect for blending into teas, lemonades, or cocktails without overpowering other ingredients.
The flowers contain natural pigments called anthocyanins that react to pH. Add something acidic (like lemon juice) and they transform from deep blue to purple or pink!
To keep it fresh and vibrant, store brewed butterfly pea flower tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays—perfect for tossing into cocktails for an extra pop of color and chill.
If you’re storing dried butterfly pea flowers, keep them in a cool, dark place in an airtight container—they’ll last for up to a year.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great day!
Sparkling Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail
Equipment
- Teapot or other pot
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
- Tea Ball Strainer or Cheesecloth
- Flute Champagne Glasses
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces Butterfly Pea Flower Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- 3 ounces Vodka
- 1 ounce Lemon (plus Garnish)
Instructions
- Add the vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker.
- Fill ¾ full of ice and shake for 30 seconds.
- Strain into your Champagne glasses.
- Top with Prosecco and stir lightly.
- Add fresh berries if desired.
- Garnish with a lemon twist for a classic drink.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Flower Simple Syrup
- Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a pot over medium high heat.
- Add 1 tbsp of butterfly pea flowers in a tea ball strainer, or directly in the water.
- Bring to a quick boil, but turn it down to low immediately. Be sure not to let it boil as it will evaporate and alter the sweetness.
- Let infuse on low for 3-5 mins. It will turn bright blue!
- Remove the tea ball or strain if pea flowers were added directly to the water. Let cool.
Notes
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