Are you a tea lover looking for a fun and unique mocktail? Try this butterfly pea flower tea mocktail! This pretty blue tea turns purplish pink when mixed with lime juice, fresh mint leaves, and Lyres White Cane Spirit. It's a delicious combination of sweet and tart, and sure to impress your guests.
What is Butterfly Pea Flower Tea?
Butterfly pea flower tea, also known as Asian pigeonwings, blue tea, or blue pea tea, originates in southeast Asia. This herbal tea has been widely used as a natural food dye due to its stunning bright blue color. While the taste isn't like the blue raspberry flavor it looks like, it's subtle and sweet, like green tea.
Blue butterfly pea flower tea has become popular in recent years due to its color-changing properties when paired with acidic ingredients. A squeeze of lemon or a squeeze of lime will alter the drink's pH level, turning the intense blue color into a bright purple tea. This magic lemonade is one of the prettiest teas with a lovely floral note, definitely one good for posting on social media!
I love this mocktail as a party mocktail, one that gets people involved. Use this as your signature mocktail for Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, or Easter Gatherings!
Ingredients For A Butterfly Pea Flower Mocktail
- Butterfly Pea Flowers - You can find these dried flowers, not fresh flowers, on Amazon. Your local Whole Foods may carry dried butterfly pea flowers. I would avoid using the butterfly pea flower powder, I prefer to use the powder when working with baked goods.
- Mint Leaves - Fresh mint leaves. When used as a garnish, give the leaves a slap in the palm of your hands to release their natural oils.
- Simple Syrup - Barsmith Simple Syrup is great, or you can also make your own simple syrup using 1:1 sugar to water.
- Lime Juice - Lemon juice is an alternate option; this will also create a fun color change. All citrus fruit will achieve these magic tricks!
- Lyres White Cane Spirit - Zero Proof. The taste of this non-alcoholic spirit is of sugar cane, nuts, and oranges. Then, a slightly peppery finish at the end. It's not a very bold white rum alternative. If you're seeking a bolder flavor, though it isn't a white rum, Rituals Zero Proof Rum is perfect. This will slightly alter the color of this drink.
How To A Make Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Mocktail
- Use an electric kettle or the stovetop to make hot water.
- In a teapot or large container, steep the blue pea flowers for 10 minutes until they reach a deep blue color, then allow the hot tea to cool completely.
- In your cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup.
- Add ice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and the Lyres White Cane Spirit to the shaker.
- Fill two highball glasses with ice.
- Shake for 15 seconds or until well chilled and strain into your glass, filling halfway.
- Top your glass slowly with the cooled tea. Use a mesh strainer to prevent any flower bits from ending up in your drink.
- Stir to turn purple! Or don't, up to you.
Non Alcoholic Alternatives To Level Up Your Mocktail
Try and of these white rum alternatives for your butterfly pea flower mocktail.
Recipe Swaps & Additions
- Fruit Fusion: Infuse the mocktail with a splash of fresh fruit juices like pineapple or mango for a burst of sweetness.
- Herbal Harmony: Introduce a hint of herbal goodness by infusing or garnishing the butterfly pea flower tea with a sprig of fresh basil, thyme, or even a few lavender buds. This adds layers of aromatic complexity.
- Tropical Tango: Amp up the tropical vibes by adding a splash of passion fruit or guava juice. These tropical flavors complement the butterfly pea flower's earthy notes and add a delightful twist.
- Sweetener Switch-Up: Instead of a traditional simple syrup, try using flavored syrups like vanilla or lavender for a unique sweetener twist. This adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness to the mocktail.
- Tea Medley: Experiment with blending different teas. Combine the butterfly pea flower tea with hibiscus tea for a vibrant, layered color effect and a slightly tart flavor profile.
- Mocktail Mix-ins: Instead of Lyre's White Rum, add a splash of non-alcoholic botanical or herbal mixers like Seedlip, ginger beer, elderflower syrup, or aloe vera juice to create a more complex and nuanced mocktail.
Mocktail to Cocktail
The non-alcoholic spirit in this recipe can easily be swapped out for any white rum of your choice.
According to Liquor.com:
- Budget white rum: Bacardi Superior Rum
- Splurge white rum: Rhum J.M. Agricole Blanc
Drink Responsibly & Enjoy!
Expert Tips For The Best Butterfly Pea Flower Mocktail
- Citrus Zing, Color Bling: Toss in a squeeze of lemon or lime for that magical color-changing disco. It's like the drink saying, "Let's dance and change outfits!"
- Garnish Glam: Dress up your mocktail like it's going to a red carpet event. Edible flowers, citrus slices, and herb sprigs—because your drink deserves to look as good as you do.
- Sweet Tooth Serenade: Sweeten the deal and play matchmaker with simple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or flavored syrups. It's like a love story in a glass.
- Ice, Ice, Baby: Keep it chill, literally. Serve that mocktail colder than your ex's heart. Get fancy with funky ice cubes, like those cool ones with frozen berries, dried flowers, or citrus slices.
- No access to a muddler? Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a wooden rolling pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is one other dried flower that will create a unique color transformation when paired with citrus fruits. Hibiscus tea flowers when steeped are a dark brownish red, when lemon or lime juice is added, this cup of tea will turn bright red.
This mocktail can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the tea and the rest of the ingredients. Store them separately in the fridge, and don't mix in the tea until you're ready to serve. This also works if you'd like to batch the recipe. Prepare everything, and when serving, pour in the tea. This could be a fun way to get your guests to interact together.
Most non-alcoholic spirits are designed to be alcohol-free or contain extremely low levels of alcohol, often less than 0.5% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). However, it's important to note that "non-alcoholic" does not always equate to "100% alcohol-free." The exact content can vary between brands and products.
For individuals who are avoiding alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons, it's crucial to check the labels and product information of non-alcoholic spirits to ensure they meet the desired standards. Some people may prefer to avoid these products entirely if they are seeking a 100% alcohol-free option, as even trace amounts might be significant for their needs.
When preparing non-alcoholic punches using NA spirits, consider your audience and their specific requirements or preferences regarding alcohol content. If absolute zero alcohol is required, it might be safer to use alternatives like fruit juices, herbal infusions, or syrups that are guaranteed alcohol-free.
Try More Delicious Alcohol Free Drinks!
- Mocktail : Mango Mule
- Mocktail : Sparkling Blood Orange
- Mocktail : Mai Tai
- Mocktail : Blue Hawaiian
- Blackberry Tea
If you made this recipe, I would be so grateful if you would give it a ⭐ rating and leave a review in the comments! I'd love to see your drink in action as well! Post it on Instagram with the ️#MocktailForest and tag me @MocktailForest!
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Pea Flowers
- 2 tablespoons Mint Leaves
- 4 ounces Simple Syrup
- 8 ounces Lime Juice 5-7 limes
- 8 ounces Lyres White Cane Spirit Zero Proof
Instructions
- Use an electric kettle or the stove top to make boiling water.
- In a teapot or large container, steep the blue pea flowers for 10 minutes until it's reached a deep blue color, then allow the hot tea to cool completely.
- In your cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup.
- Add ice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and the Lyres White Cane Spirit to the shaker.
- Fill two highball glasses with ice.
- Shake for 15 seconds or until well chilled and strain into your glass, filling halfway.
- Top your glass slowly with the cooled tea. Use a mesh strainer to prevent any flower bits from ending up in your drink.
- Stir for your color transformation!
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