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Refreshing Lavender Lemonade Recipe with Magical Butterfly Pea Flower Color Change

lavender lemonade recipe - featured image

A refreshing lavender lemonade that changes color from deep blue to soft purple thanks to butterfly pea flowers, combining floral and citrus flavors for a delightful summer drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) filtered water, divided
  • 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers or 4 butterfly pea flower tea bags
  • 1 cup (about 4-5) fresh lemons, juiced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) lavender syrup (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar (optional, adjust to taste; use maple syrup for vegan option)
  • Ice cubes as needed
  • Fresh lavender sprigs or lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Steep the butterfly pea flower tea: In a heatproof pitcher, bring 2 cups (475 ml) of water to a boil. Pour the hot water over the butterfly pea flowers or tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes until the water turns a rich, deep blue color.
  2. Strain the tea: Using a fine mesh strainer, remove the flowers or tea bags and discard them. Set the tea aside to cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.
  3. Juice the lemons: While the tea cools, juice your fresh lemons to yield about 1 cup (240 ml) of lemon juice. Remove any seeds.
  4. Make the lavender syrup (if homemade): In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (120 ml) water, ½ cup (100 g) sugar, and 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the lavender and cool syrup before use.
  5. Combine ingredients: In the pitcher with the cooled butterfly pea tea, add the lemon juice, lavender syrup, and honey or agave nectar (if using). Stir well. The color will start shifting from blue to purple immediately.
  6. Add remaining water and ice: Pour in the remaining 2 cups (475 ml) of cold water and add ice cubes to chill the lemonade thoroughly. Stir once more to mix everything.
  7. Garnish and serve: Pour the lavender lemonade into glasses, garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh lavender. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for best color and flavor. Steep butterfly pea flowers in hot, not boiling water for vibrant color. Stir lemon juice in slowly to watch the color change. Keep lemonade chilled and add ice just before serving to maintain vivid color. Store in refrigerator up to 2 days. Homemade lavender syrup is recommended for best flavor but store-bought works too.

Nutrition

Keywords: lavender lemonade, butterfly pea flower, color changing drink, refreshing beverage, summer drink, floral lemonade, natural color change, easy lemonade recipe