A Summer Mocktail: Butterfly Pea Tea Mint Lemonade

Have you ever encountered a tea that changes color right before your eyes? Enter the world of butterfly pea tea, a mesmerizing herbal infusion made from the vibrant blue petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant. Native to Southeast Asia, this tea is renowned for its stunning blue color, which can magically transform into shades of purple and pink with a splash of citrus. Beyond its visual appeal, butterfly pea tea offers a delicate, earthy flavor and a host of potential health benefits, making it a delightful and intriguing addition to your beverage collection.

BUTTERFLY PEA TEA MINT LEMONADE

Yields 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 10 bags of butterfly pea tea flower tea bags

  • 10 mint leaves

  • 10 lemons

  • 1.5 cups sugar

  • 1 liter club soda

  • 12 cups hot water (10 for tea + 2 for lemonade)

DIRECTIONS

  1. Steep the butterfly pea tea with mint leaves for 7 minutes in hot water and strain

  2. Make fresh lemonade using 1:1:1 lemon juice, sugar, and hot water

  3. In a tall glass, pour the butterfly pea tea, top with soda and add fresh lemonade and garnish

  4. You can add the fresh lemonade tableside for change in color from deep cobalt blue to a beautiful rich violet

Jessica Sigmundsson