Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
The Story & Intro
When I was a kid, lemonade was a staple every summer. But nothing compares to the magic of this color changing lemonade that I stumbled across while playing around with butterfly pea flowers last year. I’d just brewed a deep blue tea and dropped in some lemon juice—boom!—the color morphed into a vibrant purple-pink. My daughter thought it was a magic trick. It instantly became our go-to for garden parties and sleepovers.
This recipe isn’t just visually stunning—it’s delicious, refreshing, and made with pantry basics. The color changing magical lemonade has become our little science experiment in a glass. It’s sweet, citrusy, and the kind of drink that makes people say, “Wait, how did you do that?” We’ll break it down step by step, so you can create this fun beverage at home too.
Fun Science Meets Refreshing Flavor
- What makes it color changing
The secret lies in butterfly pea flowers. These vibrant blue petals contain anthocyanins, natural pigments that shift color depending on pH. Add something acidic—like lemon juice—and the drink changes from deep blue to bright purple or pink. - Butterfly pea flowers: where to get them
You can find dried butterfly pea flowers online or in specialty tea shops. A small bag lasts ages and is great not only for this lemonade but also for color-changing teas and cocktails.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact
- What you’ll need
Here’s the list: IngredientAmountDried butterfly pea flowers1 cupBoiling water4 cupsLemon juice1/2 cupSugar1/2 cupIce cubesAs neededLemon slicesFor garnish - Why this lemonade works
The vibrant color and refreshing citrus flavor make this drink a crowd favorite. Plus, it’s caffeine-free, naturally floral, and you can sweeten it to taste. You’re combining show-stopping presentation with classic lemonade flavor.
How to Make Color Changing Magical Lemonade
- Brew the tea
Steep 1 cup of dried butterfly pea flowers in 4 cups of boiling water for 10–15 minutes until you get a deep blue infusion. Strain and chill. - Make the lemonade base
In a pitcher, mix lemon juice and sugar until dissolved. Add the chilled blue tea and stir. - Watch the magic
As the acidic lemon juice mixes with the butterfly tea, the color will instantly shift. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.
Color Changing Magical Lemonade
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun and colorful Color Changing Magical Lemonade made with butterfly pea flowers. Watch it turn pink when lemon juice is added!
Ingredients
1 cup dried butterfly pea flowers
4 cups boiling water
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
Ice cubes
Fresh lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Steep butterfly pea flowers in boiling water for 10–15 minutes until deep blue.
2. Strain and cool the tea completely.
3. In a pitcher, mix lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
4. Add the chilled blue tea and stir gently.
5. Watch the color shift from blue to purple/pink.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.
Notes
Use clear glasses to best showcase the color change.
For a fizzy version, use sparkling water instead of still.
Store tea separately and add lemon juice just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Infusing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Color Changing Lemonade, Butterfly Pea Flower, Magical Drink
Ways to Customize Your Drink
- Add sparkle
Replace still water with club soda or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy twist. - Make it boozy
Add a shot of vodka or gin for a magical adult cocktail.
FAQ
Can I use blue food coloring instead?
Not if you want the magical color shift. Only butterfly pea flowers naturally react to pH changes.
Can I store it ahead of time?
Yes. Store the butterfly tea separately and add lemon juice just before serving to preserve the effect.
Is it safe for kids?
Absolutely! Butterfly pea flowers are caffeine-free and safe when used in culinary amounts.