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The Story Behind the Honey Lemon Butterfly Fizz
When I first whipped up this fizz, it was one of those unbearably hot afternoons. I wasn’t in the mood for a sugary soda but craved something eye-catching and naturally refreshing. A bag of dried butterfly pea flowers caught my eye, and a few lemons later, I had a drink that looked like it belonged on a summer-themed Pinterest board.
My first sip was sweet, tangy, and floral—with a splash of sparkle. But the real magic happened when I added the lemon: that deep indigo turned into a brilliant purple right before my eyes. It felt like kitchen alchemy! This recipe has since become a signature in my summer drink arsenal.
Why Butterfly Pea Flower Makes It Magical
What is butterfly pea flower?
Butterfly pea flower comes from Southeast Asia and is used as a natural dye and herbal tea. Its deep blue hue changes to purple or pink when mixed with acid—like lemon juice. It’s caffeine-free and loaded with antioxidants.
Where to buy and how to use it
You can find dried butterfly pea flowers online or in Asian markets. Simply steep a tablespoon in hot water for about 5 to 10 minutes until the liquid turns a vivid blue. Cool it down and use it as the base for your fizz.
How to Make Honey Lemon Butterfly Fizz
Ingredients you’ll need
Here’s what you need to serve 2:
- 1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- Lemon slices & mint for garnish
Optional: Add 1/4 tsp baking soda to intensify the blue hue before adding lemon.
Step-by-step preparation
- Steep the butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
- Strain the flowers and let the blue tea cool completely.
- In a glass, mix lemon juice and honey until fully dissolved.
- Add ice cubes to your glass.
- Slowly pour in the cooled butterfly tea to create a layered effect.
- Top with sparkling water and watch the transformation.
- Stir lightly and garnish with lemon slices and mint.
Creative Variations to Try
Make it party-ready
Want to impress guests? Add muddled basil or fresh cucumber to the lemon-honey mix for a herbal twist. Serve in clear glasses to showcase the colors and top with edible flowers.
Kid-friendly options
Make frozen pops by combining the tea and lemon mixture in layers within a popsicle mold. Kids love the color change, and you’ll love how natural and low-sugar it is.
Print
Honey Lemon Butterfly Fizz
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Lemon Butterfly Fizz is a stunning non-alcoholic summer drink that changes color with a splash of lemon. It’s floral, tangy, and beautifully refreshing.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers
1 cup hot water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
Ice cubes
1/2 cup sparkling water
Lemon slices (garnish)
Fresh mint (garnish)
Instructions
1. Steep the butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then strain and cool.
2. Mix lemon juice and honey in a glass until the honey dissolves.
3. Add ice cubes to the glass.
4. Slowly pour in the butterfly pea flower tea to preserve layering.
5. Top with sparkling water and stir gently to watch the color change.
6. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint.
Notes
Use more or less honey based on your sweetness preference.
Make a batch of butterfly tea ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For a twist, add cucumber or basil for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Honey Lemon Butterfly Fizz, summer drinks, non-alcoholic fizz
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this drink in advance?
Yes! Store the steeped tea and lemon-honey mix separately in the fridge. Combine and add sparkling water just before serving for the best visual effect.
Is butterfly pea flower safe to drink?
Absolutely. It’s naturally caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants. However, consult your doctor if you’re pregnant or nursing, just to be safe.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice works too. Just avoid anything with added sugar or preservatives.
Can I make it sweeter?
Of course! Adjust the honey or even substitute it with agave or maple syrup for different flavor notes.