Butterfly pea flower makes some of the most eye-catching drinks you can serve. Steep the dried flowers in water and you get a deep blue colour. Add a squeeze of lime and it turns violet right in the glass. Below you'll find a simple blue tea base and four mocktails to make with it, from a coconut water cooler to a layered galaxy lemonade.

New to this flower? Read our Butterfly Pea Flower Benefits & Uses guide first.

Why Butterfly Pea Drinks Change Colour

Butterfly pea flowers contain natural plant pigments called anthocyanins. These pigments look blue in plain water. When you add something acidic, like lime or lemon juice, they turn purple, and with more acid, pinkish-purple. That's the whole trick. No artificial colour is needed.

People often call it "blue tea." Technically, it is a herbal infusion (tisane), because it is not made from the tea plant. We use "tea" in this post because that is the common name.

Start Here: The Blue Tea Base

All four mocktails use this base. Make it first and let it cool.

Ingredients

• 10–12 dried butterfly pea flowers (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 cup (250 ml) hot water, just off the boil

Method

1. Place the flowers in a cup or jug and pour the hot water over them.
2. Steep for 5–7 minutes, until the water is a deep blue.
3. Strain out the flowers.
4. Let the tea cool, then chill it in the fridge. Use within 1–2 days.

Mocktail 1: Blue Coconut Water Cooler

Light, refreshing and perfect for hot afternoons. The coconut water adds natural sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chilled tender coconut water
• ¼ cup blue tea base
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• A few fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Method

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in the coconut water.
3. Slowly pour the blue tea base on top.
4. Add the mint leaves.
5. Serve with the lime juice on the side. Squeeze it in at the table and watch the drink turn lavender.

Mocktail 2: Galaxy Layered Lemonade

This one looks like a sunset in a glass: clear at the bottom, purple in the middle and blue on top.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar syrup or honey
• ½ cup chilled water or soda water
• ¼ cup blue tea base
• Crushed ice

Method

1. Stir the lemon juice, sugar syrup and water together in a clear glass.
2. Fill the glass to the top with crushed ice.
3. Pour the blue tea base very slowly over the back of a spoon, so it floats on top.
4. Serve as it is, and stir just before drinking to turn the whole glass purple.

Mocktail 3: Lemongrass and Honey Iced Blue Tea

A calm, lightly fragrant drink. Lemongrass gives it a fresh, citrusy aroma.

Ingredients

• 10–12 dried butterfly pea flowers
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces
• 1 cup (250 ml) hot water
• 1–2 teaspoons honey
• A slice of lemon
• Ice cubes

Method

1. Steep the butterfly pea flowers and lemongrass together in the hot water for 5–7 minutes.
2. Strain, then stir in the honey while the tea is still warm.
3. Let it cool completely.
4. Pour over a glass full of ice.
5. Add the lemon slice and watch the colour shift.

Mocktail 4: Virgin Blue Mint Mojito

A party favourite. The mint and lime keep it zesty, and the blue top makes it stand out.

Ingredients

• 8–10 fresh mint leaves
• ½ lime, cut into wedges
• 1–2 teaspoons sugar
• ½ cup chilled soda water
• ¼ cup blue tea base
• Crushed ice

Method

1. Gently crush the mint, lime wedges and sugar together in a glass.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Top up with soda water.
4. Slowly pour the blue tea base on top.
5. Stir to mix. The drink turns from blue to purple as the lime blends in.

Tips for Picture-Perfect Mocktails

• Use clear glasses so the colour change is easy to see.
• Keep the acid separate until serving. Lime or lemon starts the colour change straight away.
• Crushed ice helps layers stay separate in the galaxy lemonade.
• Sweeten the bottom layer. Sugar syrup is heavier than the blue tea, so the tea floats on top.
• Need colour fast? Stir a pinch of butterfly pea powder into cold water instead of brewing.
• Hosting a party? Make a large jug of the blue tea base a day ahead.

Choosing Quality Butterfly Pea Flowers

The colour of your drink depends on the flowers you start with. Look for these signs of quality:

• Deep blue, whole flowers. Pale or brownish flowers give a weaker colour.
• Proper drying. Flowers should be crisp and dry, with no musty smell.
• Food-grade sourcing. Only use flowers sold for eating and drinking, not for decoration.
• Protective packaging. Light and moisture fade the colour, so airtight packs are best.

At A D Food & Herbs, our dried butterfly pea flowers are food-grade, carefully dried and packed to keep their colour. We are an FSSAI-registered business supplying both home buyers and businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does butterfly pea tea taste like?

It has a very mild, slightly earthy taste. Most of the flavour in these mocktails comes from what you add, like lime, honey, mint or coconut water.

Why did my drink turn purple?

Something acidic was added, such as lime, lemon or a citrus soda. This is the natural colour change that makes these drinks special.

Can I make the blue tea base ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in a covered jug in the fridge and use it within 1–2 days.

Should I use whole flowers or powder?

Whole flowers are best for brewing a clear blue tea. Powder is quicker and good for lattes, desserts and baking, but it can make drinks slightly cloudy.

Is butterfly pea tea safe to drink?

It is widely enjoyed as a herbal drink. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a health condition or take regular medication, check with your doctor before drinking herbal infusions regularly.

Can cafes and event caterers buy butterfly pea flowers in bulk?

Yes. We supply cafes, bars, caterers and tea brands. Contact us through our Bulk Inquiry page for pricing and quantities.

Make Your First Blue Mocktail

• Shop Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
• Shop Butterfly Pea Powder
• Explore All Dried Edible Flowers
• Contact Us for Bulk Requirements