Blue Monday: How to Make a Color-Changing Butterfly Pea Flower Drink
Sep 16, 2025
If you want a drink that puts on its own little show, Blue Monday is your moment. Butterfly pea flower ice turns this cocktail from bright blue to soft purples and pinks right before your eyes. It is playful, botanical and elegant all at once. The blend of tonic syrup, citrus and spice keeps the flavor clean and crisp.
Why Butterfly Pea Flower Drinks Feel Magical
Butterfly pea flowers are packed with natural pigments that shift color when they meet acid. Start with deep blue ice. Add lime. Watch the whole glass bloom into violet. It is simple science and pure fun. Guests love it every single time.
Blue Monday Recipe
Makes one drink.
Ingredients
- 4-6 Butterfly pea flower ice cubes
- 1.5 oz El Guapo® Tonic Syrup
- 0.5 oz Fresh lime juice
- 0.25 oz Seedlip Spiced Spirit
- 0.5 oz Lyre's Dry London Spirit
- 3-4 shakes El Guapo® Polynesian Kiss Bitters
- Chilled club soda
- Orchid or yard flower for garnish
Instructions
- Wrap four to six ice cubes in a clean towel and give them a few firm taps with a mallet.
- Scoop the crushed ice into a collins glass.
- Pour in the tonic syrup, lime juice, Seedlip, Lyre’s and Polynesian Kiss Bitters.
- Stir gently so the color can shift slowly.
- Top with chilled club soda.
- Garnish with an orchid or a yard flower.
Butterfly Pea Ice Recipe
Makes twelve to fifteen cubes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 c. filtered still water
- 2 oz Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Instructions
- Bring the water to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and steep the tea.
- Let the color develop fully.
- Strain into a measuring cup.
- Pour into a clean ice mold and freeze for at least two hours.
Expert Tips for Crafting Nonalcoholic Beverages
- Stir slowly so the ice can melt and change colors in real time.
- Use quality zero proof spirits for a smoother, more complex drink.
- Fresh flowers or a twist of lime brighten the aroma and make the glass look gorgeous.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is butterfly pea flower?
It is a bright blue blossom that creates a natural tea. Add citrus and it shifts from blue to purple or pink.
Can zero proof drinks still be complex?
Absolutely. High quality spirits like Seedlip and Lyre’s paired with good bitters make a polished, layered drink.
What can I use instead of tonic syrup?
You can use a good tonic water. Adjust your citrus or sweetener since tonic syrup is more concentrated.
