Refreshing Nonalcoholic Beverages: Drinks with Butterfly Pea Flower

Looking for unique nonalcoholic beverages to impress your guests? This 'Blue Monday' recipe is a stunning zero-proof libation that features the magical color-changing properties of butterfly pea flower. This unique mocktail is perfect for special occasions, making it one of the best drinks with butterfly pea flower for any party. It comes courtesy of David Baldwin, Co-founder of Ponysaurus Brewing in Durham, North Carolina.

The Magic of Butterfly Pea Flower Drinks

What makes this drink so visually captivating is the butterfly pea flower ice. Butterfly pea flowers contain anthocyanins, natural pigments that react to changes in pH. When combined with acidic ingredients like lime juice, the blue ice cubes slowly dissolve and transform the drink into shades of purple and pink. This creates a mesmerizing effect that is always well-received by guests, turning a simple refreshment into an interactive experience.

Blue Monday: A Nonalcoholic Butterfly Pea Flower Drink

Ingredients for the Drink

• 4-6 Butterfly pea flower ice cubes (recipe below)
• 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 dashes El Guapo® Polynesian Kiss Bitters
• Club soda
• Orchids or yard flowers, for garnish

Instructions for the Drink

1. In a clean tea towel on a firm surface, crush 4-6 ice cubes (regular cubes work, too!) with a mallet, hammer, or ice cracker.
2. Gently pour the crushed bits of ice into a clean collins glass.
3. Pour the tonic syrup, lime juice, Seedlip Spiced Spirit, Lyre's Dry London Spirit, and El Guapo® Polynesian Kiss Bitters over the ice.
4. Stir gently with the back of a bar spoon.
5. Top with club soda to fill the glass.
6. Garnish with a single orchid or yard flower before serving. Cheers!

Butterfly Pea Ice Recipe

Ingredients for Butterfly Pea Ice

• 1.5 c. filtered still water
• 2 oz Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Instructions for Butterfly Pea Ice

1. In a clean heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring filtered water to a gentle boil.
2. Remove from heat and steep the tea in the water, either in a satchel or directly.
3. Stir well to incorporate the color.
4. Once cooled, strain the tea into a measuring cup.
5. Carefully pour the tea into a clean ice mold.
6. Freeze for at least two hours before using. This makes approximately 12-15 ice cubes.

Expert Tips for Crafting Nonalcoholic Beverages

• Gentle Stirring for Effect: When mixing the drink, stir gently at first to allow the color transformation to happen slowly as the ice melts. This maximizes the visual appeal of these drinks with butterfly pea flower.
• Quality Zero-Proof Spirits: Using high-quality non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip and Lyre's enhances the complexity and mouthfeel, making these nonalcoholic beverages feel like true cocktails.
• Fresh Garnishes: Fresh flowers or a twist of lime peel not only add beauty but also a subtle aroma that elevates the entire drinking experience.

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?

Butterfly pea flower is a plant known for its vibrant blue petals. When steeped in hot water, it produces a deep blue tea that naturally changes color to purple or pink when an acidic ingredient, such as citrus juice, is added.

Can nonalcoholic beverages still have complex flavors?

Absolutely! High-quality non-alcoholic spirits, bitters like El Guapo™ Polynesian Kiss Bitters, and artisanal syrups like El Guapo™ Tonic Syrup can create incredibly complex and satisfying nonalcoholic beverages that stand up to their alcoholic counterparts.

What can I substitute for the tonic syrup?

If you don't have tonic syrup, you could use a high-quality tonic water, but you might need to adjust the amount of other sweeteners or citrus to maintain balance, as tonic syrup is more concentrated. You can also make a simple syrup infusion with other botanicals.