Looking for a simple Butterfly Pea Mocktail that's almost as much fun to make as it is to drink?
This Butterfly Pea Citrus Sunset combines fresh orange and lemon, sparkling water and Just Blends Butterfly Pea Powder to create a refreshing, colourful mocktail with beautiful shades of blue, violet and purple.
The best part is the transformation. As the Butterfly Pea meets the citrus, the colour begins to change — making the pour part of the experience.
And because no two glasses need to look exactly the same, you can add your Butterfly Pea Powder gradually until you create a colour you love.
Butterfly Pea Citrus Sunset Recipe
Serves: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
-
30 ml fresh orange juice
-
10–15 ml fresh lemon juice
-
1–2 tsp maple syrup or agave, optional
-
180–200 ml chilled sparkling water
-
Just Blends Butterfly Pea Powder, added gradually to achieve your desired colour
-
Plenty of ice
-
Fresh or dried orange slice, to garnish
Method
-
Add the orange juice, lemon juice and maple syrup or agave to the bottom of a tall glass and gently stir.
-
Fill the glass generously with ice.
-
Slowly pour in most of the chilled sparkling water. Pour gently over the ice to help keep the citrus towards the bottom of the glass.
-
In a separate small glass, combine the remaining sparkling water with Just Blends Butterfly Pea Powder. Add the powder gradually until you reach a vibrant blue.
-
Slowly pour the Butterfly Pea mixture over the top of the ice. For a more defined layered effect, pour it gently over the back of a spoon or directly onto the upper ice cubes.
-
Now watch the colour transformation begin. As the Butterfly Pea meets the citrus, you'll see the colours move through beautiful shades of blue, violet and purple.
-
Garnish with an orange slice, admire your creation, then give it a stir before enjoying.
Why Does Butterfly Pea Change Colour?
The brilliant blue colour of Butterfly Pea comes from naturally occurring plant pigments called anthocyanins.
These pigments are sensitive to changes in pH. When Butterfly Pea is combined with acidic ingredients such as lemon, its colour can shift from blue towards violet and purple.
That's what makes Butterfly Pea Powder such a fun ingredient for colourful drinks and mocktails — the transformation happens right in the glass.
Tips for Creating the Layered Effect
Start with the citrus. Adding the orange and lemon juice first helps create the golden base of the drink.
Use plenty of ice. The ice helps slow down the movement of the liquids as you pour.
Pour slowly. Gently adding the sparkling water and Butterfly Pea mixture over the ice helps create a softer layered effect.
Mix the Butterfly Pea separately. This allows you to choose the intensity of the blue before adding it to your drink.
Make the colour your own. There's no perfect shade. Add the Butterfly Pea Powder gradually until you're happy with the colour.
And remember — the layers will naturally begin to mingle. That's all part of the experience.
Make It Your Own
Prefer a slightly softer, creamier drink? Try replacing a small amount of the sparkling water with coconut milk.
You can also experiment with different citrus garnishes, fresh mint or a touch more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter mocktail.
Discover Butterfly Pea Powder
Naturally vibrant and incredibly versatile, Just Blends Butterfly Pea Powder is an easy way to add striking blue and purple colour to drinks, smoothie bowls, lattes, baking and more.
[Shop Just Blends Butterfly Pea Powder]
Want to learn more about this fascinating ingredient, including where it comes from, how its colour works and ways to use it?
[Read our Complete Guide to Butterfly Pea Powder]
Please note: Natural ingredients can vary in colour, and your finished drink may look different depending on the amount of Butterfly Pea Powder and citrus used.
