Indigo Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea with Citrus
A refreshing iced tea infused with vibrant indigo butterfly pea flower, brightened by fresh lemon and orange for a naturally colorful beverage. This asian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together dried butterfly pea flowers, boiling water, honey for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 50 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp dried butterfly pea flowers
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Steep 2 tbsp dried butterfly pea flowers in 4 cups boiling water for 10 minutes until the water turns a deep indigo blue. Strain out the flowers and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
- Step 2: Stir 2 tbsp honey into the cooled tea until fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp fresh orange juice to the tea, watching as the color shifts from indigo to vibrant purple.
- Step 4: Fill 2 tall glasses with 1/2 cup ice cubes each and pour the citrus-infused butterfly pea tea over the ice.
- Step 5: Garnish each glass with 3 fresh mint leaves and serve immediately for a visually stunning and refreshing drink.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Indigo Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea with Citrus take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Indigo Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea with Citrus?
Refrigerate any leftover indigo butterfly pea flower iced tea with citrus in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Indigo Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea with Citrus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Indigo Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea with Citrus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Indigo Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea with Citrus?
Asian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
