Looking to impress with a cocktail that’s as stunning as it is refreshing? This Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail is the perfect blend of science meets sips, making it a showstopper for happy hour, brunch, or any special occasion. Don’t let its beauty fool you—it’s simple to make and even more fun to drink.
With graduations in full swing and celebrations on the patio deck about to commence, summer is almost here! And with summer comes the heat, making hydration a must. Enter the inspiration for this Butter Pea Flower Cocktail—this and all the discussion about the recent ban on red 3 dye. Can natural colorings in foods and drinks we create still achieve that ‘oomph’? Before that, a brief overview on Red 3.
What is Red 3?
If you have been paying attention to nutrition in the news, you may have seen the recent ban on Red 3 dye. Red 3 dye has been linked to cancer in animal studies at high doses. However, the cancer-causing mechanism observed in rats does not occur in humans. Additionally, typical human exposure levels are much lower than the doses used in the studies.
Red 40 is a different synthetic dye used widely in foods that will often replace Red 3. Red 40 and other food dyes have been associated with behavioral issues in children. This is again at much higher doses than typical human consumption, and the research is still inconclusive at this time.
Why Ban Fed 3?
The FDA is banning Red Dye No. 3 because the studies showed it did cause cancer in rats (exposed to high doses), and this decision is based on a law that requires the FDA to ban anything linked to cancer in animals. Red 3 and Red 40 are different types of dyes. Red 40 is still permitted for use because it isn’t cancer-causing in animals.
The question often remains, ‘Should I avoid foods with Red 40?” This is a personal question that requires an answer. Red 40 will still be permitted in foods. If you’re concerned, consider opting for a natural alternative or choosing a dye-free option whenever possible.
What is Butterfly Pea Flower?
Butterfly pea flowers are native to Southeast Asia. They are commonly brewed as a tea, and more recently, are starting to be used as an alternative natural food and drink colorant. The butterfly pea flower falls into the category of a ‘pH indicator’, meaning the color of the plant changes based on the pH levels present. Initially, it creates a deep blue pigment if steeped in water, but then it can change to a pink or purple color when mixed with an acidic ingredient.
Today’s drink is mixed with lemon juice to create a natural purple drink. I also made blue ice cream (recipe coming soon!) as the flower’s flavor is mild and not too earthy. Butterfly pea flower is a beautiful and versatile addition to cocktails, lattes, and more!
Ingredients: Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail
- Butterfly Pea Flowers: Purchase loose dried butterfly pea flowers (pictured above). I purchased them on Amazon.
- Kombucha. The drink is not as flavorful if you steep the butterfly pea flowers in water. So, while the kombucha did take away from the ‘wow’ factor (where the acid turns the blue to purple), I would definitely steep the butterfly pea flowers in kombucha, or use only 2 ounces of water, and mix with either a flavored sparkling water or kombucha.
- Lavender Simple Syrup: or plain simple syrup. This drink reminds me of a lavender lemonade I had recently in San Diego!
- Lemon: Use either lemon or lime, whichever is available. The acid is crucial for the butterfly pea flowers to transition from blue to purple.
- Alcohol of choice: Gin or Vodka pairs well. Leave the alcohol out and make a mocktail (as you’re steeping the butterfly pea flowers in water or kombucha!)
How To Make Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail
- Steep: In a large pitcher, combine the butterfly pea flowers and hot water. Allow 5-10 minutes to steep, allowing them to develop a dark blue color, and then cool completely. (I originally steeped the butterfly pea flowers in kombucha, and that turned my ‘water’ purple and not blue. I’m going to redo my pictures to create the blue water first and then add the acid so it’ll have that dramatic change to purple! Regardless, the end effect is a purple cocktail that steals the show!
- Add: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, your preferred alcohol (or omit if making a mocktail), and lavender simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Combine the contents of the cocktail shaker with the steeped butterfly pea flower water (or kombucha). Gently shake for a few seconds to combine, and then pour into a glass over ice.
- Add the lemon juice, stir, and watch as your cocktail transforms from vibrant blue into a deep purple and/or pink.
Red dye 3 will give a bright red ‘cherry’ color and can be used in foods that promote a ‘strawberry, cherry, or fruit-flavor’. This could include items like drink mixes, sodas, candies, frostings, and other packaged baked goods. Red Dye 40 is also used in similar items and can appear pink or red. The ban again is for Red Dye 3, not for Red Dye 40.
For food products, the ban will be enforced on manufacturers by January 2027. The Red Dye 3 used in medicines will be available until January 2028.
As a dietitian, I encourage my patients to be mindful of their food choices. This ban is a great way to start paying closer attention to where food dyes appear and begin to make choices that work for you (and if that means cutting back, start doing so!) The dose does make the poison, and it is essential to consider the broader context. The foods that often contain these food dyes are already foods I encourage patients to be mindful of in terms of quantity, quality, and frequency.
Other Fun Cocktails
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Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail
Looking to impress with a cocktail that’s as stunning as it is refreshing? This Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail brings a gorgeous pop of natural color, shifting from deep blue to purple with just a splash of citrus. It’s the perfect blend of science meets sips, making it a showstopper for happy hour, brunch, or any special occasion. Don’t let its beauty fool you—it’s simple to make and even more fun to drink.
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 4 ounces kombucha (OR 2 ounces water)
- 4–6 butterfly pea flowers
- 1 1/2 ounces alcohol of choice (Vodka, Gin)
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce lavender simple syrup
Instructions
- Steep: In a glass and/or measuring cup, combine the butterfly pea flowers and kombucha (or water if using water). Allow 5-10 minutes to steep, allowing them to develop a beautiful purple color. If using water or sparkling water (for added flavor), use only 2 ounces to prevent diluting the drink by adding more flavor.
- Add: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, your preferred alcohol, and lavender simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Combine the contents of the cocktail shaker with the steeped butterfly pea flower kombucha (or water). Gently shake for a few seconds to combine, and then pour into a glass over ice.
- Add the lemon juice, stir, and watch as your cocktail transforms from vibrant blue into a deep purple and/or pink.
- Prep Time: 10
1 thought on “Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail”
That color is stunning! Wow!!