Lavender & Butterfly Pea Flower Infused Lemonade
Butterlfy pea flower has been brewed for culinary and medicinal purposes throughout Southeast Asia for centuries. The most striking feature of this flower infusion is its change in color based on the pH level of the substance added to it. For example, adding lemon will turn this vibrant blue infusion into different hues of purple and pink. Butterfly pea flower is mild in taste and blends harmoniously with the aroma of lavender. Most importantly, it’s a natural way to add some extra fun and colour to your drinks without compromising on your health. In fact, it is said that butterfly pea flower is packed with antioxidant and is associated with several health benefits.
TIPS:
-There are many different ways to incorporate butterfly pea flower for show stopper colour changing drinks. You can infuse the butterfly pea flower separately and freeze into ice cubes. When added to the lavender lemonade it will cause a gradual change in colour as the ice melts.
-Shop local! You can find butterfly pea flower at the Travelling Moon Apothecary located at the Gasoline Alley Farmer’s Market.
-Prepare your lavender simple syrup in advance and keep a reserve on hand for all your lavender sweet flavouring needs.
-Prepare your lavender and butterfly pea flower infusion the night before to allow the lavender aroma to fully develop.
-Use filtered water (optional) and culinary grade english lavender buds (lavendula angustifolia).
-You can substitute the lavender syrup with lavender infused honey or a lavender simple syrup made with allulose for a sugar free option.
PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes (exclude infusion time)
INGREDIENTS:
-8 cups of water
-10 butterfly pea flowers
-1 TBSP dried culinary grade lavender buds (english lavender)
-Freshly pressed juice from 2 lemons
-1/2 cup lavender syrup (see recipe in blog)
DIRECTIONS:
*For this recipe I used a 2.8L pitcher.
-Make the infusion: Place the dried lavender buds and the butterfly pea flowers in glass jar. Boil 4 cups of water and pour into the jar. Let the mixture infuse and cool off completely before adding to your lemonade container. For a more developed flavour, let the mixture infuse overnight in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.
-Add lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, water and ice: Add ice cubes, 4 cups of water, lemon juice and lavender simple syrup directly into your pitcher of choice. Stir to mix. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste.
-Add infusion, mix and enjoy! Pour the lavender and butterfly pea flower infusion through a fine mesh strainer directly into your pitcher. Watch the colour magically chage at it mixes with the lemon water mixture. Top up with water as desired, mix and serve!
***Alberta Lavender farm will be offering culinary grade lavender buds and goods starting August 2023 and onward. In the meantime, you can find culinary grade lavender at The Travelling Moon Apothecary in Gasoline Alley or at the Silk Road Spice Merchant in Calgary.
Enjoy!
Veronica