Magical Purple Lemonade

Purple lemonade is a refreshing treat not only to raise awareness but to make any occasion extra awesome.  Maybe you aren't wild about lavender and want a lemonade to impress your friends. This tart and tasty lemonade ought to fit the bill. The secret ingredient? Butterfly pea flowers. The woodsy, earthy flavor, similar to green tea is caffeine free and is beneficial to eye, skin and hair health.  The acid from lemon combined with anthocyanins, an antioxidant naturally found in the flowers create an incredible effect to wow your audience. 

Tools

1 tea strainer

Tea Kettle or pot

Water pitcher

Pitcher 

 Ingredients 

• 8-10 butterfly pea flowers
• *1/3 cup honey
• 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice 
• (Save the rinds for a Zesty garnish)
• 5 cups water (filtered)
• Ice cubes
• Optional lemon zest and fruits such as blueberry or strawberry 

Directions:

1. Bring 5 cups water to a boil. 
2. Add butterfly pea flowers to kettle or and cover. Let steep for an hour.
3. Squeeze lemon juice and set aside in separate bowl. 
4. Use strainer to remove  butterfly pea flowers. 
5.  Pour into water pitcher. Add 1/3 cup honey and mix thoroughly.  (You can add a little more if it is too tart.)
6. Add lemon juice. Watch it transform!
7.  Place into refrigerator and let it chill for one hour.
8. When ready to serve, add ice. Garnish with lemon zest and blueberry or strawberry if desired. Enjoy!

*You can substitute maple syrup or Stevia for honey. If using Stevia, be sure to follow the measuring instructions on the label. 

** Other fruits you can add: blackberries, peaches, or raspberries. 

If you use lime juice, the drink turns pink. If lemon and lime, it will be pinkish purple.  Feel free to share images of your take on it below!