Magical Kid-Friendly Color-Changing Galaxy Lemonade
A fun and refreshing lemonade that changes colors magically thanks to butterfly pea tea and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for kids and family gatherings, this easy recipe creates a swirling galaxy effect in every glass.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers or 2 tea bags
- 4 cups (1 liter) filtered water
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 medium lemons)
- 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar or honey, adjust sweetness to taste
- A pinch of edible glitter (optional)
- Ice cubes as needed
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups (1 liter) of filtered water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers or 2 tea bags. Let steep for 5-7 minutes until the water turns a vibrant deep blue.
- Strain the tea into a heatproof pitcher and discard the flowers or tea bags. Let cool to room temperature or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Stir in 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar or honey while the tea is still warm to dissolve it fully. Adjust sweetness to taste once chilled if needed.
- Squeeze 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice from about 3-4 medium lemons. Strain to remove seeds and pulp if desired.
- Slowly pour the lemon juice into the cooled butterfly pea tea. Watch the color change from blue to purple to pink. Stir gently without overmixing.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the color-changing lemonade over.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter on top and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the full color effect.
Notes
[‘Use fresh lemon juice for the best color change; bottled lemon juice dulls the effect.’, ‘Do not over-stir after adding lemon juice to preserve the vibrant color swirl.’, ‘Steep butterfly pea tea for a full 7 minutes for vivid color.’, ‘Sweeten while the tea is warm to fully dissolve sugar or honey.’, ‘Chill the tea before adding lemon juice to avoid muting colors.’, ‘Add sparkling water before serving for a fizzy galaxy lemonade soda.’, ‘Store steeped tea (without lemon juice) refrigerated up to 3 days; add lemon juice just before serving.’, ‘Leftover lemonade with lemon juice can be refrigerated up to 24 hours but colors will fade.’, ‘For vegan or keto versions, substitute sugar with agave syrup, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener.’, ‘Optional additions: muddled berries for fruity galaxy effect, lavender or ginger for herbal twist, or frozen blueberries for a slushy version.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 fl oz (240 ml)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
Keywords: color-changing lemonade, butterfly pea tea, kid-friendly drink, galaxy lemonade, refreshing summer drink, easy lemonade recipe