Description
Galaxy Lemonade is a stunning color-changing lemonade recipe featuring butterfly pea flower magic ice cubes that transform the drink from deep blue to vibrant purple when mixed with tangy lemon syrup. This refreshing beverage combines floral tea, homemade lemon syrup, crushed ice, and optional alcohol to create a visually captivating and delicious summer drink perfect for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Magic Ice Cubes
- 25-30 dried blue pea flowers (or about 4 – 5 tea bags)
- 3 cups boiling water
Lemon Syrup
- 1¼ cup lemon juice (about 8+ lemons, varies by size)
- 1½ cups white sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice (about 3+ lemons, varies by size)
For Assembly
- 4 cups crushed regular ice (or more as needed)
- 4 cups crushed butterfly pea magic ice (as needed)
- 2 cups lemon syrup (about ¼ – â…“ cup per drink)
- 4 cups club soda (to top)
- 8 fl oz vodka, tequila, or gin (optional, for adult cocktails)
Instructions
- Prepare Magic Ice Cubes: Steep the dried blue pea flowers in 3 cups boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes until the water becomes a deep blue color. Strain the tea and pour it into ice cube trays. Freeze overnight until completely frozen.
- Crush Magic Ice: Once frozen, roughly crush the magic ice cubes using an ice crushing blender, lewis bag, or freezer bag with an ice mallet. Retain some larger pieces to help create the galaxy effect. Keep the crushed magic ice in the freezer until ready to use.
- Make Lemon Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1¼ cup lemon juice and 1½ cups white sugar. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish Lemon Syrup: Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the remaining ½ cup lemon juice. Allow the syrup to cool completely, then store it in a bottle in the refrigerator to chill. This syrup is strong; use about ¼ cup syrup mixed with ¾ to 1 cup water or adjust to taste.
- Assemble the Galaxy Lemonade: Fill a tall 11 fl oz glass one-quarter with crushed regular ice. Add another quarter of crushed magic ice. Pour in about ¼ to ⅓ cup lemon syrup, then top with club soda or lemon-lime soda. For an adult version, optionally add vodka, tequila, or gin.
- Serve: Add some extra crushed magic ice on top for aesthetic appeal, and serve with stirring sticks and straws to allow guests to swirl and enjoy the color-changing galaxy effect.
Notes
- Use butterfly pea flowers for the signature deep blue color that changes with lemon syrup acidity.
- Roughly crushed magic ice cubes with varying sizes help create the galaxy visual effect.
- The lemon syrup is concentrated; dilute to your taste when serving or use it directly for a tart punch.
- Optional alcohol can be added for cocktails but can be omitted for a family-friendly drink.
- Prepare magic ice the night before to ensure cubes are fully frozen and ready.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor and vibrant color change.
