Galaxy Mocktail

The Galaxy Mocktail is a theatrical and refreshing beverage that offers a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Its base is brewed from butterfly pea flowers, which give it a naturally deep indigo hue. The magic happens when an acidic element, like lemon juice, is introduced, causing a chemical reaction that changes the drink's color right before your eyes. This simple yet impressive effect makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
Galaxy Mocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a modern mocktail, celebrated for its innovative use of ingredients and stunning visual presentation rather than a historical lineage.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic drink served cold in a tall, chilled Highball glass to best showcase its beautiful colors and layers.
Serving size
Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This mocktail's popularity surged with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, where its mesmerizing color transformation became a viral sensation. The core ingredient, butterfly pea flower tea, has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The modern drink harnesses the flower's natural pH sensitivity to create a fun, interactive experience for the drinker.
Origin
While the butterfly pea flower originates from Southeast Asia, the drink itself is a modern, global creation popularized in the late 2010s. It doesn't have a single point of origin but rather evolved from the creative beverage community online and in trendy cafes.

Galaxy Mocktail

The drink is most commonly known as the Galaxy Mocktail due to its cosmic appearance. Alternative names like Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Lemonade describe its core ingredients, while Color-Changing Mocktail and Magic Lemonade highlight its most captivating feature.
Original name
Galaxy Mocktail
Alternative names
  • Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Lemonade
  • Color-Changing Mocktail
  • Magic Lemonade

Characteristics overview

It has a refreshing sweet and sour taste with light floral and earthy notes, complemented by a crisp, bubbly texture. Its standout feature is its magical transformation from deep blue to brilliant purple.
Flavor
Sweet, Sour, Floral, Citrusy, Lightly Earthy
Aroma
Floral, Lemon, Fresh
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Refreshing, Crisp
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Color-Changing, Layered, Vibrant Blue, Purple, Pink
Texture
Light, Crisp, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a pleasant balance between the sweetness of the syrup and the sourness of the lemon. It is completely non-alcoholic, non-spicy, and has a light fizziness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need brewed and chilled butterfly pea flower tea, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water. All ingredients are non-alcoholic and commonly available.
  • Butterfly Pea Flower Tea150 ml / 5 oz, brewed and chilled
    Use about 5-6 dried flowers or 1 tea bag per cup of hot water. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, then cool completely.
  • Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor and the color-changing reaction.
  • Simple Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Adjust to taste. Use agave or maple syrup as alternatives. Made by dissolving one part sugar in one part hot water.
  • Sparkling Water60 ml / 2 oz, or to top(optional)
    Club soda or tonic water can also be used. For a still version, use regular water.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a kettle to brew the tea and a spoon for stirring. The drink is built directly in the serving glass.
  • Kettle or Pot for brewing tea
  • Bar Spoon for stirring

Instructions

The process involves brewing and chilling the tea, then carefully layering the ingredients in a glass with ice. The drink is served unmixed to preserve the visual effect for the drinker to reveal.
1. Prepare the tea: Steep 5-6 dried butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Strain the flowers and let the tea cool completely in the refrigerator.
2. Build the base: Fill a chilled Highball glass with ice cubes.
3. Add the citrus and sweetener: Pour the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup into the bottom of the glass.
4. Create the layers: Slowly pour the chilled blue butterfly pea flower tea over the back of a spoon onto the ice. This will help it float on top of the lemon juice mixture, creating a distinct layer.
5. Top and serve: Top with sparkling water, garnish with a lemon wheel, and serve with a stirrer for the grand reveal.

Garnishing

A simple lemon wheel or twist complements the drink's citrus flavor and looks beautiful against the purple hues. Edible flowers can be added for an extra touch of elegance.
  • Lemon Wheel, placed on the rim or inside the glass
  • Edible Flowers, floated on top for extra decoration (optional)

Dietary Information

This mocktail is naturally free from alcohol, caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, making it vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories, with its caloric and sugar content coming almost entirely from the simple syrup.
Calories
Averagely 85 kcal / 355 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Its spectacular visual appeal makes the Galaxy Mocktail perfect for parties, celebrations, and any event where you want to impress your guests. It's also an excellent non-alcoholic option for baby showers, birthdays, and summer barbecues.
  • Parties
  • Summer Gatherings
  • Kid-Friendly Events
  • Themed Events (e.g., space, magic)

Pairing suggestions

Its light, floral, and citrusy profile pairs well with fresh and light foods. Consider serving it with fruit, salads, or delicate appetizers that won't overpower its subtle flavors.
  • Light Salads with Vinaigrette
  • Fresh Fruit Platters
  • Southeast Asian Appetizers like Summer Rolls

The Magical Galaxy Mocktail Experience

The Galaxy Mocktail is more than just a drink; it's an experience. Built on the unique properties of butterfly pea flower tea, it provides a moment of wonder as it transforms from deep blue to rich violet. Its flavor is a simple, refreshing balance of sweet and sour, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Perfect for adding a touch of magic to any occasion, this mocktail is as delightful to drink as it is to behold.

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