Mixology is a space where the performance is as crucial as the taste. Bartenders are known for the flair they add to simple cocktails and the showmanship adds to the drinking experience. But you don’t need to train for years or practice for hours in order to dazzle your audience when it comes to drinks, all you need is a little help from science.
As with so many things in life, nature has already provided us with the ability to do magic and the Butterfly Pea Flower is the key. These earthy, woody flowers contain a bright blue pigment called anthocyanin. Though their taste doesn’t come across as very strong when steeped as an extract, the anthocyanin’s effects continue to come through as a base indicator. This means that the colour changes as it reacts to liquids with different pH levels.
With the addition of acids, the usually blue tint changes slowly to purple for a mesmerising effect and bartender Desiree Bacala of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel decided to take advantage of that reaction when she created the Colour-Changing Martini. With the addition of a few drops of lemon, this otherwise simple cocktail transforms into something eye-catching. And although it looks advanced, it’s actually very simple to make at home.
It all starts with the butterfly pea flower extract which you can buy online or make at home by steeping a dozen fresh or dried flowers in a cup of boiling water. Leave the mix for about 15-20 minutes and then strain out the flowers. More or fewer flowers can be used depending on the intensity of pigment you’re hoping to achieve with little change to the taste. And then, you just go about making your cocktail! For extra drama, add some edible glitter and watch the magic unfold.
Ingredients
- 45 ml gin
- 10 ml ginger liqueur
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 20 ml butterfly pea flower extract
- 10 ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Method
- In a shaker add the gin, ginger, syrup and butterfly pea flower extract with ice, and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass, then just before serving add a few drops of lemon juice to change the colour.