The butterfly drink tastes exactly like you think something named after a butterfly would... light, ethereal, and just a little bit like flowers (in the best way possible). So, if you want a drink that tastes like spring in a glass, the butterfly cocktail is the one for you.
How to Make a Butterfly Drink
We love the combo of elderflower liqueur and lemon in this drink — it's a light and refreshing floral cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 2 ounces white grape juice
- ¼ ounce elderflower liqueur
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, white grape juice, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
Variations and Substitutions of the Butterfly Drink
Make a few tweaks, changes, and substitutions to your butterfly drink to make it your own.
- Play around with different flavors of vodka, such as lemon, orange, pineapple, or vanilla. You can take the flavor one step further by infusing your own vodka at home.
- Instead of lemon juice, you can swap in lime juice or use a mix of both.
- Muddle a couple of sliced grapes for a tart grape flavor.
- If you like your martinis on the sour side, add an extra quarter ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Top off with a splash of prosecco for an elegant and fizzy touch.
- Give it butterfly-like coloration by replacing the vodka with Empress 1908 gin or another butterfly pea flower gin.
Related: Make a Creamy Hummingbird Drink That'll Give You Wings
Garnishes
The butterfly drink can easily inspire creative garnishes. After all, it's only fitting to add a grand final touch to a name that inspires beauty.
- Garnish with an edible flower, such as hibiscus, chamomile blossom, lilac, or rose.
- Give it butterfly shimmer with some edible petal dust or glitter.
- Instead of a lemon slice, use a lemon wheel, ribbon, or peel.
- Consider a dehydrated lemon wheel for an intriguing look.
- Float a lemon wheel on top of the drink, placing a flower petal or two on top of the wheel.
Taking Flight in a Martini Glass
Don't let the name fool you; the butterfly in this drink comes from its light and airy taste. Although, if you wanted to include a splash of butterfly pea flower, go ahead and spread those wings of your dream. Regardless of how you emerge from a chrysalis, the butterfly drink will capture your attention.
