Madame Butterfly Cocktail Recipe

Madame Butterfly Nutrition Facts

Calories:~150

Fat:0g

Protein:~2g

Carbohydrates:~15g

Alcohol:%:~10

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Madame Butterfly cocktail is a visually stunning and flavorful drink that takes inspiration from the delicate beauty of its namesake, the butterfly. It's particularly popular among those who appreciate floral and citrus notes, and it's often ordered by patrons who enjoy a good balance of sweet and sour in their drinks.

  • The cocktail's name is derived from the butterfly pea flower, which gives the drink its distinctive color.
  • It's a relatively modern concoction that has gained popularity in craft cocktail bars.
  • The drink is often associated with spring and summer menus due to its refreshing qualities.

How Madame Butterfly Tastes?

The Madame Butterfly cocktail offers a harmonious blend of floral and fruity flavors with a hint of sweetness from the elderflower and sugar cane syrup, balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice. The egg whites provide a smooth, frothy texture that makes the drink feel luxurious and indulgent.

Interesting facts about Madame Butterfly

  • The butterfly pea flower is known for its natural color-changing properties, which can create a mesmerizing effect when acid, like lemon juice, is added.
  • Madame Butterfly can also be made into a non-alcoholic version by omitting the gin and elderflower liqueur and using a non-alcoholic spirit or floral syrup.
  • The cocktail's elegant appearance makes it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

Ingredients

  • Butterfly pea flower infused gin: 0.85 oz(26ml)
  • St germain elderflower liqueur: 0.85 oz(26ml)
  • Sugar cane syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Lemon juice: 0.85 oz(26ml)
  • Egg whites: 0.68 oz(20ml)

A few good options for Madame Butterfly are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Butterfly Pea Flower Infused Gin

The visual flair! Gin infused with butterfly pea flower not only adds a unique floral note to the drink but also offers a stunning color change when mixed with the acidic lemon juice. Sans this botanical buddy, you’d miss out on the signature blue hue that shifts to purple-pink. Imagine wearing a monochrome outfit when you had Technicolor options!

Emma Rose

St Germain Elderflower Liqueur

A whisper of the meadows. St. Germain brings sweetness and a complex floral character that ties in beautifully with the gin. If you go without, you'd lose a layer of sophistication as important as the right accessory to your evening wear. Think a simple garnish of elderflowers if St. Germain isn’t on the bar cart.

Alex Green

Sugar Cane Syrup

Just a dash of sweet sophistication. This ingredient balances the tartness of the lemon juice, rounding off the edges of our Madame Butterfly. Less sugar would leave your taste buds in a bit of a tart limbo, while too much might swamp the delicate floral notes like an overbearing perfume.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

The citrus kick! It's essential for balancing the sweetness and adding a bright, fresh taste. Forget it, and the drink becomes a cloying monologue rather than a refreshing dialogue of flavors. Lime juice could step in if lemon is out of reach but expect a tarter twist in the conversation.

Emma Rose

Egg Whites

The silky finish. Embroidering the drink with a smooth frothy texture that the tongue loves to waltz with. Dropping the egg whites would be like removing the cushion from your favorite reading chair – not the end of the world, but certainly less comfortable. Aquafaba can be a great vegan alternative for that lush froth.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Madame Butterfly Drink

  1. Add 0.85 oz of butterfly pea flower infused gin, 0.85 oz of St Germain elderflower liqueur, 0.5 oz of sugar cane syrup, 0.85 oz of lemon juice, and 0.68 oz of egg whites into a shaker.
  2. Perform a dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg whites.
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 6-8 seconds to chill the mixture.
  4. Double strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.

Pro Tips

  • To enhance the visual appeal, serve the Madame Butterfly in a clear coupe glass to showcase its beautiful color.
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
  • Be precise with the lemon juice measurement to maintain the perfect balance between sweet and sour.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood Dishes

The delicate floral notes and the citrus zest of the Madame Butterfly cocktail make it a perfect match for seafood, especially dishes like grilled shrimp or a light scallop ceviche.

Light Snacks

An array of appetizers such as bruschetta, cheese boards with mild cheeses, or cucumber sandwiches can complement the cocktail’s light and refreshing nature.

Asian Cuisine

The herbal and floral characteristics can enhance the flavors of Thai or Vietnamese salads, spring rolls, or sushi, making for a delightful pairing.

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What you could change in Madame Butterfly

  • Gin: If you don't have butterfly pea flower infused gin, you can use a regular premium gin and add a few dried butterfly pea flowers to achieve a similar color effect.
  • Elderflower Liqueur: In case St Germain is not available, you can substitute it with another elderflower liqueur or elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic version.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Madame Rosé

The Madame goes on a spring picnic! Swap the butterfly pea flower infused gin for a rose-infused one, and add a splash of rosé wine. You’ll get a bouquet of roses in your glass, with a more pronounced grape note that feels like a lazy afternoon in Provence.

Madame's Exotic Escape

Madame Butterfly takes a tropical vacation! Add a quarter ounce of coconut cream and an umbrella garnish. The cocktail turns into a beachside dream with a swirl of coconut that brings the tropics to your taste buds.

Madame Jasmine

As if Madame Butterfly attended a high tea! Use jasmine tea-infused gin and garnish with a sprig of mint. This twist has a regal tea-time charm with an exotic, cooling freshness perfect for unwinding after a long day.

In case you forgot basics how to make Madame Butterfly

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

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Frequently Asked Questions on Madame Butterfly

What is the origin of gin?

Gin originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century and was originally used for medicinal purposes. It became popular in England after William of Orange occupied the English throne.

How is gin typically made?

Gin is made by distilling fermented grain and infusing it with various botanicals, the most prominent being juniper berries. The choice of botanicals gives each gin its unique flavor profile.

What's the best way to store an opened bottle of gin?

You should store an opened bottle of gin in a cool, dark place. A tightly sealed top is essential to prevent the gin from oxidizing and losing its flavor.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Yes, you can create a mocktail version of Madame Butterfly by substituting the gin and elderflower liqueur with non-alcoholic alternatives, such as seedlip or a floral non-alcoholic spirit and elderflower cordial.

How long does elderflower liqueur last once opened?

Once opened, elderflower liqueur can last well for about 6 months. It should be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavors.

What kind of dishes can I serve at a cocktail party featuring the Madame Butterfly?

Consider serving both savory and sweet canapés that complement the floral and citrus notes. Goat cheese crostinis, lavender shortbread cookies, or mini lemon tarts would be great options.

What type of glassware is ideal for serving the Madame Butterfly?

A coupe glass is recommended for serving the Madame Butterfly to highlight the cocktail's color and frothy texture, but a martini glass could also be a suitable alternative.

Is the butterfly pea flower edible?

Yes, the butterfly pea flower is edible and is often used for its natural coloring properties in food and beverages. The flowers have a mild earthy taste.

How does butterfly pea flower change color?

The natural pigments in butterfly pea flower, known as anthocyanins, react to pH levels. Adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice changes the pH and transforms the color from blue to purple.

What are the key flavor profiles in a Madame Butterfly cocktail?

The key flavor profiles include floral notes from the infused gin and elderflower liqueur, sweetness from the sugar cane syrup, and the refreshing tartness of the lemon juice.

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