How to make Nam Dok Anchan (Butterfly Pea Drink) at home
Nam Dok Anchan, also known as Butterfly Pea Drink, is a refreshing Thai herbal drink made from butterfly pea flowers (Clitoria ternatea). It's not only delicious but also visually stunning due to its vibrant blue color, which can change to purple when you add acid (like lemon juice). Here's a detailed recipe for making Nam Dok Anchan:
Equipment
- Teapot or Heatproof Container: For steeping the dried butterfly pea flowers and hot water to make the infusion. A teapot or a heatproof glass container with a lid works well.
- Strainer To strain the butterfly pea flower infusion and remove the flower petals before serving.
- Small Saucepan: For making the sweetening syrup by dissolving sugar in water. It's also used to prepare the syrup.
- Stirring Utensil: A spoon or a stirring stick to mix the sweetening syrup with the butterfly pea flower infusion and to adjust sweetness to taste.
- Glasses: Clear glasses or glassware to serve the drink and showcase the vibrant blue and color-changing effect.
- Ice Cube Tray To make ice cubes if you want to serve the drink over ice for a chilled beverage.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: If you plan to add lemon or lime juice to the drink, a citrus juicer or reamer will help you extract the juice easily.
- Knife To cut lemon or lime wedges for garnish and for squeezing juice into the drink.
- Garnish Items: If you choose to garnish your Nam Dok Anchan, you might need items like mint leaves, lemon balm leaves, or edible flowers for decoration (Optional).
Ingredients
For the Butterfly Pea Flower Infusion:
- 1/2 cup dried butterfly pea flowers (you can also use fresh if available)
- 4 cups hot water
For the Sweetening Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
For Serving:
- Ice cubes
- Lemon or lime wedges (for color-changing effect)
- Mint leaves or lemon balm leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Butterfly Pea Flower Infusion:
- Place the dried butterfly pea flowers in a heatproof container or teapot.
- Pour the hot water over the flowers, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Let the flowers steep for about 10-15 minutes, or until the water turns a deep blue color.
- Strain the infusion, discarding the flowers, and allow it to cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing it in the refrigerator.
Make the Sweetening Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool. You can also store any leftover syrup in the refrigerator for future use.
Assemble the Nam Dok Anchan:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes to your liking.
- Pour the cooled butterfly pea flower infusion over the ice, leaving some room at the top of the glass.
- Add the sweetening syrup to the glass, adjusting the amount to your preferred level of sweetness. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Squeeze a lemon or lime wedge into the glass and watch the magic happen as the blue drink turns purple due to the acid. You can adjust the acidity to your liking.
- Garnish with a mint leaf or lemon balm leaf for an extra touch of freshness.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Stir the drink one more time before sipping to ensure the flavors are well-mixed.
- Enjoy your homemade Nam Dok Anchan as a refreshing and visually appealing beverage!
Notes
- Butterfly Pea Flowers: You can find dried butterfly pea flowers at many Asian grocery stores, online retailers, or even grow your own if you have access to the fresh flowers. Dried flowers are more commonly used for making the infusion, but fresh flowers can also be used if available.
- Water Temperature: When steeping the butterfly pea flowers, make sure to use hot water that's just below boiling. This helps extract the vibrant blue color and flavor from the flowers.
- Sweetening Syrup: Adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to suit your taste. Some prefer a sweeter drink, while others prefer it less sweet. You can also substitute the sugar with honey or a sweetener of your choice.
- Acidity: The addition of lemon or lime juice not only adds a tart flavor but also changes the color of the drink from blue to purple. You can control the level of acidity to achieve your desired shade of purple. Some people prefer a subtle color change, while others like it more pronounced.
- Presentation: To make your Nam Dok Anchan visually appealing, consider using clear glasses to showcase the color-changing effect. You can also get creative with garnishes, such as lemon wheels, edible flowers, or a slice of cucumber.
- Variations: You can get creative with this drink by adding other flavors. Some people like to add a splash of coconut milk or coconut cream to create a creamy and tropical version known as "Butterfly Pea Latte." You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as lemongrass or ginger, for added complexity.
- Storage: The butterfly pea flower infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two if you have leftovers. However, the color may fade over time.
- Health Benefits: Butterfly pea flowers are believed to have some health benefits and are rich in antioxidants. They are also caffeine-free and can be enjoyed as a caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea.