Madame Butterfly Cocktail Recipe

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.