First Watch Purple Haze Recipe [2026]

Introduction

I still remember last Halloween… my kids wanted something “spooky but fun” for our little home party. No soda, no boring juice—they wanted a magic purple drink! So I recreated this First Watch Purple Haze Recipe 2026,

» I once tasted at First Watch, added my chef’s twist, and wow… it became the star of the night! Even the adults asked for refills 😄

» Colorful drinks like this aren’t just pretty—fun fact, bright brunch drinks get 40% more shares online! And honestly, once you taste this mix of fresh lemonade and butterfly pea tea, you’ll know why.

This copycat homemade recipe is sweet, tangy, refreshing, and super easy. Whether it’s brunch, a summer party, or kids’ Halloween night—this drink works every time!

So, let’s get started!

👉 What Is the First Watch Purple Haze Drink?

» The First Watch Purple Haze drink is known for its beautiful purple color, light citrus taste, and fun layered look that makes it perfect for brunch tables and weekend treats, served at First Watch restaurant.

» At its heart, the drink is a simple mix of fresh lemonade and butterfly pea flower tea. The tea gives the drink its natural purple shade—no artificial colors needed!

🍹 Flavor Profile

» Smooth, refreshing finish

» Not too heavy or sugary

» Sweet and tangy from lemonade

» Light floral taste from butterfly pea tea

🧃 Mocktail or Cocktail?

» Cocktail – Add vodka or gin for adults

» The Purple Haze can be enjoyed in two ways:

» Mocktail – No alcohol, best for family drinks

⭐ Why People Love It

» Easy to make at home

» Looks amazing in photos

» Naturally colorful and beautiful

» Light and refreshing for brunch

» Fun for parties and celebrations

In simple words, the First Watch Purple Haze is a bright, cheerful lemonade drink with a magical purple twist—perfect for relaxing mornings, special brunches, or anytime you want something fun and refreshing! 💜🍹

👉 Kitchen Equipment Required First Watch Purple Haze Recipe

You don’t need fancy tools—just basic kitchen items.

» Measuring cups & spoons

» Tea strainer or small sieve

» Saucepan or kettle

» Cocktail shaker or jar with lid

» Tall, clear glasses

» Spoon for layering a drink

» Ice cube tray

» Knife & cutting board

» Optional but helpful:

» Citrus juicer

» Fancy straws or cocktail sticks

Ingredients for First Watch Purple Haze Recipe 2026

👉 Main Ingredients

♥ 1 cup butterfly pea flower tea (cooled)

♥ 1 cup fresh lemonade

♥ 1–2 tbsp simple syrup or honey

♥ Ice cubes

♥ Optional Alcohol Version: 1 oz vodka or gin

👉 Garnish Ideas

♥ Lemon slices

♥ Edible flowers

♥ Mint leaves

♥ Sugar rim glass

👉 Ingredient Swaps

» No butterfly pea tea → Try hibiscus tea

» No lemonade → Use lime soda + lemon juice

» No simple syrup → Use sugar or maple syrup

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» IHOP Stuffed French Toasts

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» Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken

Step-by-Step Instruction: First Watch Purple Haze Recipe

When I first made this drink inspired by First Watch, I was honestly nervous about getting that perfect purple color. But after a few tries in my kitchen—and a lot of happy taste-tests with my kids—I found the easiest method that works every time. Follow these simple 5 steps, and you’ll have a beautiful brunch drink in minutes! 💜

🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 5 minutes
⏳ Resting Time: 5 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 35 minutes
💰 Estimated Cost: Around $4–$6 per serving

👉 Step 1: Brew the Butterfly Pea Tea

♥ Boil 1 cup of water.

♥ Add 1 tbsp dried butterfly pea flowers.

♥ Let steep for 5 minutes.

♥ Strain and cool completely in the fridge.

Chef Tips:

♥ Strong tea = brighter purple color.

♥ Always cool the tea before mixing, or the ice melts fast, and the flavor weakens.

♥ Make tea ahead and store it in the fridge for 2 days.

Where to buy butterfly pea flowers?

Online grocery or herbal stores.

👉 Step 2: Make Fresh Sweet Lemonade

♥ Mix ½ cup lemon juice + 1½ cups cold water.

♥ Add 2–3 tbsp sugar or simple syrup.

♥ Stir until dissolved.

♥ Taste and adjust the sweetness.

Chef Tips:

♥ Fresh lemons taste better than bottled juice.

♥ For kids, make it slightly sweeter.

♥ Add a pinch of salt—it makes lemonade taste brighter!

Can I make it sugar-free?

Yes, use stevia.

👉 Step 3: Prepare the Glass Like a Pro

♥ Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.

♥ Add lemonade to about ¾ of the glass.

♥ Optional: Add vodka or gin now.

Chef Tips:

♥ Clear glasses show the purple layers beautifully.

♥ Chilled glasses keep drinks cold longer.

♥ Don’t overfill with ice—leave space for tea.

👉 Step 4: Create Magical Purple Layer

♥ Hold a spoon over the lemonade.

♥ Slowly pour butterfly pea tea on top.

♥ Watch the purple gradient form!

Chef Tips:

♥ Pour slowly for a restaurant-style look.

♥ Add extra lemon juice drops for a deeper purple shade.

♥ Don’t stir if you want layers—stir only before drinking.

Why is my drink not purple?

Tea may be weak, or lemonade too strong.

👉 Step 5: Garnish, Serve, and Enjoy!

♥ Add la emon slice, mint, or edible flowers.

♥ Optional sugar rim for a fancy look.

♥ Serve immediately.

Chef Tips:

♥ Frozen berries instead of ice look beautiful.

♥ Purple straws make it fun for kids.

♥ Taste once more before serving!

And that’s it—your homemade First Watch Purple Haze Recipe is ready! Every time I make this drink, it reminds me of that fun Halloween night with my kids laughing over their purple moustaches. It’s simple, colorful, and full of happy memories.

Visual Instruction For First Watch Purple Haze Recipe

Purple Haze vs Similar Drinks Recipes

Purple Haze is easiest and most fun!

Tips for the Perfect First Watch Purple Haze Recipe

Chill everything before mixing

» Use fresh lemons for bright flavor.

Adjust the sweetness for kids vs adults

» Taste before serving – adjust sweetness.

» Use clear glasses to show off the color.

» Make simple syrup ahead to save time.

» Add lemon juice last for a stronger purple tone.

» Chill ingredients first so the ice doesn’t melt quickly.

» Pour tea slowly over a spoon for a layered purple look.

❌ Common Mistake: Hot tea melts ice and dulls color.

Chef tip from my kitchen:

If making for kids, add a splash of orange juice—it makes the flavor softer and sweeter!

👉 Recipe Variations You Can Try

» Party Punch: Make a big jug for guests.

» Sparkling Purple Haze: Add soda water.

» Tropical Purple Haze: Add pineapple juice.

» Cocktail Version: Add vodka, gin, or white rum.

» Frozen Purple Haze Slush: Blend with ice cubes.

» Party Punch Bowl: Make a big batch for gatherings.

» Berry Purple Haze: Add blueberry or raspberry syrup.

» Kid-Friendly Mocktail: Skip alcohol and add soda water.

Trying different versions keeps the drink exciting every time!

👉 Garnish & Presentation Tips

Presentation makes this drink extra special.

» Lemon wheels on the rim

» Edible flowers

» Mint leaves

» Sugar rim glass

» Purple straws

» Gradient layered look

» Frozen berry ice cubes

Chef trick:

Use clear mason jars for rustic brunch style!

👉 Storage, Shelf Life & Freezing Tips

Storage

♥ Butterfly pea tea: 2 days in fridge

♥ Lemonade mix: 3 days in fridge

Shelf Life

♥ Mixed drink is best within 30 minutes

After that color fades slightly

Freezing Tips

♥ Freeze tea in ice cube trays

♥ Freeze lemonade separately

♥ Blend frozen cubes later

Always mix fresh before serving for the best taste!

Alcoholic Drink vs Non Alcoholic First Watch Purple Haze

The Purple Haze drink is loved because it’s flexible—you can make it a refreshing family mocktail or turn it into a light brunch cocktail. Both versions taste amazing, but they suit different occasions.

Both versions of the Purple Haze drink are delicious—it just depends on your mood and guests.

I usually make the mocktail for family mornings and add a splash of vodka when friends visit for brunch. Try both, find your favorite, and enjoy this magical purple drink your way!✨

What to Serve with First Watch Purple Haze Drink

This drink goes perfectly with brunch foods like:

» Fruit salad

» French toast

» Avocado toast

» Cheese platter

» Pancakes & waffles

» Muffins & cupcakes

» Breakfast sandwiches

» Chef Tip: Add purple straws for a fun party look!

It’s also great with Halloween snacks or birthday party treats.

Best Alternate Recipes to First Watch Purple Haze Recipe

If you love colorful brunch drinks, try these too:

» Mango iced tea

» Hibiscus punch

» Peach iced tea

» Lavender lemonade

» Sparkling citrus punch

» Pineapple mint cooler

» Blueberry mojito mocktail

» Strawberry lemonade mocktail

» Homemade Poppi Soda

» Blueberry Moonshine Recipe

» Texas Roadhouse Sangria Margarita

These drinks give similar fresh and fun vibes.

First Watch Purple Haze Recipe Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per serving – mocktail version)

♥ Calories: 110–130

♥ Sugar: 15–20g

♥ Carbs: 18–22g

♥ Fat: 0g

♥ Protein: 0g

♥ Caffeine: 0mg

Health Notes

» Butterfly pea tea has antioxidants

» Use stevia for a low-sugar option

» Use sparkling water for fewer calories

No caffeine = safe for kids

Antonio Morelli

First Watch Purple Haze Recipe

A refreshing copycat Purple Haze drink made with butterfly pea tea and fresh lemonade. Naturally colorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for brunch parties, summer evenings, or fun family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Beverage, Brunch Drink, Cocktails, Mocktail

Cuisine: American, American Café Style, American Fusion, Healthy Drink Recipes

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup butterfly pea flower tea (cooled)
• 1 cup fresh lemonade
• 1-2 tbsp simple syrup or honey
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices & mint leaves (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 oz vodka or gin per serving

Equipment

• Measuring cups/spoons
• Small saucepan or kettle
• Tea strainer
• Cocktail shaker or jar
• Tall serving glasses
• Spoon for layering
• Ice cube tray

Method

 

1. Brew butterfly pea tea in hot water for 5 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Prepare fresh lemonade and adjust sweetness.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour lemonade.
4. Slowly add butterfly pea tea for purple layer.
5. Garnish with lemon slices or mint. Serve chilled.

Notes

• Chill the tea before mixing for a bright purple color.
• Add alcohol only for the adult version.
• Use fresh lemons for the best taste.

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• Adjust sweetness for kids or brunch guests.
• Freeze tea into ice cubes for a fun party look.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Purple Haze safe for kids?

Yes, the mocktail version is safe because it has no caffeine or alcohol. Just reduce the sugar if needed. Kids usually love the fun purple color and refreshing lemonade taste.

What is Purple Haze drink made of?

The Purple Haze drink is made with butterfly pea flower tea, fresh lemonade, simple syrup or honey, ice, and optional vodka or gin. The tea gives a natural purple color, while lemonade adds a bright citrus taste.

Where can I buy butterfly pea flowers?

You can find them online, in herbal tea stores, or in Asian grocery markets. They are affordable and long-lasting, making them perfect for many colorful drink recipes.

Why is my Purple Haze drink not purple?

This usually happens if the tea is weak or the lemonade is too strong. Brew the butterfly pea tea longer and chill it before mixing. Adding a few drops of lemon juice also helps bring out the bright purple shade.

What are the Purple Haze First Watch benefits?

The drink is refreshing, caffeine-free, and made with butterfly pea tea, a source of antioxidants. It’s lighter than many sugary sodas and can be made low-sugar or alcohol-free, making it a fun and flexible brunch option.

What alcohol tastes best in the Purple Haze drink?

Vodka and gin are the most popular choices because they don’t overpower the lemonade flavor. White rum also works if you want a tropical taste.

How many calories are in a First Watch Purple Haze drink?

A regular mocktail, Purple Haze has around 110–130 calories, depending on the sugar used. Adding alcohol increases calories slightly. You can make a lighter version with stevia or less syrup.

Can I make the First Watch Purple Haze recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the tea and lemonade ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Mix them only before serving to keep the color bright and fresh. This works great when planning brunch parties.

My Final Conclusion

Making the First Watch Purple Haze Recipe 2026 at home is easier than you think—and honestly, so much fun! With simple ingredients, a little creativity, and a splash of color, you can turn any brunch into a restaurant-style experience. I still remember serving this at my first brunch party… everyone asked for seconds!

» That Halloween night with my kids, this drink turned our small party into a memory we still laugh about. Purple moustaches, sticky fingers, happy faces… and me refilling glasses all night!

» Try this recipe today, experiment with your own variations, and share your purple creations with friends. Don’t forget to bookmark this guide for your next brunch plan!

Now, if you have any thoughts or suggestions about this recipe, then write to me in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you! You can also try some of my favourite recipes on my blog. Till then.

Happy Cooking!

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