First Watch Purple Haze Recipe

Sometimes a simple drink can surprise you in the best way. On a recent weekend breakfast trip, I noticed something new on the First Watch seasonal menu called the Purple Haze.

It looked refreshing, and after a little hesitation, I finally gave it a try. The mix of tart lemonade, floral lavender, and colorful butterfly pea tea created a blend that was both calming and energizing. It had the kind of flavor that makes you pause and really enjoy each sip.

The good news is that this drink can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients.

This copycat First Watch Purple Haze recipe is easy to prepare, light, and naturally beautiful in color. I loved recreating it in my own kitchen so I could enjoy it anytime without waiting for a restaurant visit.

Now, Let me show you how to make this soothing, colorful drink right at home.

What is the purple haze at First Watch?

The Purple Haze is a very popular drink at the First Watch restaurant. It is known for its beautiful purple color. The color comes from a special tea called butterfly pea flower tea.

This tea is blue by itself, but when you mix it with lemon juice, it turns a pretty purple shade. The drink tastes like a sweet and tangy lemonade. It also has a light, floral flavor from a bit of lavender.

People love it because it is not only tasty but also looks very special. It is a perfect drink for a sunny day or a nice breakfast.

First Watch Purple Haze Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon butterfly pea flowers + 1 cup hot water: This dried flower tea gives the drink its signature blue color, which changes to purple when mixed with lemon juice. If unavailable, hibiscus tea can be a backup, though it gives a deeper red color.
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2–3 large lemons): Adds brightness and a tart balance. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh lemons bring the best flavor.
• 3–4 tablespoons sweetener (cane sugar, honey, or stevia): Sweetness brings everything together. Cane sugar gives a classic taste, honey adds depth, and stevia is a lighter option for fewer calories.
• 2–3 drops food-grade lavender extract: Provides the gentle floral hint that makes this recipe unique. Lavender syrup can also be used, but adjust the sweetness accordingly.
• 1 cup cold water (or sparkling water for a fizzy version): Used to dilute and balance the flavors. Sparkling water adds a light fizz if desired.
• Ice cubes (enough to fill serving glasses): To chill the drink and make it refreshing.

Recommended Equipment

1. Teapot or Saucepan – For steeping butterfly pea flowers.
2. Fine Mesh Strainer – To remove flower pieces.
3. Citrus Juicer – Makes squeezing lemons easier.
4. Measuring Spoons – For accurate sweetener and extract amounts.
5. Mixing Spoon – To stir everything evenly.
6. Tall Glass or Mason Jar – Perfect for serving.

How To Make First Watch Purple Haze

Step 1 | Brew the Tea

First, heat one cup of water until it is very hot. Place one teaspoon of butterfly pea flowers into the hot water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.

You will see the water turn a deep, dark blue. Then, use your strainer to remove all the flowers from the water. Let the blue tea cool down.

Step 2 | Make the Lemonade

While the tea cools, juice your lemons. You will need about half a cup of fresh lemon juice. This is usually 2-3 large lemons.

In your pitcher, combine the lemon juice with one cup of cold water. Add your sweetener. Start with three tablespoons and stir very well.

Taste the lemonade. If you want it sweeter, add one more tablespoon of sweetener.

Step 3 | Add the Lavender

Now, add the special flavor. Start with just two drops of lavender extract to the lemonade. Stir it in and taste it. The flavor should be light and floral.

If you want a stronger taste, add one more drop. Be careful, as too much can make the drink taste like soap.

Step 4 | Combine and Serve

Fill your glasses all the way to the top with ice. Pour the lemonade mixture over the ice, filling the glass about halfway.

Now, slowly pour the cooled blue tea over the back of a spoon onto the lemonade. This helps it float on top. Watch the magic happen!

The blue tea will mix with the lemonade and turn a gorgeous shade of purple. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy your creation right away.

Recipe Perfection Tips

• Stronger Tea Color: For a darker blue color, use a little more tea or let it steep for a longer time.
• Avoiding Bitterness: Do not steep the tea for more than 10 minutes. This can make it taste bitter.
• Sweetness Balance: Always taste your lemonade before adding the tea. It is easier to adjust the sweetness at that point.
• Chill Everything: For the coldest drink, chill your lemonade and tea in the refrigerator before you combine them.

How to Serve This Copycat First Watch Purple Haze

This drink looks best served in a tall, clear glass so the purple shades can shine through. Add plenty of ice cubes for a crisp, refreshing sip. A lemon slice on the rim or a sprig of fresh lavender makes a simple but elegant garnish.

It works perfectly as a brunch drink, a cooling afternoon refresher, or even a light evening mocktail when you want something special without alcohol.

You can also prepare a larger batch in a pitcher to serve at gatherings, making it a colorful and conversation-worthy drink on the table.

Storage & Shelf Life

You can store the different parts of this drink separately to make it later. The blue tea can be kept in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The lemonade mixture (without the tea) will also last for 3 days in the fridge. It is best to mix them together with ice right before you are ready to drink it.

If you mix everything ahead of time, the ice will melt and make the drink watery. I do not recommend freezing the finished drink.

First Watch Purple Haze Recipe FAQs

1. Where can I find butterfly pea flowers?

This might be the hardest ingredient to find in a regular grocery store. The easiest place to find it is online. Websites like Amazon have many sellers offering it.

You can also look in stores that sell loose-leaf tea or in specialty health food stores. Sometimes Asian grocery markets will also carry it.

2. My drink did not turn purple, why?

The color change happens because of the acid in the lemon juice. If your drink stayed blue, it means you may not have had enough lemon juice.

Or, you might not have stirred it enough to mix the two layers completely. Make sure you are using fresh lemons and give the drink a good stir after adding the blue tea.

3. How do I get the layered color effect?

Pour the butterfly pea flower tea slowly over the sweetened lemon juice. Using a spoon to guide the pour helps create a gradient look.

4. Can I make a big batch for a party?

Yes, you can easily make a big batch for a group. Just multiply all the ingredients by the number of people you want to serve. Mix the lemonade and brew the tea in large pitchers.

Keep them separate in the refrigerator until your party starts. Let your guests pour the blue tea over the lemonade and ice themselves.

Making this First Watch Purple Haze recipe at home is a simple way to bring a restaurant favorite into your kitchen.

With its bright purple color, soothing lavender, and refreshing lemonade flavor, it’s both eye-catching and delicious.

This copycat drink is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect.