Easiest Madame Butterfly Drink Recipe

The Madame Butterfly is a cocktail created by the London cocktail bar Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour. It is a light and refreshing drink made with Aperol, orange liqueur, and verjuice.

It is perfect for spring and summer evenings or any occasion where you want a light and flavorful drink.

The Madame Butterfly is a beautiful orange color that is clear and bright. It typically has a light froth on top from the dry shake.

Madame Butterfly Drink Recipe

Madame Butterfly is a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Here is my favorite Madame Butterfly Drink Recipe.

How to make Madame Butterfly Drink at home

The Madame Butterfly is a light and refreshing cocktail with a vibrant orange color and a mix of sweet, citrusy, and tart notes. Here’s how you can recreate this delightful drink at home:

Ingredients

1. Aperol

Aperol is an Italian aperitif liqueur with a vibrant orange color. It has a bitter-sweet flavor with notes of citrus, rhubarb, and herbs.

Aperol provides the base sweetness and orange flavor in the Madame Butterfly.

If you don’t have Aperol, you can substitute it with Campari, which is a similar Italian aperitif with a slightly more bitter flavor. 

Alternatively, you can use a mixture of Lillet Blanc and orange juice, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.

2. Orange Liqueur

Orange liqueur is a distilled spirit flavored with oranges. Common examples include Cointreau, Grand Marnier, and Triple Sec.

The orange liqueur adds additional citrus flavor and sweetness to the Madame Butterfly.

If you don’t have orange liqueur, you can use orange juice or orange extract instead. However, these substitutes won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

3. Orange Vodka

Orange vodka is vodka that has been infused with orange flavor. It provides a smooth and citrusy taste to the cocktail as we used in Gatorade Shot Recipe.

Orange vodka adds another layer of citrus flavor and a smooth texture to the Madame Butterfly.

If you don’t have orange vodka, you can use plain vodka instead. However, you might need to adjust the sweetness of the drink as plain vodka doesn’t have the added orange flavor.

4. Verjuice

Verjuice is the unripened juice of green grapes. It has a tart and acidic flavor that adds a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Verjuice adds a touch of tartness and complexity to the Madame Butterfly, balancing out the sweetness.

If you don’t have verjuice, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.

5. Yuzu Juice

Yuzu juice is a citrus fruit juice with a unique flavor profile that combines notes of grapefruit, mandarin, and lemon. It adds a floral and slightly tart flavor to the cocktail.

Yuzu juice adds complexity and a unique citrusy touch to the Madame Butterfly. It is an optional ingredient, but it elevates the flavor profile.

If you don’t have yuzu juice, you can omit it or substitute it with a small amount of grapefruit juice or lime juice.

6. Ice

 Ice is essential for chilling the cocktail and diluting it to the desired strength. Chilled cocktails are more refreshing and enjoyable. Adding ice also dilutes the drink slightly, making it easier to drink.

7. Orange Slice

An orange slice is a classic garnish for the Madame Butterfly. It adds a touch of color and a subtle orange flavor. The orange slice adds a visual element to the cocktail and enhances its aroma.

 You can use any other citrus fruit slice, such as lemon or grapefruit, or even a sprig of rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Equipments

Here are Equipment required to make madame butterfly drink and possible substitutes.

Cocktail Shaker

This is where all the ingredients are combined and shaken to emulsify and chill the drink.

A Boston shaker is ideal for this recipe. It consists of two metal tins that fit together tightly, allowing for a vigorous shake. Other options include a Cobbler shaker (with a built-in strainer) or a three-piece shaker (with a strainer and cap).

If you don’t have a shaker, you can improvise by using a sealable jar or container as I mentioned in Pink tea shot recipe. However, it’s important to ensure it has a tight seal to prevent spills during shaking.

2. Strainer

This separates the ice and any other solid ingredients from the strained cocktail.

A fine-mesh strainer is best for this purpose. It ensures that only the liquid passes through, leaving behind any unwanted pulp or ice chips.

If you don’t have a strainer, you can use a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve as a substitute.

3. Martini Glass

 A chilled martini glass is ideal. This will keep the cocktail cold and prevent it from warming up quickly.

If you don’t have a martini glass, you can use any other chilled glass, such as a coupe glass or a rocks glass. However, the presentation might not be as visually appealing.

Have you ever tried viral color changing cocktail? Check out my simple recipe for this color changing butterfly pea flower cocktail to try it at home!

Steps to make Madame Butterfly Cocktail at home

Follow these Detailed Instructions for Making a Madame Butterfly.

1. Dry Shake:

Gather all ingredients except ice. Make sure they are all measured accurately for a balanced and consistent cocktail.

Combine all ingredients in a shaker. This includes Aperol, orange liqueur, orange vodka, verjuice, and yuzu juice (if using).

Shake vigorously for 15 seconds without ice. This process, known as a dry shake, helps emulsify the oils and create a frothy texture, enhancing the flavor and appearance of the drink.

2. Wet Shake

Add ice to the shaker. Use enough ice to fill the shaker about halfway.

Shake again for 6-8 seconds. This wet shake further chills and dilutes the drink, achieving the desired consistency and temperature.

3. Strain

Place a fine-mesh strainer over a chilled martini glass. This ensures that only the liquid pours through, leaving behind any ice chips or unwanted pulp.

Slowly pour the cocktail into the martini glass. Use a steady hand and avoid spilling any precious liquid.

4. Garnish

Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink. This releases the orange’s fragrant oils, enhancing the aroma and flavor of the cocktail.

Drop the orange peel in the glass or add a fresh orange slice. This adds a final touch of elegance and visual appeal to your Madame Butterfly.

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Pro Tips to make Perfect Madame Butterfly Cocktail

By following these tips, you can personalize your Madame Butterfly cocktail experience and create a drink that perfectly suits your taste and preferences.

Taste and Adjust:

This is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your Madame Butterfly. After straining the cocktail, take a sip and analyze its sweetness and tartness.

If you find it too sweet, add a touch more verjuice or yuzu juice to enhance the tartness. Alternatively, if it’s too tart, you can add a bit more Aperol for additional sweetness.

Remember, taste is subjective, so adjust the flavors to your personal preference for a truly enjoyable cocktail.

Chill All Ingredients

Pre-chilling your ingredients ensures your Madame Butterfly is refreshingly cold from the first sip to the last.

This includes chilling the cocktail shaker, martini glass, and all the liquid ingredients like Aperol, orange liqueur, verjuice, and yuzu juice.

By using cold ingredients, you avoid diluting the drink with warm ice, resulting in a consistent and refreshing cocktail.

Substitute Ingredients

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have all the specific ingredients. You can easily substitute some of them without sacrificing the overall flavor profile of the Madame Butterfly.

If you lack verjuice, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as substitutes. While they won’t offer the exact same flavor, they will still add a touch of tartness to the drink.

Yuzu juice is optional, but it adds a unique citrusy note. If you don’t have it, you can omit it or use a small amount of grapefruit juice or lime juice for a similar citrusy effect.

Get Creative with Garnishes

Garnishes are the finishing touch that elevates a cocktail not just visually but also aromatically.

Explore different options beyond the classic orange slice. Edible flowers like violets or pansies add a touch of elegance, while berries like raspberries or blueberries add a pop of color and sweetness.

Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme, which offer a subtle and refreshing aroma. Let your creativity guide you and choose garnishes that complement the overall flavor profile of your Madame Butterfly.

Sparkling Twist

For an extra bubbly touch, top your Madame Butterfly with chilled prosecco or champagne.

This addition transforms the drink into a festive and celebratory cocktail, perfect for special occasions.

Be mindful of the sweetness level when adding sparkling wine. Adjust the amount of Aperol or verjuice in the base cocktail to ensure a balanced flavor profile.

Enjoy experimenting and discovering your own unique twist on this delicious and refreshing cocktail!

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Madame Butterfly drink Variations

The Madame Butterfly is a versatile cocktail that offers endless possibilities for customization. You can try these variations.

Festive Butterfly

Rim your martini glass with edible glitter or sugar: This adds a festive touch and makes the drink more visually appealing. It’s perfect for celebrating holidays, special occasions, or simply adding a touch of glamor to your cocktail experience.

Recommended types of glitter or sugar: Opt for food-grade glitter or sanding sugar available at baking stores or online retailers. Choose colors that complement the orange hue of the cocktail, like gold, silver, or red for a festive touch.

Tips for rimming the glass: Wet the rim of the glass with a citrus wedge or simple syrup and then dip it into the glitter or sugar. Ensure the rim is evenly coated for a polished and festive appearance.

Stronger Butterfly

Add an extra 1/4 oz of orange liqueur or vodka: This increases the alcohol content of the cocktail and makes it more potent.

Choosing the right liquor: Consider your preference for sweetness or strength. Adding more orange liqueur like Cointreau will enhance the sweet and citrusy notes, while adding more vodka will increase the alcohol content without significantly altering the flavor profile.

Tips for adjusting the strength: Start by adding a 1/8 oz of additional liquor and taste the cocktail. Gradually increase the amount until you achieve the desired strength, remembering to enjoy responsibly.

Fruity Butterfly

Add a splash of your favorite fruit juice: This adds a fresh and fruity twist to the Madame Butterfly.

Recommended fruit juices: Some popular options include peach, mango, pineapple juice like Fireball and Pineapple Juice Recipe and grapefruit. Choose juices that complement the existing citrus notes of the cocktail without overpowering the other flavors.

Tips for adding fruit juice: Start with a small amount (about 1/4 oz) and taste the cocktail. Adjust the quantity to your desired level of sweetness and fruitiness. Be mindful not to add too much, as it can dilute the original flavor profile.

Here are some more variations.

• Herbal Butterfly: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a subtle herbal aroma.
• Spicy Butterfly: Muddle a few slices of jalapeno pepper in the shaker for a spicy kick.
• Sparkling Butterfly: Top your Madame Butterfly with chilled prosecco or champagne for a bubbly twist.

These variations are just a starting point for your exploration. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to create your own unique and personalized version of the Madame Butterfly!

Madame Butterfly drink taste and Flavor profile

The Madame Butterfly is a light and refreshing cocktail with a complex flavor profile. Aperol and orange liqueur provide the base sweetness like Hennessy and Pineapple Juice mixture, while verjuice and yuzu juice add a touch of tartness.

Orange vodka gives the drink a smooth texture and enhances the citrusy notes. The cocktail is perfectly balanced and perfect for any occasion.

Madame Butterfly drink calories and other nutrients

The Madame Butterfly is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, clocking in at around 140 calories per serving. This estimate can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and their brands. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value of a typical Madame Butterfly:

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Sugar: 12 g

Aperol is a source of potassium and vitamin B6. Orange liqueur may contain vitamin C and antioxidants.

Verjuice contains tartaric acid, which can aid digestion. Yuzu juice is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

What is the Madame Butterfly drink on vanderpump rules?

It’s important to note that these are estimates and the actual nutritional value may vary. You can use online nutrition calculators or consult a nutritionist for a personalized assessment.

The Madame Butterfly is a signature cocktail at TomTom, the bar co-owned by Vanderpump Rules stars Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz. It’s become a popular beverage on the show, frequently enjoyed by the cast and featured in various scenes.

Made with vodka, orange liqueur, Aperol, verjuice, and yuzu juice, the Madame Butterfly boasts a vibrant orange color and a refreshing, citrusy flavor profile.

It’s a balanced cocktail with sweet, tart, and slightly bitter notes, making it a perfect choice for sipping during warmer months or special occasions.

The TomTom team takes pride in their Madame Butterfly, even revealing the recipe on their social media and YouTube channels. This has undoubtedly contributed to the drink’s rising popularity among Vanderpump Rules fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

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The Story Behind the Madame Butterfly: A Cocktail with Multiple Origins

While the Madame Butterfly cocktail enjoys widespread popularity and variations, its origin story remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. Here are two possible sources:

1. Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour

The most widely recognized origin story for the Madame Butterfly attributes its creation to the acclaimed London cocktail bar, Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour.

This establishment, known for its opulent Victorian-themed ambiance and imaginative cocktails, is credited with crafting the Madame Butterfly using butterfly pea-infused gin, Aperol, and other citrusy notes.

The eye-catching blue color of the butterfly pea gin, combined with the vibrant orange hues of Aperol and citrus, contributed to the cocktail’s visual appeal and its association with the butterfly imagery.

2. Preexisting Variations

While Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour may have popularized the Madame Butterfly under their name, variations of the cocktail existed prior to their creation.

Recipes utilizing Aperol, orange liqueurs, and citrus juices have been documented earlier, albeit under different names or with slight variations in ingredients.

These earlier versions likely served as inspiration for the Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour version, which subsequently gained broader recognition and cemented the Madame Butterfly’s place as a popular contemporary cocktail.

Regardless of its precise origin, the Madame Butterfly’s vibrant color, refreshing flavor profile, and association with the butterfly imagery have captivated cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.

It continues to be a popular choice and enjoys numerous variations, showcasing the creativity and adaptability of the cocktail world.

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Conclusion

The Madame Butterfly is a delightful and versatile cocktail that deserves its place among the popular contemporary drinks. Its vibrant orange color, refreshing citrusy flavor, and balanced sweetness make it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying a warm summer day, a stylish gathering, or simply seeking a delicious cocktail experience, the Madame Butterfly has something to offer.

FAQS

Is Madame Butterfly Drink Alcoholic?

Yes, the Madame Butterfly is an alcoholic cocktail. It typically contains aperol, orange liqueur, orange vodka, verjuice, and yuzu juice, all of which contain alcohol. The exact alcohol content can vary depending on the recipe and the specific ingredients used, but it generally falls in the range of 10-15% alcohol by volume (ABV).