Purple Drinks: The Only Reason to Adult (And How to Sip)

Intro: If Your Instagram Feed Is Anything But Beige, This Is For You

Let’s be real: you didn’t become an adult because you wanted to pay bills on time. You did it for the purple alcoholic drinks that make your brunch selfies look like a scene from a Netflix binge‑watch. This article is the love child of meme culture, hard‑core journalism, and that one friend who always says, “I’m not drunk, I’m just tasting the lavender.” Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the violet‑tinted abyss of cocktails, beers, and liquors that make the world look a little more Instagram‑worthy.

History of Purple Drinks: From Royal Courts to TikTok Trends

Before you start thinking that purple drinks are a 2020s Instagram fad, let’s take a quick (but sarcastic) tour through history. The ancient Romans used fermented grape skins to give their wine a deep, regal hue—basically the OG purple rain. Fast forward to the 1800s, and you’ll find Victorian gentlemen sipping on violet liqueurs that were as pretentious as a must‑read list of obscure indie bands.

Jump to the 1970s, and the psychedelic era birthed the purple haze cocktail—think Jimi Hendrix meets a neon-lit bar. In the 2000s, craft breweries started experimenting with purple hops, and the rest is a blur of #drinkpurple and TikTok dances that make you question your life choices (in a good way).

The Science of Purple: Why Your Drink Looks Like a Unicorn’s Dream

Ever wondered why some drinks look like they were filtered through a Snapchat lens? The answer lies in pigments:

  • Anthocyanins: These are the same molecules that give blueberries and red cabbage their color. When you mix them with alcohol, the pH shift can turn the drink from pink to deep violet.
  • Food‑grade dyes: Not everyone trusts “natural,” so many bars slap on a few drops of brilliant blue #1 and red #40 to hit that perfect purple sweet spot.
  • Botanical extracts: Lavender, butterfly pea flower, and even beetroot juice are the artisanal equivalents of “I’m too cool for basic.”

Pro tip: If you want a drink that changes color as you sip (because why not?), add a splash of lemon juice to a butterfly‑pea‑flower cocktail. Watch the magic happen—your guests will think you hired a wizard.

Top 5 Purple Alcoholic Drinks That Deserve a Spot on Your Shelf

Below is the definitive list of purple beverages that will make your bar look like a scene from Game of Thrones—if the Iron Throne were made of craft hops and glitter.

  1. Purple Haze IPA – A craft beer brewed with violet‑colored hops and a hint of blueberry. It’s hoppy, it’s dank, and it looks like a liquid lavender field.
  2. Lavender Gin & Tonic – Swap your regular gin for a lavender‑infused spirit, add tonic, garnish with a sprig of rosemary, and you’ve got a cocktail that says, “I have my life together, but I also binge‑watch reality TV.”
  3. Butterfly Pea Mojito – White rum, fresh mint, lime, and butterfly pea flower tea. Add lime and watch it turn from electric blue to regal purple—Instagram gold.
  4. Violet Velvet Martini – Vodka, crème de violette, a dash of simple syrup, and a lemon twist. It’s the cocktail version of a velvet jacket—smooth, classy, and a little bit extra.
  5. Beetroot Bourbon Sour – Bourbon, beet juice, lemon, and egg white. The beet gives it that deep, wine‑red‑purple hue, while the bourbon keeps it responsibly adult.

If any of these sound like a match made in heaven, you can make your own beer or explore a custom beer that screams purple louder than your neighbor’s karaoke night.

DIY: How to Craft Your Own Purple Cocktail (Because You’re Fancy)

Ready to become the bartender your friends pretend to love? Follow these steps and you’ll be serving up liquid lavender like a pro.

  1. Choose Your Base: Pick a spirit that plays well with botanicals—gin, vodka, or bourbon are all solid choices.
  2. Pick a Purple Agent: Decide between natural (butterfly pea flower, lavender syrup, beet juice) or artificial (food‑grade dye). Pro tip: natural agents give you a story to tell.
  3. Balance the Sweetness: A splash of simple syrup or honey will tame the bitterness of the botanicals. Remember, you’re not making a medicine.
  4. Add Acid: A squeeze of lemon or lime not only brightens the flavor but also shifts the color. The more acid, the lighter the purple.
  5. Shake, Don’t Stir: If you’re using fruit juices or syrups, shake with ice for 15 seconds. If it’s a spirit‑only cocktail, stir to keep it silky.
  6. Garnish Like a Meme Lord: Think edible flowers, a twist of lemon, or even a tiny plastic unicorn (yes, we’ve seen it).

Need inspiration? Check out our Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer guide for branding tips that will make your purple drinks stand out on any shelf.

Food Pairings: What to Eat When Your Drink Looks Like a Fairy Tale

Pairing purple drinks with food is an art form—think of it as the culinary equivalent of a meme that actually lands.

  • Purple Haze IPA + Spicy BBQ ribs – The hop bitterness cuts through the smoke, while the purple hue makes the sauce look Instagram‑ready.
  • Lavender Gin & Tonic + Goat cheese crostini – The floral notes amplify the tang of the cheese, creating a taste that whispers “I’m sophisticated, but I still watch cartoons.”
  • Butterfly Pea Mojito + Coconut shrimp – The tropical vibe of the shrimp mirrors the mojito’s minty freshness, and the color contrast is pure visual poetry.
  • Violet Velvet Martini + Dark chocolate truffles – Both are rich, both are indulgent, and together they’re the culinary version of a midnight Netflix binge.
  • Beetroot Bourbon Sour + Charred steak – Earthy beet meets smoky meat; it’s like the universe finally aligned for your taste buds.

Feeling inspired? You can even contact us for a custom menu that pairs your brand’s signature purple drink with the perfect bites.

Business Angle: Why Selling Purple Drinks Is the Best Way to Flex on Competitors

Let’s get down to the cold, hard cash. Purple drinks aren’t just eye‑candy; they’re a marketing goldmine. Here’s why:

  • Visual Differentiation: In a sea of amber ales and clear vodkas, purple stands out like a neon sign in a blackout.
  • Social Media Magnetism: People love sharing photos of things that look weirdly beautiful. Every pour becomes free advertising.
  • Premium Perception: The effort (and occasional exotic ingredient) behind a purple cocktail justifies a higher price point.
  • Trend Longevity: From the 70s psychedelic era to today’s TikTok craze, purple never really goes out of style.

If you’re serious about turning your purple passion into profit, consider partnering with a reputable distribution platform. Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer and tap into a network that already knows how to handle niche, eye‑catching brews.

And because we love to keep things strategic, don’t forget to explore our Home page for more resources on scaling your beer business, from branding to logistics.

Where to Buy Purple Drinks Online (Because Going to a Store Is So 2020)

Now that you’ve learned the history, science, and business potential, you probably want to get your hands on a bottle right now. Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet of legit online spots:

  1. Dropt.beer – The marketplace for craft brewers and boutique distilleries. Search for “purple” and watch the results glow.
  2. Local craft brewery e‑shops – Many breweries now ship directly, and they love to showcase limited‑edition purple releases.
  3. Specialty liquor stores – Look for sections labeled “seasonal” or “experimental.” You’ll often find lavender‑infused gin or violet liqueur.

Pro tip: If you find a brand you love, hit up their website and ask about a custom beer collaboration. Nothing says “I’m a boss” like a private label purple brew.

Conclusion: Stop Pretending You’re Not Obsessed

Let’s be honest—your love affair with purple alcoholic drinks is the most authentic thing you’ve got going on. Whether you’re sipping a Lavender Gin & Tonic while scrolling through memes or launching a boutique purple beer brand that will make your competitors weep, you’re living your best adult life.

So go ahead, post that photo, tag your friends, and maybe even start a hashtag like #PurpleSipClub. And if you’re ready to turn that hobby into a hustle, you know where to click. Contact us today, and let’s make your brand the purple unicorn of the beverage world.

Ready to dominate the purple scene? Click, sip, repeat.

Published
Categorized as Insights

By Louis Pasteur

Louis Pasteur is a passionate researcher and writer dedicated to exploring the science, culture, and craftsmanship behind the world’s finest beers and beverages. With a deep appreciation for fermentation and innovation, Louis bridges the gap between tradition and technology. Celebrating the art of brewing while uncovering modern strategies that shape the alcohol industry. When not writing for Strategies.beer, Louis enjoys studying brewing techniques, industry trends, and the evolving landscape of global beverage markets. His mission is to inspire brewers, brands, and enthusiasts to create smarter, more sustainable strategies for the future of beer.

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