Unicorn Distillery’s Butterfly Pea Vodka begins its journey as a vibrant blue shade, but undergoes a change to purple and then to pink as acid is introduced.

This unique color-changing cocktail steered a sales executive away from the software industry and reignited his interest in the alcohol business.

During a vacation in Victoria, Canada, Rick Hewitt and his now-wife Alaina were welcomed by bartenders with a gin cocktail. “The experience was memorable, and I vividly remember telling myself that this special ingredient needs to find its way in a vodka since not everyone drinks gin,” says Hewitt.

This was back in the autumn of 2018, and upon his return, he began his research into butterfly pea tea, the key ingredient in Empress Gin that caused the cocktail’s color to change.

Hewitt quickly understood that even though Empress and other color changing gins were legally available in the United States, the FDA had not approved butterfly pea tea as an ingredient. A St. Louis-based natural food coloring company, Sensient Food Colors, was petitioning the FDA to permit the usage of this tea for food and drinks. “It has been used for centuries, if not millennia, in the east and was legal to utilize in the U.K., Canada, and other locations, so I knew it would be a question of when, not if, it was approved,” he remarks.

Hewitt continued to experiment with vodka and butterfly pea tea flower, leading to the final approval of butterfly pea tea as an ingredient in September 2021. He then launched Unicorn Distillery in March of 2022. Hewitt characterizes the enterprise as “truly a pandemic project.”

Despite being in software sales when he established Unicorn Distillery, Hewitt had previously founded two craft alcohol brands: Emerald City Beer and Number 6 Cider.

“My passion has always been in beverages,” he says. “That’s why I was like ‘I’m going to be the guy to get this butterfly pea tea into other categories beyond gin.’”

These days, Unicorn Distillery is known for its vodka and tequila creations, uniquely flavored with butterfly pea tea, transforming their color to a vibrant shade of blue; however, with the introduction of acid, it evolves into shades of purple and ultimately, pink. “Unlike other brands that employ butterfly pea tea as mere additions to their gin or tequila, we are fundamentally different,” he adds.

Unicorn’s signature is the butterfly pea tea, marking us distinct from a tequila or gin brand, said the brand rep, emphasizing the novelty factor and intrigue of color-changing cocktails that their brand introduces to the consumer market.

Initially launched with distribution in Washington, Unicorn Distillery’s footprints have since expanded to Idaho, California, and Arizona. Future plans include making the product available to the markets of Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, following a productive round of talks with potential distributors.

Unicorn vodka and tequila are now available on Princess Cruises, and they are planning to extend their services to ships throughout the fleet. The color change effect seems to be a hit among consumers, enhancing the merriment for their guests. For a closer look at the enchanting Unicorn spirits, visit here.

Alaina, before the drink had a designated name, served it from transparent bottles to her close-knit group. The term ‘unicorn vodka’ was coined by her friend Mary. This spontaneous naming reaction was deemed significant as Mary represented their target audience.

Both Alaina and Hewitt found the unicorn label quite apt as they’ve had past experiences working with swiftly growing West Coast tech start-ups, also designated as ‘unicorns’. They were part of these companies before they went public and burgeoned into big brands. In Hewitt’s words, “‘Unicorn’ symbolizes embracing individuality and relentlessly pursuing one’s passions, undeterred by the prospect of altering the world. If we can bring about innovation in vodka and tequila performances, you can surely bring about transformation in your domain. We are determined to endorse innovation across the U.S.”