Whether you’re opening up the backyard pool for the season on lounging by the water during a sunny getaway, there’s nothing quite like having a cool cocktail to sip on while beating the heat by the water.
Some of the best poolside drinks are ones that feature tropical flavors. One common ingredient in such tropical drinks is blue curacao, a bitter orange-flavored liqueur that hails from the Caribbean island of Curaçao. While its bright blue coloring belies its citrusy taste, this color has made blue curacao a mainstay in many tiki drinks and other delicious mixed drinks.
Cupids Blue
A Cupids Blue features an ingredient common to many blue curacao drinks: lemonade. The tart citrus flavor of real lemonade plays well with the somewhat sweeter citrus flavor of blue curacao, and the two combine to create a beautiful aquamarine color. To make a Cupids Blue you’ll need:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz blue curacao
- lemonade
Pour vodka and blue curacao into a highball glass filled with ice. Top off with lemonade and stir until you get an even color, then garnish with a lemon wheel.
Polaroid
This cocktail is a picture-perfect sky blue color and is a great alternative to a Cupids Blue for those who prefer a less saccharine cocktail with a more straightforward flavor profile. To make a Polaroid you’ll want these ingredients:
- 3/4 oz vodka
- 5 oz soda water
- 3/4 oz blue curacao
Simply add all these ingredients to a highball glass filled with ice and stir until the color evens out. Garnish with a sprig of mint leaves.
Blue Andy
The addition of apple juice gives a slightly green tint to the cocktail, making the finished product more teal than aquamarine. To make a Blue Andy you’ll need:
- 1 oz vodka
- 2/3 oz blue curacao
- 2/3 oz apple juice
- lemonade
Into a highball glass filled with ice cubes, add vodka, blue curacao, and apple juice. Stir lightly, then top off with lemonade. Garnish with a lime wedge.
For a more interesting-looking drink with a bit of haze to it, try using unfiltered apple juice.
Alleluja
For the amateur mixologist looking to show off their skills, an Alleluja presents the percent opportunity. This lowball cocktail features one of mixology’s odder ingredients: an egg white. In cocktails, egg whites help to create a smooth, creamy texture while also helping to create a distinct attractive foamy top to the drinks. To make an Alleluja you’ll need:
- 1/2 oz blue curacao
- 1/3 oz egg white
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
- 1 oz tequila blanco
- lemon-lime soda
Add blue curacao, egg white, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and tequila blanco to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled and combined. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon, a maraschino cherry, a sprig of mint leaves, and an orange wedge.
Blue Elephant
This hazy drink features pineapple juice, giving it a piece of one of the most popular tropical flavors out there. To serve up a Blue Elephant, you’ll want these ingredients:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz blue curacao
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with a spear of pineapple.
Libertini
For a martini that packs a tropical punch, a Libertini fits the bill. To make one you’ll need:
- 1 1/3 oz lemon-flavored vodka
- 1/3 oz blue curacao
- 1/3 oz lemon juice
- 1/3 oz melon liqueur
- 1/3 oz pear liqueur
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a twist of orange.
With so many mixes to try, you’re sure to find the perfect blue curacao cocktail to hit the spot.