Blue Curaçao, with its bright blue color and sweet orange flavor, can transform ordinary drinks into eye-catching creations.
This versatile liqueur pairs well with many spirits including vodka, gin, and tequila, making it a favorite for bartenders and home mixologists alike.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply want to add a splash of color to your cocktail hour, Blue Curaçao cocktails offer a fun twist to traditional drinks.
From classic recipes like the Blue Hawaiian to creative concoctions like the Blue Eyed Martini, these vibrant blue beverages not only look impressive but also deliver refreshing flavors perfect for any occasion.
1. Blue Hawaiian
The Blue Hawaiian is a tropical cocktail known for its vibrant blue color and refreshing taste. This summer essential combines rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.
To make this drink, you’ll need coconut rum, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice. Some recipes use regular rum with cream of coconut instead of coconut rum.
The cocktail is typically served over crushed ice and garnished with fresh pineapple and a maraschino cherry. Its bright blue color comes from the blue curaçao liqueur.
This drink perfectly captures the essence of a tropical paradise, making it ideal for summer parties or anytime you want to feel like you’re on vacation.
2. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon cocktail is a refreshing blue-colored drink that’s easy to make at home. You need vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade or Sprite.
Pour 1.5 oz vodka and 0.75 oz blue curaçao into a hurricane glass filled with ice. Top with lemonade or Sprite and give it a gentle stir.
The beautiful blue color makes this cocktail perfect for summer parties or beach-themed events. You can garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry for an extra touch.
This classic cocktail has been popular since the 1970s. Its sweet, citrusy flavor appeals to many people who enjoy fruity drinks.
3. Midnight Kiss
The Midnight Kiss is an elegant blue cocktail perfect for special occasions. It combines vodka, blue curaçao, and champagne for a striking appearance and refreshing taste.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz blue curaçao, and a splash of lemon juice (about 0.25 oz). Shake these ingredients with ice, then strain into a sugar-rimmed champagne flute.
Top with champagne or sparkling wine to complete the drink. Garnish with a maraschino cherry for a pop of color contrast against the blue.
For a variation, you can add a small amount of cranberry juice which works well with the citrus flavors.
4. Bikini Martini
The Bikini Martini is a vibrant blue cocktail that brings tropical vibes to your glass. This refreshing drink combines gin, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, and fresh lemon juice.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 30ml of London Dry Gin, 22.5ml of peach liqueur (or peach schnapps), 15ml of blue curaçao, and 22.5ml of fresh lemon juice.
This colorful martini variation stands out at parties with its eye-catching blue hue. The combination of peach sweetness and citrus tartness creates a balanced flavor profile that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
You can garnish your Bikini Martini with a lemon twist or a small slice of peach for an extra touch of elegance.
5. Electric Blue Margarita
The Electric Blue Margarita is a vibrant twist on the classic margarita. It gets its striking blue color from blue curaçao, an orange-flavored liqueur.
To make this eye-catching cocktail, you’ll need tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, and simple syrup. Some recipes also include triple sec or a dash of sour mix for added flavor.
Combine 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of blue curaçao, 1 ounce of lime juice, and a bit of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
This refreshing blue drink is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want to impress guests with a colorful cocktail.
6. Blue Daiquiri
The Blue Daiquiri is a colorful twist on the classic rum cocktail. It combines white rum, blue curaçao, lime juice, and simple syrup for a refreshing drink with eye-catching appeal.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 2 ounces of light rum, 1 ounce of blue curaçao, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
Some variations add lemon juice alongside the lime for extra citrus notes. Others include egg white for a frothy top layer, similar to a classic sour.
You can garnish your Blue Daiquiri with a lime wedge for a simple but elegant presentation.
7. Envy
The Envy cocktail is a striking blue-green drink that catches everyone’s eye. It combines silver tequila, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice to create a tropical sensation.
To make this cocktail, fill a shaker with ice and add 1½ oz of blanco tequila, 1 oz of blue curaçao, and ½ oz of pineapple juice. Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a martini glass for an elegant presentation. The vibrant color makes it perfect for summer gatherings or tropical-themed parties.
You can garnish with a pineapple wedge or a lemon twist to add a final touch to this simple yet impressive drink.
8. Big Easy
The Big Easy is a simple yet flavorful blue cocktail. To make it, you’ll need blue curaçao, rum, and lemon juice.
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add blue curaçao, rum, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Shake the mixture well until chilled. Strain it into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
For the finishing touch, top the drink with a splash of soda water. This adds a gentle fizz that complements the sweet-tart flavor profile.
The Big Easy offers a beautiful blue color that’s sure to impress your guests. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or tropical-themed parties.
9. Seven Seas Martini
The Seven Seas Martini is a beautiful blue cocktail that will transport you to a tropical paradise. This strong drink combines equal parts of Amaretto, Malibu Rum, and Blue Curaçao.
To complete the recipe, add 1½ parts pineapple juice. The result is a sweet, tropical flavor with the nutty notes of Amaretto balanced by coconut rum.
The striking blue color makes this cocktail perfect for summer parties or beach-themed events. It’s both visually impressive and delicious.
You can garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry to enhance its tropical appeal.
10. Blue Coconut Wave
The Blue Coconut Wave is a refreshing tropical cocktail that combines the vibrant blue of curaçao with coconut flavors. To make this drink, you’ll need mint leaves, lime wedges, lemonade, coconut syrup, and blue curaçao.
Start by muddling mint leaves with lime wedges in a glass. Add 1 oz of lemonade, ½ oz coconut syrup, ½ oz toasted marshmallow syrup, and ½ oz vodka.
Pour in 1½ oz of Blue Curaçao and stir gently. The result is a beautiful blue cocktail with tropical coconut flavors that’s perfect for summer gatherings or beach-themed parties.
This eye-catching drink offers a pleasant balance of sweet coconut and citrus notes with a hint of mint freshness.
11. Crimean Cocktail
The Crimean Cocktail is a refreshing mix that balances sweet and sour flavors perfectly. According to Senior Curaçao Liqueur, this drink combines their Genuine Orange Curaçao with dry white wine and lime juice.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1 part Orange Curaçao, 1 part dry white wine, ¾ part lime juice, and ½ part simple syrup. Mix these ingredients with ice, then top with tonic water.
Serve your Crimean Cocktail in a tall glass with ice and garnish with a lime wedge. The bright citrus notes complement the wine beautifully, creating a sophisticated drink that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
12. Blue Margarita
The Blue Margarita adds a colorful twist to the classic cocktail with the addition of blue curaçao. This vibrant drink combines tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, and simple syrup or agave nectar.
To make this eye-catching cocktail, mix 1.5 oz of silver tequila with 1 oz of blue curaçao and 1 oz of fresh lime juice. Add ice and shake well until chilled.
You can serve your Blue Margarita in a salt-rimmed glass for the traditional experience. The bright blue color makes it perfect for summer parties or beach-themed events.
This refreshing drink balances the citrus flavors with the sweetness of the blue curaçao while maintaining the classic margarita taste you love.
13. Purple Haze
The Purple Haze is a vibrant cocktail that gets its enchanting color from blue curaçao and cranberry juice. Its magical appearance makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need vodka, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime juice. Some variations include grenadine and Sprite for added sweetness.
Mix 1-2 oz of vodka with 1 oz of blue curaçao in a shaker with ice. Add 1-2 oz of cranberry juice and a squeeze of fresh lime. Shake well and strain into a glass.
For extra flair, rim your glass with purple sugar. Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime.
14. Tropical Coconut Wave
The Tropical Coconut Wave is a refreshing blue cocktail that combines sweet and citrus flavors. This vibrant drink features mint leaves, lime wedges, and a mix of syrups for a tropical taste experience.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need mint leaves, lime wedges, lemonade, coconut syrup, and toasted marshmallow syrup. The alcoholic components include vodka and Blue Curaçao, which gives it that stunning blue color.
The drink balances the coconut flavor with citrus notes from the lime and lemonade. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or beach parties when you want something refreshing with tropical flair.
15. Blue Leilani
The Blue Leilani is an excellent tropical cocktail that features Blue Curaçao as one of its star ingredients. This drink brings a taste of the tropics to your glass with its stunning blue color.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need Blue Curaçao, which gives the drink its signature blue hue. The combination creates a refreshing flavor profile that’s perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you want a tropical escape.
The Blue Leilani appears in the Tropical Standard cocktail guide and has been confirmed by mixologists to be a truly exceptional drink. Its balanced flavors make it stand out among other Blue Curaçao cocktails.
16. Berry Much 4th of July
The Berry Much cocktail is a sophisticated drink perfect for your 4th of July celebration. This patriotic cocktail combines cranberry juice cocktail with raspberry vodka for a red layer.
Blue Curacao provides a striking blue color that contrasts beautifully with the red. Club soda or 7-Up adds fizz and helps create distinct layers in the glass.
To make this festive drink, carefully pour ingredients over the back of a spoon to maintain separation between colors. The result is a balanced, eye-catching cocktail that will impress your guests during summer celebrations.
17. Orange Swing
The Orange Swing is a refreshing cocktail featuring Orange Curaçao as its star ingredient. This drink stands out with its simple yet elegant preparation.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need Orange Curaçao, ice, and Ginger Ale.
First, add Orange Curaçao to a shaker filled with ice and shake well. This step helps chill the liqueur properly.
Next, take your glass and add some ice cubes. Strain the chilled Orange Curaçao into the glass.
Finally, top it off with Ginger Ale for a fizzy finish.
The combination creates a balanced sweet and spicy flavor profile that makes it perfect for warm afternoons or casual gatherings.
18. Blue Mojito
The Blue Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. It combines the traditional mint and lime flavors with blue curaçao for a stunning ocean-blue appearance.
To make this eye-catching drink, you’ll need white rum, blue curaçao, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, and soda water.
The blue curaçao adds a sweet orange flavor that complements the tartness of the lime.
This cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings and poolside parties. The vibrant blue color makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
You can garnish your Blue Mojito with fresh mint leaves and a lime wheel for an extra touch of freshness.
19. Sparkling Mai Tai
The Sparkling Mai Tai is a refreshing twist on the classic tiki cocktail. It combines rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange curaçao with a bubbly finish.
To make this drink, mix rum (you can use a combination of blended age rum and overproof rum), fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, and blue curaçao in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled halfway with crushed ice.
Top with sparkling wine or club soda for that signature fizz. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig for a tropical presentation.
This sparkling version brightens the traditional Mai Tai while maintaining its complex flavor profile.
20. Dushi Tamarèin
The Dushi Tamarèin is a unique cocktail created during Siman di Kultura, a special cultural week on the island of Curaçao. Its name features the word “Dushi,” which is a local Papiamento term often used to describe something sweet or nice.
This fruity drink showcases Senior Tamarind Liqueur as its star ingredient. To make it, you’ll need 1½ parts Senior Tamarind Liqueur, 1 part passion fruit juice, ½ part lime juice, and ½ part vodka.
Combine all ingredients with ice cubes and shake well.
Serve in a chilled glass and garnish with a lime slice and mint leaves for a refreshing tropical cocktail that celebrates Curaçao’s local flavors.
21. Orange Margarita
The Orange Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. It adds blue curaçao to the mix, creating a beautiful orange-hued drink despite the blue color of the liqueur.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need silver tequila, blue curaçao, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar.
Combine about 5 ounces of tequila with 2½ ounces of blue curaçao and 8 ounces of lime juice.
Add 2 ounces of agave nectar to taste. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass with a salt or sugar rim if desired.
This bright cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you want a citrusy twist on a classic margarita.
Origins of Blue Curacao
Blue Curacao comes from a rich tradition of liqueur making, with its distinctive color becoming a bartender’s favorite for vibrant cocktails. This sweet, orange-flavored liqueur has a fascinating history tied to a small Caribbean island and has evolved through specific production methods.
History of Blue Curacao
Blue Curacao originated from the island of Curacao in the Caribbean. The liqueur is made from the dried peels of the Laraha citrus fruit, a bitter orange that grows on the island. These fruits evolved from Valencia oranges brought by Spanish explorers in the 1500s.
The original Curacao liqueur was actually clear or slightly golden, not blue. According to search results, the blue color was a later addition to make it visually distinctive. Some sources credit Bols, the Dutch spirits brand, with creating blue Curacao in the 1920s, while others attribute it to Senior Curacao of Curacao, a long-established producer.
The vibrant blue color became popular for cocktails during the mid-20th century, especially in tropical and tiki drinks. It gained worldwide popularity for its ability to create visually striking beverages.
Production Process
The production of Blue Curacao begins with harvesting and drying the peels of the Laraha fruit. These bitter orange peels contain essential oils that give the liqueur its distinctive citrus flavor.
The dried peels are soaked in a neutral spirit to extract these essential oils in a process called maceration. Manufacturers then add sugar and other ingredients to create the sweet, orange-flavored base liqueur.
The signature blue color comes from adding artificial food coloring to the clear orange liqueur. Despite its bright blue appearance, Blue Curacao still tastes like orange, not berry or blue fruit as some might expect.
Modern Blue Curacao typically contains 15-40% alcohol by volume, depending on the brand. The liqueur is often used in small quantities in cocktails, where its sweet orange flavor and eye-catching color enhance drinks like the Blue Hawaii and Blue Lagoon.
Pairing Blue Curacao with Other Flavors
Blue Curacao’s orange flavor adds a unique twist to cocktails while creating stunning visual appeal. The liqueur works well with various spirits and mixers, allowing for creative and flavorful combinations.
Complementary Liquors
Blue Curacao pairs exceptionally well with clear spirits. Vodka creates a clean base that lets the orange flavor shine through in drinks like the Blue Lagoon.
Rum and Blue Curacao make a tropical combination that’s perfect for beach-inspired cocktails.
Tequila works beautifully with Blue Curacao in blue margaritas, where the citrus notes complement each other. Mezcal adds a smoky dimension that contrasts nicely with the sweet orange flavor.
Gin’s botanical profile creates complex flavor combinations when mixed with Blue Curacao. The herbal notes of gin and the citrus of Curacao create balanced, sophisticated drinks.
For those who enjoy whiskey, lighter options like Irish whiskey or Canadian whisky can work well with small amounts of Blue Curacao for color and a hint of orange.
Fruit and Herb Combinations
Citrus fruits naturally enhance Blue Curacao’s orange flavor. Lime juice is the most common pairing, adding brightness and balancing sweetness in drinks like Blue Hawaiians and blue margaritas.
Pineapple juice and Blue Curacao create a tropical flavor profile that’s refreshing and sweet. This combination works well in punch-style drinks and coladas.
Peach flavors, whether from fresh fruit or peach liqueurs, complement the orange notes in Blue Curacao. Try this pairing for a summery twist on classic cocktails.
Coconut cream or milk softens Blue Curacao’s intensity while creating creamy tropical drinks. This combination is perfect for frozen cocktails.
Herbs like mint or basil can add freshness and complexity. Muddle these herbs gently before adding Blue Curacao and other ingredients for an aromatic dimension to your blue drinks.
