Blue Lagoon
Dive into the vibrant, electric blue of the Blue Lagoon cocktail. This visually stunning drink is a refreshing blend of vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade, delivering a sweet, citrusy taste with a tropical vibe. Perfect for summer parties, poolside lounging, or anytime you need a colourful escape, the Blue Lagoon is incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Its iconic colour and simple flavour profile have made it a popular choice since the 1970s.
Ingredients
- 4.5 cl vodka
- 3 cl blue curaçao
- 1.5 cl lemon juice
- bottles soda water
- 1 slice orange
- 1 piece maraschino cherry
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 highball glass
Instructions
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
Add vodka, blue curaçao, and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold (about 15-20 seconds).
Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass filled with fresh ice.
Top up the glass with soda water (or lemonade).
Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Trivia
- What does a Blue Lagoon cocktail taste like?
A Blue Lagoon cocktail has a predominantly sweet and citrusy flavour profile. The blue curaçao provides orange notes and sweetness, balanced by the tartness of lemon juice (or lemonade). The vodka provides the alcoholic base without overpowering the other flavours, resulting in a refreshing, fruity, and slightly tart tropical drink.
- What alcohol is in a Blue Lagoon?
The primary spirits in a Blue Lagoon are vodka and blue curaçao. Vodka serves as the neutral base spirit, while blue curaçao, an orange-flavoured liqueur dyed blue, provides both flavour and the cocktail's signature colour.
- Why is the Blue Lagoon cocktail blue?
The Blue Lagoon gets its striking blue colour from the Blue Curaçao liqueur used in the recipe. Curaçao is traditionally an orange-flavoured liqueur made from the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit. The blue colour is artificial but creates the cocktail's iconic, vibrant appearance reminiscent of tropical waters.
- How do you make a Blue Lagoon drink?
To make a Blue Lagoon, combine vodka, blue curaçao, and lemon juice in an ice-filled shaker. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top the mixture with soda water or lemonade, and garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
- Is a Blue Lagoon cocktail strong?
The strength of a Blue Lagoon depends on the specific proportions used, particularly the amount of vodka and the mixer (lemonade/soda). Generally, it's considered a moderately strong cocktail, comparable to other highball drinks like a Vodka Soda or a Screwdriver. The sweetness can sometimes mask the alcohol content, so it's best enjoyed responsibly.
- What is the difference between a Blue Lagoon and a Blue Hawaiian?
While both are blue, tropical cocktails, the Blue Lagoon and Blue Hawaiian have different base spirits and flavour profiles. A Blue Lagoon uses vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade/lemon juice, giving it a citrusy taste. A Blue Hawaiian typically uses rum (often light rum), blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and sometimes cream of coconut, resulting in a creamier, pineapple-coconut flavour.