Looking for a colorful kick to your cocktail night? This bright blue Aqua Velva drink is loaded with citrusy flavor and a little herbal twist from the gin. With vodka, gin and blue curacao, it’s a fun, boozy sipper that’s perfect if you like your drinks on the sweet-tart side.
This blue cocktail first popped up in the 1980s. Its name and that bold aqua marine blue hue are inspired by a popular aftershave called Ice Blue Aqua Velva. There’s no official origin story for the drink, but rumor has it that sailors during WWII used to drink the aftershave because of its high alcohol content—yikes! While that’s more myth than fact, this cocktail definitely pays tribute to the aftershave, which used to advertise that it “gives your skin a drink.”
Wherever this drink came from, I think it's perfect to serve on a hot day. The crisp flavor of lemon, lime and orange together make it a good drink for summer gatherings!
If you're looking for more fun drinks featuring blue curacao, check out my Irish Trash Can drink or this moody Black Opal cocktail.
Ingredient Notes
The aqua velva cocktail is made with just a few simple ingredients that combine to create a well-balanced cocktail that is full of zesty, citrus flavor. You will need the following ingredients:
- Vodka - Any plain, unflavored vodka will work for this recipe.
- Gin - Any gin will do, so use your favorite as you will taste all the botanical notes it has to offer.
- Blue Curacao - This orange liqueur not only makes this a tasty citrusy drink, it also provides the bright blue color. I recommend going for a mid to high-end Blue Curacao, like Giffard or Drillaud, for a more authentic orange peel flavor.
- Lemon-lime soda - I usually use Sprite or 7-UP lemon lime soda here. You could also use sparkling lemonade if you prefer. This ingredient really stands out in this cocktail so choose one that you enjoy the flavor of and one that has a strong citrus flavor. You could also make your own by combining lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water!
Garnish Suggestions
The traditional garnish for an Aqua Velva is a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry skewered with a paper umbrella or cocktail stick.
Other garnish options include:
- A lime wedge
- An orange slice
- Just a plain cocktail umbrella
How to Make an Aqua Velva Drink
This fun blue drink is quick and easy to make. It doesn't require any fancy equipment or cocktail-making skills.
- STEP ONE: Fill a tall highball serving glass with ice cubes ¾ of the way full.
- STEP TWO: Add the gin, vodka, and blue curacao to the glass and stir.
- STEP THREE: Top with lemon-lime soda or sparkling lemonade and add a garnish if desired. Serve immediately.
Pitcher Variation
It is easy to make and serve this cocktail in a pitcher when catering to a crowd.
To make a serving for eight, simply add 1 cup vodka, 1 cup gin, and ¾ cup Blue Curacao to a large pitcher. Mix together and then top with 4 cups lemon-lime soda or lemonade. Serve over ice.
Glassware for Serving this Cocktail
This cocktail is typically served in a tall, highball glass over a generous amount of ice.
More vodka cocktail recipes to consider:
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Recipe
Aqua Velva Drink
Equipment
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- 2 ounce Vodka
- 2 ounce Gin
- 1 ½ ounce Blue Curacao
- 6-8 ounces Lemon-Lime Soda or sparkling lemonade
Instructions
- Fill two tall highball serving glasses with ice cubes ¾ of the way full.Ice cubes
- Add the gin, vodka, and blue curacao to the glass and stir.2 ounce Vodka, 2 ounce Gin, 1 ½ ounce Blue Curacao
- Top with lemon-lime soda or sparkling lemonade and add a garnish if desired. Serve immediately.6-8 ounces Lemon-Lime Soda
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