The Blue Lagoon cocktail is a fun, vibrant drink that’s as refreshing as it looks. Made with vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade, it’s super easy to mix up and full of bright, citrusy flavor—a delicious drink that's perfect for summer sipping.
This eye-catching cocktail was created in the early 1970s at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris by Andy MacElhone, the son of famed bartender Harry MacElhone. Despite sharing a name with the 1980 movie, the drink came first! With just three ingredients, the Blue Lagoon is simple, well-balanced, and guaranteed to liven up any happy hour.
Jump to:
Love fun, blue cocktails? Then check out our AQUA VELVA COCKTAIL RECIPE or our IRISH TRASH CAN DRINK!
Ingredient Notes
There are many versions of this blue cocktail, but the three main ingredients are always the same.
- Vodka - Any plain, unflavored vodka will work well for this recipe.
- Blue Curacao Liqueur - This is a Caribbean liqueur made from the dried peel of the laraha citrus fruit which is then colored blue. I recommend going for a mid to high-end Blue Curacao, like Giffard or Drillaud, for a more authentic orange peel flavor. If you don't have any Blue Curacao, you could swap it out in the recipe for Triple Sec and a few drops of blue food coloring.
- Lemonade - You can use store-bought or homemade lemonade. I like to use a lemonade with a strong lemon flavor to it so that the drink is zesty and flavorful.
See the recipe card below for ingredient list with measurements.
Garnish Suggestions
This bright blue drink can be enjoyed as is and is striking and beautiful without any additions but a garnish can add a little fun to your cocktail. Here are some of my favorite suggestions.
- Lemon slice or wedge
- A cocktail umbrella
- Maraschino cherries
- Edible flowers
- Lemon twist
How to Make a Blue Lagoon Drink
This drink is quick and easy to make. You will only need a jigger for measuring your alcohol and a cocktail shaker.
- STEP ONE: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice cubes.
- STEP TWO: Add the vodka, blue curacao, and lemonade. Shake well for 30 - 60 seconds to ensure the cocktail is well mixed and very cold.
- STEP THREE: Pour into a serving glass and garnish as desired.
Pitcher Variation
It is easy to make and serve this cocktail in a pitcher when catering to a crowd. The ratio should be 1 part vodka, 1 part blue curaçao, and 5 parts lemonade. Just increase the measurements to accommodate your needed serving size.
Simply add the vodka, blue curacao, and lemonade to a large jug or pitcher. Place the pitcher in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Then pour into serving glasses filled with ice and garnish as desired.
Similar Cocktail Variations
- Blended Frozen Blue Lagoon - This variation is when the cocktail ingredients are blended together with ice to create a frozen Blue Lagoon Cocktail. This variation is delicious and refreshing on a warm, sunny day.
- Blue Lagoon Fizz - It is easy to make a sparkling version of this cocktail. Simply swap out the lemonade for sparkling lemonade or lemon-lime soda, like Sprite. This will add a delicious bubbly element to this drink!
- A Tropical Blue Lagoon - A fruity twist on the classic! Add a dash of pineapple juice to your drink to add some tropical fruit flavor. The pineapple and citrus combine well to make a tasty, fruity cocktail.
- Blue Lagoon with Bitters - Adding a few dashes of cocktail bitters to your drink is a great way to add depth of flavor and complexity. This is a great variation for those who prefer a less sweet cocktail!
More Blue Curacao Drinks to Try:
If you have tried this recipe, we would love it if you leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below!
Recipe
Blue Lagoon Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Vodka unflavored
- 1 ounce Blue Curacao
- 5 ounce Lemonade
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice cubes.Ice Cubes
- Add the vodka, blue curacao, and lemonade. Shake well for 30 - 60 seconds to ensure the cocktail is well mixed and very cold.1 ounce Vodka, 1 ounce Blue Curacao, 5 ounce Lemonade
- Pour into a chilled serving glass. Garnish as desired and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can serve this drink with crushed ice or whole ice. Just keep in mind that as the ice melts it will start to slightly dilute the drink.
- To make the cocktail extra frosty and refreshing, place your cocktail glasses in the freezer 30 minutes before making your drink. This ensures that your cocktail stays super cold and doesn't quickly come to room temperature.
- If you don't have any Blue Curacao, you could swap it out in the recipe for Triple Sec and a few drops of blue food coloring.
Leave a Comment