The Blue Lady is one of those cocktails that always turns heads. With its bright, ocean-blue color and citrusy kick, it’s as fun to sip as it is to serve. Think of it as a playful twist on the classic White Lady, but with a splash of color and extra flair. I’ve made this drink countless times-especially for summer gatherings-and it never fails to impress.
Blue Lady
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Martini or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) gin (or vodka for a milder taste)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) blue curaçao (this gives it that bold color)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (or substitute with honey/agave)
– 1 egg white (optional, adds a silky foam layer)
– Ice cubes
Equipment
– Cocktail shaker
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Fine strainer (if using egg white)
– Chilled martini or coupe glass
Method
- Start with a dry shake. Add the gin, blue curaçao, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to your shaker. Shake it well without ice for about 20 seconds. This helps the egg white foam up nicely.
- Add ice and shake again. Toss in a handful of ice cubes and shake again for another 15-20 seconds. You’ll feel the shaker get cold-perfect sign it’s ready.
- Strain and pour. Double strain the cocktail into your chilled martini or coupe glass. This keeps it smooth and frothy on top.
- Garnish (optional). Add a lemon twist or a cherry for a pop of color and extra aroma.
Tips & Tricks
– Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference-bottled juice just doesn’t have the same zing.
– Chill your glass ahead of time. Just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes.
– If you’re skipping the egg white, you can still enjoy a great cocktail-just expect a thinner texture and no foamy top.
– For the simple syrup, you can make your own: just mix equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved. Let it cool before using.
Storage & Make-Ahead
This drink is best made fresh, but you can prep the lemon juice and simple syrup ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Avoid mixing the full drink in advance if you’re using egg white-it loses its fluff quickly.
Substitutions
– Gin → Vodka (for a smoother, more neutral base)
– Simple syrup → Honey or agave syrup (use a little less if using honey-it’s sweeter)
– Egg white → Skip it entirely, or use aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan option
Serving Suggestions
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled shrimp or scallops – The citrus in the drink brings out the sweetness in seafood.
- Cheese boards – Try goat cheese or aged gouda for a savory contrast.
- Fresh fruit salad – Berries and citrus fruits match the drink’s brightness.
Variations to Try
Blueberry Lady
– Use blueberry vodka instead of gin for a fruity twist
– Follow the same steps as the classic recipe
Blue Lagoon
– Mix vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade
– Shake with ice and serve over ice in a highball glass
Blue Margarita
– Swap gin for tequila, and lemon juice for lime juice
– Shake with blue curaçao and simple syrup, and serve in a salt-rimmed glass
Mocktail Version
– Mix 0.5 oz (15 ml) blue curaçao syrup (non-alcoholic), 0.5 oz (15 ml) lemon juice, 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup, and a splash of sparkling water
– Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and enjoy
FAQs
What gives the Blue Lady its color?
Blue curaçao-it’s an orange-flavored liqueur with a brilliant blue hue.
Can I skip the egg white?
Absolutely. It’s there for texture and appearance, not flavor. The drink still tastes great without it.
What’s the best glass to use?
A chilled martini glass looks elegant and keeps the drink cool. A coupe glass is a great alternative.
Is it a strong drink?
It’s moderately strong. The gin and curaçao give it a bold kick, but the lemon juice and syrup balance it out nicely.
How do I make it healthier?
Use natural sweeteners like honey or agave, and stick to fresh lemon juice. You can also reduce the syrup for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Lady is one of those cocktails that feels fancy but is super easy to make at home. Its color makes it fun, and its flavor keeps you coming back. Whether you’re making one for yourself or serving a round at your next get-together, it’s sure to be a hit. Try a variation, pair it with some fresh bites, and enjoy the moment.
