This bright and breezy Blue Ocean cocktail is like a tropical vacation in a glass. With its electric blue color and sweet citrusy flavor, it’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings, beach-themed parties, or just unwinding after a long day. I’ve made this drink countless times—especially during summer barbecues—and it never fails to impress. It’s easy to shake up, looks stunning, and tastes like sunshine.
Blue Ocean
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Hurricane glass (or a tall highball glass)
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) blue curaçao — this citrusy liqueur gives the drink its signature color
– 1 oz (30 ml) coconut rum — adds a tropical twist
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice — for sweetness and a fruity base
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice — to balance the sweetness with a little zing
– Ice — enough to fill your shaker and glass
– Fresh fruit for garnish — pineapple slice or orange wheel works great
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, blue curaçao, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and lemon juice.
- Put the lid on and give it a good shake—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill your hurricane or highball glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top it off with your chosen garnish—a pineapple wedge or orange wheel adds the perfect tropical flair.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh juice whenever possible. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice really brightens up the drink.
– If your pineapple juice is too sweet, add a splash more lemon juice to balance things out.
– Don’t skip the garnish—it’s not just pretty, it adds aroma and flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
This cocktail is best made fresh. If you’re prepping for a party, you can mix the vodka, blue curaçao, coconut rum, and juices ahead of time and chill it in the fridge (without ice). Just give it a good shake before serving over fresh ice. Store any leftover mix (without ice) in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Substitutions
– No vodka? Try white rum for a smoother, more laid-back flavor.
– Can’t find blue curaçao? Blue raspberry syrup (for a non-alcoholic version) or a splash of triple sec with blue food coloring can stand in.
– Mango juice instead of pineapple? Go for it—it’ll make the drink a little sweeter and even more tropical.
Serving Suggestions
The Blue Ocean pairs wonderfully with light, tropical dishes. Here are a few ideas:
Grilled Shrimp
The sweet, citrusy notes of the cocktail match beautifully with smoky, lightly seasoned shrimp.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Toss together pineapple, mango, kiwi, and berries for a refreshing side that mirrors the cocktail’s flavors.
Coconut Rice
Creamy, slightly sweet coconut rice enhances the coconut rum and rounds out a beachy meal.
Why It Works
The Blue Ocean gets its brilliant color from blue curaçao, a liqueur made from the dried peel of the Laraha fruit—a bitter citrus grown on the island of Curaçao. It tastes a bit like orange peel, which blends well with pineapple and coconut. The vodka gives the drink a little kick without overpowering the tropical flavors, while lemon juice adds just the right amount of acidity to keep it from being too sweet.
My Go-To Cocktail for Summer Nights
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. I love how easy it is to make, and the color always gets a reaction. One tip I’ve learned: don’t overdo the blue curaçao—too much can make the drink cloying. Stick with the measurements, and you’ll get a perfectly balanced sip every time.
Variations to Try
Blue Lagoon
– Vodka
– Blue curaçao
– Lemonade
Shake with ice and garnish with a lemon slice. It’s lighter and a bit more citrus-forward.
Ocean Breeze
– Rum
– Blue curaçao
– Pineapple juice
– Coconut cream
Blend with ice for a frozen version that’s rich and creamy.
Blue Hawaiian
– Light rum
– Blue curaçao
– Pineapple juice
– Coconut cream
Shake and serve over ice in a tall glass for a creamy tropical classic.
Virgin Blue Ocean
– Coconut water
– Blue raspberry syrup
– Pineapple juice
– Splash of lemon juice
Shake with ice and serve like the original. It’s kid-friendly and still full of beachy flavor.
FAQs
What makes it blue?
Blue curaçao, a citrusy liqueur dyed a brilliant blue, gives the drink its vibrant color.
Can I make it alcohol-free?
Yes! Use coconut water and blue raspberry syrup in place of the spirits.
What’s the best garnish?
A fresh pineapple wedge or orange wheel adds both color and a hint of aroma.
Is it sweet?
Yes, it’s sweet with citrusy notes, but the lemon juice helps balance it out.
Can I use other juices?
Absolutely. Try mango or passion fruit juice for a twist.
What kind of rum works best?
Coconut rum is ideal, but white or light rum also works if you want something less sweet.
Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or shaking a batch for friends, the Blue Ocean is a sure way to bring sunny, laid-back vibes to any occasion. Serve it cold, garnish with something tropical, and enjoy the mini escape in every sip.
