The Blue Whale is one of those cocktails that just feels like vacation in a glass. With its bold blue color and a bright mix of citrus and tropical flavors, it’s the kind of drink you’ll want to sip on a sunny afternoon or serve at your next backyard get-together. I’ve made this drink countless times-it’s a favorite for summer nights with friends. It’s easy to make, and even easier to love.
Blue Whale
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass Type: Highball or Collins
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) blue curaçao
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– Soda water, to top
– Ice
– Orange slice or maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, blue curaçao, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold. That’s your sign it’s nicely chilled.
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry. Either one adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of fruitiness.
Tips & Notes
– Use fresh lemon juice-bottled won’t give you that bright, zesty kick.
– Shake it well so everything blends smoothly and chills evenly.
– Don’t overdo the soda water; just a splash keeps it light without watering it down.
– Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved. You can store it in the fridge for up to a month.
– Want to make it ahead? Mix everything except the soda water and ice. Store in the fridge, then shake and top with soda when you’re ready to serve.
Substitutions
– Swap vodka with white rum for a slightly sweeter, tropical base.
– Use agave syrup or honey instead of simple syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners.
– Tonic water works as a fizzy topper if you like a little bitterness.
– No blue curaçao? Try triple sec with a drop of blue food coloring-but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
What It Tastes Like
The Blue Whale is bright and citrusy with a hint of sweetness. You’ll taste lemon up front, balanced by the smooth orange flavor from the blue curaçao. Vodka keeps the base clean, letting the fruity notes shine. It’s crisp, slightly sweet, and super refreshing.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work cocktails because this one always hits the spot-especially when I’m unwinding on the porch with a breeze and some good music.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve it ice-cold with a fresh garnish.
– Great for parties-just multiply the recipe and mix a batch in a pitcher (add soda water just before serving).
– Looks amazing with a tropical fruit skewer if you’re feeling festive.
Perfect Pairings
– Seafood: Think shrimp skewers, fish tacos, or ceviche-the citrus in the drink brings out the freshness.
– Grilled chicken: The char from the grill plays well with the cocktail’s sweet-tart balance.
– Fruit salad: Especially with pineapple, mango, or kiwi-it echoes the tropical flavors in the drink.
Variations to Try
Blue Lagoon
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) blue curaçao
– Lemonade, to top
– Serve over ice in a tall glass for a sweeter, fizzier twist.
Blue Hawaiian
– 1 oz (30 ml) light rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) blue curaçao
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) coconut cream
– Blend with ice for a creamy, tropical treat.
Blue Margarita
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) tequila
– 1 oz (30 ml) blue curaçao
– 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– Shake with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass for a citrusy twist on a classic.
Virgin Blue Whale
– 1 oz (30 ml) lemon juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– A drop of blue food coloring
– Soda water, to top
– Skip the alcohol, but keep the fun and flavor.
FAQs
What gives the Blue Whale its color?
Blue curaçao is the magic here-it’s a citrus liqueur with a vibrant blue hue.
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients, mix everything except soda water and ice, and keep chilled until ready to serve.
Is it sweet?
It’s lightly sweet, balanced by the lemon juice. You can adjust the syrup to taste.
What’s the best garnish?
A slice of orange adds color and a hint of flavor. A cherry is a fun, classic touch too.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yes! Just use lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water, and a drop of blue food coloring.
The Blue Whale is easy to make, even easier to enjoy, and always a showstopper thanks to its gorgeous color. Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or serving a crowd, this drink brings a splash of fun to any occasion.
