The Deep Blue Sea cocktail is a showstopper in every sense—bright, bold, and bursting with tropical flavor. With its eye-catching blue hue and refreshing citrusy punch, it’s the kind of drink that instantly puts you in vacation mode. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or just winding down after a long day, this cocktail brings a splash of sunshine to your glass.
Deep Blue Sea
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio—easy to make, fun to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball (or Martini for a fancier look)
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) blue curaçao
– 2 oz (60 ml) sweet and sour mix
– 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice
– Splash of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: orange twist, cherry, or edible flower
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, blue curaçao, sweet and sour mix, and pineapple juice.
- Shake it well—about 10–15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels nice and cold.
- Fill a chilled highball glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top it off with a splash of lemon-lime soda and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with an orange twist or cherry if you’d like. Serve immediately.
Tips & Notes
– Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring—it keeps the drink cooler longer.
– Don’t skip the shake! It helps blend the flavors and adds a slight frothiness that feels just right.
– If you’re making this for a group, batch the base (everything but the soda) in a pitcher and keep it in the fridge. Add soda and ice just before serving.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
– Vodka: Swap with coconut rum for a tropical twist.
– Sweet and Sour Mix: Use fresh lemon or lime juice (1 oz/30 ml) with ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup for a fresher flavor.
– Blue Curaçao: For a non-alcoholic version, use blueberry syrup or blue sports drink.
– Lemon-lime soda: Try ginger ale or flavored sparkling water for a different kind of fizz.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can mix the vodka, blue curaçao, sweet and sour mix, and pineapple juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just wait to add the soda until you’re ready to serve so it stays bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
Grilled Seafood
The citrusy notes in the drink complement shrimp, scallops, or grilled fish. Think beachside BBQ vibes.
Spicy Snacks
The sweetness in the cocktail helps balance heat—try it with spicy chicken wings, jalapeño poppers, or Thai spring rolls.
Fresh Fruit
Serve it with a fruit platter of melon, pineapple, and berries for a refreshing combo.
I’ve made this drink countless times—here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: don’t overdo the blue curaçao. It’s tempting, but too much can overpower the balance and turn your drink a murky green instead of that beautiful ocean blue.
Variations to Try
Tropical Storm
– Replace pineapple juice with mango nectar.
– Add a slice of mango or a lime wheel for garnish.
Arctic Ocean
– Add ½ oz (15 ml) coconut cream.
– Gently float it on top for a creamy, “sea foam” look.
Midnight Wave
– Add a shot of espresso for a bold twist.
– Pour over the finished cocktail for a dramatic layered effect.
Virgin Deep Blue Sea (Non-Alcoholic)
– Mix 1 oz (30 ml) blueberry syrup, 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice, and top with lemon-lime soda.
– Add a splash of pineapple juice if you want more tropical flavor.
Storage
If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store the base mixture (without soda) in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one day. Give it a quick shake before serving and add soda fresh.
FAQs
When’s the best time to enjoy this cocktail?
Anytime you need a mini-vacation in a glass—summer parties, beach days, or just relaxing at home.
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need. Combine everything except the soda in a pitcher, chill, and add soda and ice right before serving.
Is it really sweet?
It leans sweet, but you can dial it back. Use fresh citrus juice instead of sweet and sour mix, or reduce the amount of soda.
How do I get that perfect blue color?
Use a good-quality blue curaçao and stick to the measurements. Too much can turn it greenish.
Can I skip the alcohol?
Yes! Use blueberry syrup or blue sports drink, citrus juice, and soda for a refreshing mocktail.
Any citrus-free options?
Try cranberry juice or pomegranate syrup in place of citrus. It’ll change the flavor, but still taste great and keep the fun color.
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This cocktail is all about fun, flavor, and that wow factor when it hits the glass. Whether you’re sipping solo or shaking up a round for friends, the Deep Blue Sea is a drink that brings a little magic with every pour.
