Cool, citrusy, and just the right amount of creamy—this Frost Bite cocktail has become one of my summer staples. It’s light, refreshing, and has a striking blue hue that always gets compliments. I’ve made this drink countless times, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tips that make it even better. If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s both easy to make and full of flavor, this one’s a keeper.
Frost Bite
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Highball glass (or a martini glass if you want a fancier look)
Make-Ahead: You can mix the tequila, Blue Curaçao, coconut cream, and lime juice ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake with ice when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) tequila
– 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) cream of coconut
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Optional garnish: lime wheel or fresh mint sprig
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop it in the freezer while you prep everything else. A cold glass keeps the drink crisp longer.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, Blue Curaçao, cream of coconut, and lime juice. Use fresh lime juice if you can—it really makes a difference.
- Shake it up. Shake hard for about 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty. That’s your sign it’s nice and cold.
- Strain into your chilled glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of soda water for a little fizz and lift.
- Garnish. Add a lime wheel or a sprig of mint for a fresh finish. It looks great and adds a nice aroma when you take a sip.
Tips for a Great Frost Bite
– Fresh is best: Use freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled versions can taste dull or overly acidic.
– Adjust the sweetness: If you find it too sweet, reduce the cream of coconut slightly or add a bit more lime juice.
– Make it lighter: Swap the cream of coconut for light coconut milk to cut down on richness.
– No tequila? White rum works beautifully here too.
– Want a different color? Try grenadine instead of Blue Curaçao for a pink twist.
What It Tastes Like
It’s cool and citrusy with just the right creamy balance. You get the tang from the lime, the tropical sweetness from coconut, and a smooth kick from tequila. The Blue Curaçao adds a subtle orange flavor and that eye-catching color. Every sip feels like a mini vacation.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is perfect for:
– Backyard BBQs
– Poolside lounging
– Brunch with friends
– A refreshing after-dinner drink (that’s when I love it most)
What to Serve with a Frost Bite
The flavors in this drink pair well with:
Grilled Shrimp or Fish Tacos
The smoky char from the grill complements the citrusy notes in the cocktail.
Spicy Appetizers
Think jalapeño poppers or spicy salsa—the Frost Bite cools things down with every sip.
Fresh Fruit
Tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, or watermelon really bring out the coconut and lime in the drink.
Variations to Try
Winter Chill
– Swap Blue Curaçao for peppermint schnapps
– Garnish with crushed candy cane for a festive look
Summer Breeze
– Add a splash of pineapple juice
– Serve over crushed ice for a slushie-style treat
Autumn Sunset
– Replace soda water with a splash of apple cider
– Add a pinch of cinnamon
– Garnish with a thin apple slice
Virgin Frost Bite
– Skip the alcohol
– Mix cream of coconut, lime juice, a splash of soda, and a drop of blue food coloring
– Garnish with mint for a refreshing mocktail
Storage Notes
– You can mix the cocktail (minus the soda water) and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake with ice and top with soda water when serving.
– Don’t store the drink with soda water mixed in—it’ll go flat.
FAQs
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. Combine everything except the soda water in a pitcher. Chill, then shake individual servings with ice and top with soda when ready.
What if I don’t have Blue Curaçao?
You can use triple sec or orange liqueur and add a drop of blue food coloring if you still want that signature color.
Is this drink only for summer?
Not at all! It’s great year-round. I love making it in winter when I’m dreaming of sunshine.
Can I use coconut milk instead of cream of coconut?
Yes, but it won’t be as sweet or creamy. You may want to add a splash of simple syrup or honey to balance it out.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s refreshing, colorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re mixing up a single glass or a whole pitcher, the Frost Bite is one of those easy cocktails that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Give it a try—you’ll see what I mean.
