This bold, fruity cocktail is a fan favorite at tailgates and game-day parties-and once you try it, you’ll see why. The Husker Blackout is sweet, citrusy, and just a little showy with its eye-catching layers. It’s perfect for warm evenings, backyard barbecues, or anytime you want a drink that’s as fun to look at as it is to sip. I’ve made this drink countless times for friends during college football season, and I thought I’d share the version that gets the most cheers.
Husker Blackout
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Glassware: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
– 4 oz (120 ml) lemonade (fresh is best)
– ½ oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Ice – enough to fill the glass
– Optional garnish: lemon slice or maraschino cherry
Method
- Fill a highball glass to the top with ice. A tall glass helps show off the layers.
- Pour in the vodka, then add the Blue Curaçao. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Slowly pour in the lemonade. If you’re using fresh lemonade, you’ll really notice the difference here-it brightens the whole drink.
- Now for the fun part: drizzle the grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon just above the surface of the drink. It’ll sink and create that signature layered look.
- Top with a lemon slice or cherry if you like. It adds a pop of color and a little flair.
Tips for Success
– Pour grenadine slowly-too fast and it’ll mix instead of layering.
– Use cold lemonade so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly and water things down.
– If you don’t have Blue Curaçao, try a different fruit liqueur like raspberry or blackberry for a twist.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can pre-mix the vodka, Blue Curaçao, and lemonade in a pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just wait to add the grenadine and ice until serving so you don’t lose the layered look.
Storage
This drink is best made fresh, but if you’ve got leftover mixed base (vodka, Blue Curaçao, lemonade), keep it chilled in a sealed container. Use within 1 day for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs great with party food. Here are a few of my go-to matches:
Grilled Chicken
The smoky char from the grill plays nicely with the sweet and citrusy notes of the drink.
Spicy Tacos
That heat from the spice is cooled down perfectly by the fruity, refreshing sips of a Husker Blackout.
Fresh Fruit Salad
The light, juicy flavors echo the cocktail’s tropical vibe and make for a super refreshing combo.
Variations to Try
I’ve played around with this recipe a lot over the years. Here are a few fun spins:
Husker Sunset
– Swap the lemonade for orange juice.
– The orange and grenadine combo gives a beautiful sunrise effect.
Husker Tropical
– Add pineapple juice and coconut rum.
– It leans into a beachy, tropical flavor-perfect for summer BBQs.
Husker Berry
– Replace Blue Curaçao with raspberry liqueur.
– Adds a deeper berry flavor and a rich color.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Use a blue sports drink in place of vodka and Blue Curaçao.
– Keep the lemonade and grenadine for flavor and layering.
– Still fun, just without the booze.
Substitutions
– No vodka? Try white rum for a slightly sweeter kick.
– No Blue Curaçao? Go with triple sec and a splash of blue food coloring.
– Watching sugar? Use a splash of pomegranate juice instead of grenadine, or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
What Makes This Drink Special
The Husker Blackout got its name from the University of Nebraska’s “Blackout” football games, where fans dress in black to support the Cornhuskers. It’s a popular drink at tailgates and college parties, and it’s just as great for casual get-togethers. The vibrant colors and bold taste make it a real crowd-pleaser.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends. It’s one of those drinks that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Mix the vodka, Blue Curaçao, and lemonade in a pitcher. Keep it chilled. Add ice and grenadine when serving.
What does it taste like?
It’s fruity, citrusy, and sweet with a touch of tartness from the lemonade and a rich finish from the grenadine.
Is there a healthier version?
Use less grenadine or a natural pomegranate juice, and opt for sugar-free lemonade.
Why does it layer?
Grenadine is denser than the other ingredients, so it sinks when poured slowly, creating that pretty layered effect.
Can I make a big batch?
Definitely. Just scale up the vodka, Blue Curaçao, and lemonade. Add grenadine individually to each glass for best presentation.
What’s the best glass for this?
A highball glass works best, but a Collins glass is a great backup. The tall shape shows off the color layers.
Whether you’re cheering on your team or just relaxing with friends, the Husker Blackout is one of those drinks that always hits the spot. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite.
