If you’re craving a drink that tastes like sunshine in a glass, Lagoon Punch is it. This colorful, tropical cocktail layers sweet fruit flavors with a splash of coconut and a pop of vibrant blue. It’s a party favorite for good reason-easy to make, fun to serve, and absolutely delicious. I’ve made this drink countless times for backyard BBQs and beach-themed get-togethers, and it never fails to impress. Let me walk you through how to make it your new favorite, too.
Lagoon Punch
What You’ll Need
Servings: 1 drink (easily scaled for a crowd)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) blue curaçao
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) coconut rum
– A splash of grenadine
– Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
– Optional garnish: maraschino cherry, pineapple wedge, or orange slice
Equipment
– Hurricane glass (or a tall highball glass)
– Bar spoon or regular teaspoon (for layering)
– Jigger or measuring shot glass
Method
- Fill your glass all the way with ice. This helps keep the layers separated and the drink nice and cold.
- Pour the blue curaçao over the ice. This goes in first and forms the base of your lagoon look.
- Next, gently add the pineapple juice. To help it float over the blue layer, pour it slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the blue curaçao.
- Now pour in the coconut rum the same way. It’ll mix with the pineapple juice and add that subtle tropical warmth.
- Finally, drizzle a splash of grenadine over the top. It’ll sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful red-to-blue sunset effect.
Tips for Success
– Chill your glass ahead of time-just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes. It’ll help keep the drink colder longer.
– Use fresh pineapple juice if possible. It makes a world of difference in flavor.
– To get those clean layers, pour slowly and don’t skip the spoon trick. It helps control the flow and keeps everything separated.
Make-Ahead Notes
Hosting a crowd? You can mix the pineapple juice and coconut rum together in a pitcher a few hours ahead. Store it in the fridge. Just layer each drink individually when you’re ready to serve so the colors stay distinct.
Substitutions & Variations
Non-Alcoholic Version:
– Use blueberry syrup instead of blue curaçao.
– Swap coconut rum for coconut water or coconut-flavored soda.
– Use pomegranate juice in place of grenadine for a slightly tart finish.
Other Fun Twists:
Tropical Sunset
– Add mango juice and top with lemon-lime soda for a fizzy upgrade.
Berry Blue Lagoon
– Use raspberry vodka and a splash of lemon juice. Garnish with fresh berries.
Green Reef
– Replace blue curaçao with Midori (melon liqueur) for a vivid green punch.
Want it less sweet? Add a squeeze of fresh lime or a splash of soda water to cut the sugar a bit.
Serving Suggestions
This drink loves a sunny vibe. Serve it with:
– Grilled shrimp or fish tacos-smoky flavors really shine next to the sweet fruitiness
– Spicy snacks like jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings-the punch cools the heat
– A fresh fruit salad-it echoes the tropical notes and looks great on the table
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. The colors alone make it a conversation starter, and the flavors are just the right mix of fun and refreshing.
Storage Tips
If you’ve made a big batch of the base (pineapple juice + coconut rum), it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using. Don’t add the blue curaçao or grenadine until you’re ready to serve-it’ll lose the pretty layered look if it sits too long.
Common Questions
How do I get those clean, layered colors?
Pour slowly over the back of a spoon, and make sure your glass is packed with ice. The different densities of the liquids help the colors stay put.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of ice?
Absolutely! Frozen pineapple chunks or berries will chill the drink and add extra flavor without watering it down.
Can I scale this recipe for a punch bowl?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want. Mix the pineapple juice and coconut rum in the bowl, and let guests add blue curaçao and grenadine to their own glasses for a fun DIY bar.
What if I don’t have blue curaçao?
You can use a blue sports drink or blueberry syrup for a non-alcoholic version, or skip it entirely and focus on the coconut-pineapple base with a different fruit-colored syrup.
Final Thoughts
Lagoon Punch is more than just a drink-it’s a little tropical escape in a glass. With its layered colors, fruity flavors, and easy prep, it’s perfect for parties, date nights, or just treating yourself. Try a variation or two and make it your own. Cheers to finding your new favorite sipper!
