This cocktail is like a mini tropical vacation in a glass. Creamy, fruity, and irresistibly vibrant, the Swimming Pool cocktail gets its name from its striking blue hue that’ll instantly remind you of a shimmering pool on a sunny day. It’s a go-to drink for summer gatherings, but honestly, it’s a treat anytime you need a little escape. I’ve made this countless times for friends, and it’s always a hit—here’s how to make it shine in your own kitchen.
Swimming Pool
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz (45ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) light rum
- 0.5 oz (15ml) blue curaçao
- 1 oz (30ml) cream of coconut (canned works best—shake it well!)
- 2 oz (60ml) pineapple juice
- 1 oz (30ml) heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
- Ice
- Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Equipment: A blender (or shaker for a slightly different texture) and a hurricane glass or highball glass.
How to Make It
- Fill your blender with ice—it’s what gives the drink that perfectly frosty texture.
- Add the vodka, light rum, blue curaçao, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and heavy cream.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. You’re looking for a consistency that’s thick but pourable.
- Pour the mixture into a chilled hurricane glass (or highball if that’s what you’ve got). Chilling the glass helps keep everything nice and cool.
- Top it off with a pineapple slice and a cherry for that classic tropical garnish. If you’re feeling fancy, pop in a little cocktail umbrella—it’s all about the vacation vibes!
Tips for the Perfect Swimming Pool
- Fresh is best: If you can, use fresh pineapple juice for a brighter, more natural sweetness.
- Chill your glass: Stick your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving—it’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.
- Layer it up: For a fun twist, try floating the blue curaçao on top instead of blending it. It’ll create a pretty layered effect.
Make-Ahead Notes
This drink is best made fresh, but you can blend the ingredients (minus the ice) ahead of time and store the mix in the fridge for up to a few hours. When you’re ready to serve, just blend it with ice and pour!
Substitutions and Variations
- No blue curaçao? Use clear orange liqueur with a drop of blue food coloring for the same look and flavor.
- Coconut milk instead of cream: Want a lighter version? Swap the heavy cream for light coconut milk or even almond milk.
- Non-alcoholic version: Blend pineapple juice, cream of coconut, a splash of lemon juice, and a drop of blue food coloring for a kid-friendly mocktail.
Fun Variations
Tropical Sunset: Add mango juice and a splash of grenadine for a sunset effect. Garnish with an orange slice.
Arctic Pool: Swap blue curaçao for white crème de cacao for a creamy, chocolatey twist.
Ocean Breeze: Add a dash of peppermint schnapps and lemon juice for a cool, minty spin.
Pair It With
To make the most of your Swimming Pool cocktail, pair it with these tasty bites:
- Grilled seafood: Shrimp skewers or fish tacos bring out the cocktail’s tropical flavors.
- Spicy appetizers: Jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings create a delicious contrast with the drink’s creamy sweetness.
- Fresh fruit skewers: Pineapple, melon, and berries are light, refreshing, and perfectly in sync with the cocktail.
Common Questions
Can I make it without a blender? Definitely! Just shake the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into your glass. You’ll lose the frothy texture, but it’s still delicious.
How do I make it less sweet? Cut back on the cream of coconut or use an unsweetened version. A splash of lime juice can also balance the sweetness nicely.
Can I batch this for a party? Absolutely. Multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need, mix everything (except the ice) in a large pitcher, and chill until serving. Blend with ice right before pouring, or serve over crushed ice.
A Few Final Thoughts
The Swimming Pool cocktail is one of my all-time favorites for its dreamy blue color and indulgent tropical taste. It’s a drink that instantly feels special, whether you’re sipping it by the pool or enjoying it on your couch pretending you’re somewhere warm. Give it a try—I think you’ll love it as much as I do!
