There’s something about the Under Current cocktail that just screams summer. It’s cool, colorful, and bursting with tropical flavor—perfect for sipping on the patio or serving at a backyard get-together. I’ve made this drink countless times, and every time, it disappears faster than I can make the next round. With sweet pineapple, zesty lime, and a splash of vibrant Blue Curaçao, it’s a drink that tastes as good as it looks.
Under Current
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) vodka – smooth and neutral, it lets the tropical flavors shine
– 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao – adds that electric blue color and a subtle orange flavor
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice – sweet and tropical, use 100% juice if you can
– 2 oz (60 ml) Sprite – brings bubbles and sweetness
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice – brightens everything up
– Ice – enough to fill the glass
– Lime slice or maraschino cherry – for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your highball or Collins glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you get everything ready. This keeps the drink colder longer.
- Fill the glass with ice. You want it nice and full to keep everything perfectly chilled.
- Pour in 1 oz (30 ml) vodka and 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao.
- Add 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice and 2 oz (60 ml) Sprite.
- Squeeze in 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice. If you’re using bottled juice, make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar.
- Stir gently. Just a few turns with a spoon will do. You want everything mixed but not fizzy-overloaded.
- Garnish. Add a lime slice or a cherry on top for that tropical touch.
Make-Ahead Tips
– You can mix the vodka, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, and lime juice in a pitcher ahead of time. Just add ice and Sprite when serving so it stays fizzy.
– If you’re serving a crowd, scale up the recipe and serve it in a punch bowl over ice.
Storage
– Best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store the mixed base (without Sprite or ice) in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
– Don’t add Sprite or ice until just before serving to keep the fizz and flavor.
Helpful Tips
– Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor.
– Chill all ingredients before mixing for an extra-refreshing drink.
– Stir gently—too much stirring can make the Sprite go flat.
– If you don’t have Blue Curaçao, try a splash of Triple Sec with a drop of blue food coloring. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll get you close.
Ingredient Swaps
– Vodka: Swap with white rum for a more Caribbean-style twist.
– Pineapple juice: Mango juice works great if you want a sweeter, richer flavor.
– Sprite: Use club soda and a dash of simple syrup for a less sweet version.
How It Tastes
The Under Current is fruity, lightly citrusy, and a little fizzy. It’s sweet but not over-the-top, and that splash of lime keeps it from feeling heavy. The Blue Curaçao gives it a hint of orange and that gorgeous ocean-blue color. This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights—it’s just the right mix of fun and refreshing.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Under Current with dishes that have bold or tropical flavors. Here are a few ideas:
Great Pairings
– Seafood: Think grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or ceviche. The citrus and sweetness of the drink work beautifully with light, salty seafood.
– Tropical fruits: Serve with a fruit platter—pineapple, mango, kiwi, and coconut are all perfect companions.
– Spicy foods: This cocktail cools down heat from spicy wings, jerk chicken, or Thai-style noodles.
Variations to Try
Under Current Mojito
– Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the glass before adding the other ingredients.
– Top with soda water instead of Sprite for a fresher, herbal twist.
Frozen Under Current
– Blend all ingredients with a cup of crushed ice until smooth.
– Serve in a chilled glass with a straw and garnish.
Under Current Margarita
– Replace vodka with tequila and add a salted rim to your glass.
– Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into the rimmed glass.
Virgin Under Current
– Skip the vodka and Blue Curaçao.
– Use 1 oz orange juice, 1 oz pineapple juice, 2 oz Sprite, and a drop of blue food coloring if you want to keep that signature look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Under Current?
The name comes from the idea of hidden strength—like ocean currents beneath the surface. It’s smooth and easy to drink but has depth in its flavors.
What gives it that bright blue color?
That’s thanks to Blue Curaçao, a liqueur made from the dried peel of the Laraha orange, grown on the island of Curaçao.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Absolutely. The Virgin Under Current is just as tasty and great for kids or anyone skipping alcohol.
Is it very sweet?
It’s definitely on the sweet side, but the lime juice helps balance things out. You can cut down the sweetness by using soda water instead of Sprite.
What kind of glass should I use?
A highball or Collins glass works best. It shows off the color and gives the drink room for ice and bubbles.
Try It Your Way
The Under Current is easy to customize. Whether you like it frozen, fizzy, or with a different base spirit, there’s a version out there for you. Serve it with a big bowl of chips and guac, or pair it with your favorite grilled dish. However you make it, it’s sure to make a splash.
