Blue alcoholic drinks have become quite popular in recent years. Often vibrant, tropical-looking cocktails served in martini glasses or hurricane glasses, these blue libations provide both refreshment and Instagram appeal. But what are these cerulean cocktails actually called? As it turns out, there are quite a few blue alcoholic drinks, each with their own distinct histories and identities. In this article, we will explore some of the most common and iconic blue drinks and provide the answer to that elusive question: What is the blue alcohol drink called?
Blue Curacao
One of the most ubiquitous blue liquors used in cocktails is blue curaçao. This brightly hued, orange-flavored liqueur has its roots in the Caribbean island of Curaçao. Traditional curaçao is made from the dried peels of the Laraha citrus fruit, grown on the island, which provides a distinctive tropical, orangey flavor. The electric blue color was added later for visual appeal. Many popular blue cocktails use blue curaçao as their base spirit or as a colorful component, including:
Blue Hawaii
The Blue Hawaii is a tropical cocktail made from a blend of rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and sweet & sour mix. Often garnished with a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, or paper umbrella, this drink will transport you straight to the beaches of Waikiki.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon mixes blue curaçao with vodka and lemonade or lemon-lime soda. This simple combination creates a turquoise concoction reminiscent of the 1980 Brooke Shields movie from which the drink takes its name.
Kamikaze
The Kamikaze is a bright blue cocktail containing vodka, blue curaçao, and lime juice. The tart citrus balances the sweetness of the curaçao. It may not actually make you feel like a brave WWII fighter pilot, but it adds bold color to any drink menu.
Blue Margarita
Another tequila-based blue libation is the blue margarita. This is typically made in the same way as a classic margarita (tequila, orange liqueur like Cointreau, and lime juice), with the addition of blue curaçao or sometimes blue raspberry syrup. The blue margarita gives a fun new look to a standard margarita.
Blue Hawaiian
Not to be confused with the Blue Hawaii, the Blue Hawaiian is a blended blue cocktail made with rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and ice. Fruity and creamy, this drink is served in a hurricane glass, or sometimes even a whole pineapple, and decorated with little umbrellas for a charming tropical feel. The umbrella and hollowed-out pineapple version is sometimes also called a Chi Chi.
Blue Motorcycle
For a refreshing twist, the Blue Motorcycle combines gin with blue curaçao and lemon juice. The gin’s herbal and floral notes pair nicely with the citrus. The drink is classically served in a cocktail glass rimmed with sugar to offset the sourness.
Blue Lagoon vs Blue Hawaiian
Since the Blue Lagoon and Blue Hawaiian cocktails have such similar names, it can be easy to confuse them. However, they are actually quite different drinks:
Main Differences
| Blue Lagoon | Blue Hawaiian |
|---|---|
| Made with vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade/lemon-lime soda | Made with rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut |
| Has a lighter, fizzy texture | Has a thicker, creamier, frozen blended texture |
| Tropical, citrusy flavor | Tropical, fruity coconut flavor |
So in summary, the Blue Lagoon is a crisp, effervescent cocktail highlighting the curaçao and citrus flavors, while the Blue Hawaiian is a more dessert-like blended drink with coconut as the star ingredient. The shared blue color may cause some to mix them up, but they are distinct recipes.
Blue Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a boozy concoction of white rum, vodka, gin, tequila, and triple sec shaken with lemon juice and a splash of cola. For a blue variation, you can substitute blue curaçao for the triple sec. The resulting Blue Long Island Iced Tea packs quite an alcoholic punch hidden beneath its harmless-looking cool blue hue.
Blue Martini
Not to be confused with the blue margarita, a blue martini is made by mixing vodka or gin with dry vermouth and a dash of blue curaçao or crème de violette (violet liqueur). The blue martini has a crisp, botanical flavor profile. It’s classically served in a V-shaped martini glass and garnished with olives or a lemon twist.
Electric Lemonade
For a fizzy blue cocktail, try an electric lemonade. This brightly-colored drink mixes vodka with blue curaçao and lemonade or lemon-lime soda. The exact proportions vary, but the combination of tart and sweet is quite refreshing. It’s sometimes also called a Blue Skyy or Blue Vodka Lemonade.
Blue Drink Mixes
In addition to blue liqueurs like curaçao, there are some pre-mixed cocktail juices and syrups that can provide instant blue color. Products like blue curaçao and sweet & sour premixes take out the guess-work and let you quickly blend up blue drinks. Some options include:
- Hi-Ball Blue Hawaii Mix
- BG Reynolds Blue Curacao & Sweet and Sour Mix
- Mr. Blue Perfect Mix
- Daily’s Cocktails Blue Lagoon Mix
With just the addition of your chosen base spirit, these mixes make crafting vivid blue cocktails easy. They are especially convenient for bars, restaurants, and events preparing lots of tropical drinks.
Natural Blue Drink Colors
While synthetic blue food dyes provide intensely vibrant hues, some prefer to achieve blue cocktails through natural ingredients. A few options for natural blue coloring are:
Butterfly pea flower extract
This bright blue extract made from an Asian flower can beautifully color drinks when used in syrups, teas, or infusions.
Blue spirulina powder
The blue-green pigments in this algae superfood powder create a sea-like color.
Blueberry juice
Fresh or frozen blueberry juice lends a deep purple-blue tone.
Blue algae hydrosols
Hydrosols like E3Live Blue Manna contain azulene for a natural blue impact.
So for an all-natural blue drink, look to some of these components from nature’s own color palette.
Popular Blue Shot Drinks
Vibrant blue shooters are always a hit at bars and parties. Some top blue shot choices are:
Blue Kamikaze
Vodka, blue curaçao, and lime juice in a chilled shot glass.
Smurf Shot
Vodka, blue curaçao, rum, and lemon-lime soda layered in a test tube-looking shot glass.
Windex Shot
Blue curaçao, vodka, and pineapple juice reminiscent of window cleaner.
Blue Motor Oil
Equal parts vodka, blue curaçao, and lemon juice topped with Bacardi 151 rum.
Jolly Rancher
Vodka, melon liqueur, and sweet & sour mix tastes like the candy.
Thanks to their eye-catching colors and sweet-tart flavors, these shots are sure to excite any crowd.
In Conclusion…
So what is the blue alcohol drink called? As we’ve discovered, there are actually many vivid blue cocktails to choose from! By learning the differences between drinks like the Blue Hawaii, Blue Lagoon, Blue Margarita and more, you can order your desired blue libation by name. While synthetic blue curaçaos and liquors create the quintessential electric blue shade in most cases, some natural options can achieve beautiful blue tones as well. And colorful blue shots always promise a good time. With this guide to the many azure alcoholic drinks out there, you can seek out your favorite blue beverage by its proper name. So next time you’re craving some tropical refreshment, don’t simply ask the bartender for “that blue drink” – impress them by calling your blue booze by name!
