Blue Lagoon Cocktail: Tastes As Good As It Looks

The Blue Lagoon cocktail is as vivid and inviting as its name suggests. This tall, refreshing drink, reminiscent of the clearest Caribbean skies, is a delightful blend of vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade.

Created by Andy MacElhone, son of the renowned bartender Harry MacElhone, at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, the Blue Lagoon’s origins trace back to the 1960s or early 1970s, predating the 1980 film sharing its name.

In this cocktail, vodka forms a robust foundation, while blue curaçao—made from the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit and imbued with a striking blue color—imparts sweet and citrusy notes. Lemonade both extends and adds tartness to the drink, ensuring it remains refreshingly drinkable.

Typically, the Blue Lagoon is shaken and strained, a method that is quick, simple, and yields delicious results.

For those seeking a chillier adventure, blending the ingredients with crushed ice for a frozen variation is also an option. Whichever method you prefer, the Blue Lagoon is an excellent choice for warm, sunny days.

Blue Lagoon Cocktail Ingredients

1. Vodka (50 ml / 1.7 ounces): The foundation of the Blue Lagoon, vodka provides a neutral base that allows the other flavors to shine.
2. Blue Curaçao (20 ml / 0.7 ounces): The star ingredient, blue curaçao, not only imparts the cocktail’s signature color but also adds a citrusy and orange-flavored element to the mix.
3. Lemonade (100 ml / 3.4 ounces): The effervescence and citrusy kick of lemonade contribute to the refreshing quality of the Blue Lagoon.
4. Ice Cubes (for serving): Ice is crucial for keeping the Blue Lagoon well-chilled.
5. Lemon Wheel or Twist (for Garnish): A final touch of elegance, a lemon wheel or twist serves as the perfect garnish.

Blue Lagoon Cocktail Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools: a shaker, a jigger for precise measurements, a strainer, and a highball glass. Also, have your vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, ice cubes, and garnish ready.

Step 2: Fill the Shaker with Ice

• Begin by filling your shaker with ice cubes. This will ensure that the Blue Lagoon is well-chilled during the mixing process.

Step 3: Measure and Add Vodka

• Using a jigger, measure 50 ml (1.7 ounces) of vodka and pour it into the shaker. The vodka provides a clean canvas for the vibrant blue curaçao and lemonade to shine.

Step 4: Introduce Blue Curaçao

• Measure 20 ml (0.7 ounces) of blue curaçao and add it to the shaker. Watch as the striking blue color transforms the cocktail, evoking the image of a tropical lagoon.

Step 5: Pour in Lemonade

• Measure 100 ml (3.4 ounces) of lemonade and add it to the mix. The effervescence and citrusy notes of the lemonade complement the bold flavors of the blue curaçao and vodka.

Step 6: Shake Vigorously

• Secure the shaker’s lid and shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This not only blends the ingredients but also chills the Blue Lagoon to perfection.

Step 7: Strain into Highball Glass

• Using a strainer, pour the shaken mixture into a chilled highball glass filled with ice cubes. The straining process ensures a smooth and visually appealing cocktail.

Step 8: Garnish with Lemon Wheel or Twist

• Garnish your Blue Lagoon with a lemon wheel or twist. This not only adds a touch of citrusy aroma but also enhances the cocktail’s presentation.

The Blue Lagoon – Bright Tropical Bliss

With vodka as its sturdy base and blue curaçao—a Caribbean liqueur crafted from the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit, then tinted blue—adding sweet and zesty flavors, the Blue Lagoon promises a delightful sip. The lemonade not only stretches the drink’s length but also contributes an extra touch of tartness, making it all the more enjoyable and easy to drink.

While this recipe involves shaking and straining the liquid—a preferred method for crafting the cocktail—some opt to blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a frozen variation. However, whether shaken or blended, the Blue Lagoon remains a delightful choice, offering a refreshing escape on a sunny day when the temperature climbs.

Lift your glass to the Blue Lagoon, a great vodka cocktail that brings the magic of the tropics to your glass in every sip!