Blue LagoonCocktail recipe
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Blue Lagoon is a bright, easy-drinking vodka highball that leans into simple, crowd-pleasing refreshment. You’ll find it most often associated with the late-20th-century wave of colourful, liqueur-led drinks that prioritise bold looks and straightforward flavours, making it a familiar fixture on sunny bar menus and holiday lists. It’s less about a single definitive origin story and more about a style: vibrant, citrusy, and built for casual sipping.
On the palate, vodka keeps things clean and neutral, letting the other ingredients do the talking. Blue curaçao brings a sweet orange-citrus note that immediately reads as zesty rather than heavy, while the lemonade adds bright, fizzy lemon sweetness and a refreshing lift. Together, the curaçao’s orange sweetness rounds out the lemonade’s tang, giving you a crisp, candy-citrus finish.
Serve it in a highball when you want something light, colourful, and uncomplicated. It suits warm afternoons, poolside hangs, and party rounds where you want a drink that looks as fun as it tastes. If you like citrus-forward cocktails that stay on the sweeter side, this one lands perfectly.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Vodka lays down a clean, neutral base while blue curaçao brings a sweet orange-citrus pop, and the lemonade floods the glass with bright, fizzy lemon that keeps everything light and brisk. It works because the lemonade’s tart sparkle reins in the curaçao’s candy sweetness while vodka stays out of the way, making it ideal for casual sipping and anyone who likes simple, citrus-forward highballs.
Method
How to make a Blue Lagoon
- Vodka 50ml, Blue curaçao 20ml, Lemonade 100ml
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- Add the vodka and the curaçao into a highball glass with ice
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- Top up with lemonade
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- Garnish with a lemon slice and an orange slice and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a citrus-infused vodka to bring an even more vibrant and pronounced citrus profile to the cocktail, enhancing the overall freshness.
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Blue Lagoon cocktail?
The Blue Lagoon is a popular cocktail that originated in the 1960s, often attributed to Andy MacElhone, the son of Harry MacElhone, the owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The cocktail gained fame for its striking blue color, attributed to the Blue Curaçao, and refreshing taste.
Can I use a substitute for Blue Curaçao in a Blue Lagoon?
Yes, if Blue Curaçao is not available, you can substitute it with another orange-flavored liqueur and add a drop of blue food coloring to achieve the iconic blue color. However, Blue Curaçao is preferred for its unique flavor and the vibrant color it gives to the drink.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Blue Lagoon?
Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic version of the Blue Lagoon, replace the vodka with more lemonade or a clear soda, and substitute the Blue Curaçao with a blue-colored syrup, like blue raspberry syrup. This variation is still visually appealing and refreshing.
How do I properly serve a Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon should be served cold in a highball glass filled with ice. Pour the vodka and Blue Curaçao over the ice, and then fill the glass with lemonade. Stirring is not required, but you can garnish it with a slice of lemon or a cherry for an extra touch.
What food pairs well with a Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon, with its sweet and citrusy profile, pairs well with light and tropical flavored dishes. Seafood, especially grilled or lightly seasoned fish, salads with fruity dressings, and chicken dishes with citrus or tropical fruit sauces complement it beautifully.
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