If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Strawberry Blue Lagoon is exactly what you need! This cocktail is a stunning mix of sweet strawberries, tangy citrus, and a tropical blue hue that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a summer party, a beach vacation, or just a fun drink to unwind after a long day. The combination of fruitiness and a hint of citrus will make you feel like you’re sipping on a tropical paradise. Ready to mix things up? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a gorgeous blue color that’s sure to impress your guests. The fresh strawberries bring a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tang of lime juice and the boldness of blue curaçao. It’s not only a delicious drink but also a visually stunning one, making it perfect for special occasions or simply adding a little extra fun to your evening. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can be sipping away in no time.
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients can be found below)
- Fresh strawberries (or strawberry puree)
- Blue curaçao
- Vodka
- Lemon juice (or lime juice)
- Club soda or lemon-lime soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Start by blending the fresh strawberries into a smooth puree. If you prefer, you can muddle the strawberries in the bottom of your glass to release their juices, but blending gives the drink a smoother texture. You’ll need about 3-4 fresh strawberries for this. If you’re short on fresh strawberries, store-bought strawberry puree will work too.
2. Mix the Base of the Cocktail
In a shaker or a mixing glass, combine the strawberry puree with the vodka and lemon (or lime) juice. The citrus juice adds a tangy brightness that balances out the sweetness of the strawberries, while the vodka gives it the right kick. Give it a good shake or stir to combine.
3. Add the Blue Curacao
Now it’s time to add the star ingredient—blue curaçao! Pour in about 1 ounce of blue curaçao for that stunning blue color. This will not only add a pop of color but also a subtle citrusy flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients.
4. Add Ice and Shake
Fill a shaker with ice cubes, and pour the mixed ingredients into it. Shake well for about 15 seconds to chill the drink and mix everything together.
5. Serve with Soda
Fill your serving glass with fresh ice cubes. Strain the mixture into the glass, then top it off with club soda or lemon-lime soda, depending on how fizzy you want it. The soda adds a refreshing effervescence to the drink, making it even more delightful to sip on.
6. Garnish and Enjoy
For the finishing touch, garnish your Strawberry Blue Lagoon with a fresh strawberry on the rim of the glass or drop one into the drink. You can also add a slice of lime or even a sprig of mint for extra flair.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra sweetness: If you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, feel free to add a splash of simple syrup or a bit more strawberry puree.
- Make it frozen: Turn this into a frozen drink by blending the ingredients (without the soda) with ice. It’s like a tropical slushie that’s perfect for hot days!
- Layering: For a layered effect, you can pour the blue curaçao in last, letting it settle at the bottom for a beautiful two-tone drink. Just pour it gently over the back of a spoon to keep the layers separate.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the vodka and blue curaçao for a refreshing mocktail. You can replace the alcohol with extra soda or fruit juices (like pineapple or orange juice) for a tropical twist.
- Different fruits: You can experiment with other fruits like mango, pineapple, or raspberries to create a variety of colorful lagoons. Just swap out the strawberry puree for your fruit of choice.
- Flavored vodka: If you want to give it an extra layer of flavor, try using flavored vodka—strawberry, citrus, or even coconut vodka could all work wonderfully.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
The Strawberry Blue Lagoon is a beautiful drink that pairs perfectly with tropical and light appetizers, such as:
- Grilled seafood: Think shrimp skewers or grilled fish, which pair well with the citrusy tang of the drink.
- Tropical salads: A fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with mango and avocado would complement the refreshing flavors of the cocktail.
- Snacks: Serve with chips and guacamole, or even a cheese platter with some soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a fun snack pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This cocktail is best served immediately to maintain its freshness and vibrant color. If you have leftover strawberry puree, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just blend it again before using. Since this drink is meant to be served cold, I wouldn’t recommend storing the mixed cocktail, as it may lose its fizz and freshness.
4 FAQs
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh ones. In fact, frozen berries can sometimes give the drink an even smoother texture. Just thaw them before blending if you’re using frozen fruit. - Is blue curaçao necessary for the color?
Yes, blue curaçao gives the drink its signature blue hue. If you don’t have blue curaçao, you can use orange curaçao, but the color will change to a more orange shade. - Can I make a large batch of this cocktail for a party?
Definitely! You can scale up the recipe and mix everything in a large pitcher. Just be sure to add the soda last to keep it bubbly, and add the ice just before serving to prevent the drink from becoming watered down. - What type of vodka should I use for this drink?
A smooth, neutral vodka works best for this cocktail, so you don’t overpower the fruit flavors. You don’t need to splurge on top-shelf vodka, but something mid-range should do the trick.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Blue Lagoon cocktail is the perfect balance of fruity, refreshing, and visually stunning. Whether you’re serving it at a summer party, enjoying it on a cozy night in, or toasting to something special, it’s sure to be a hit. With its vibrant color and tropical flavors, it’s a drink that feels like a mini-vacation in a glass. So, grab your ingredients, shake it up, and get ready to enjoy one of the most deliciously beautiful cocktails out there!
Print
Strawberry Blue Lagoon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Cocktail, Beverage
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and refreshing cocktail that combines sweet strawberries, tangy citrus, and a tropical blue hue. Perfect for summer parties or any occasion where you want to sip on something beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3–4 Fresh strawberries (or strawberry puree)
- 1 oz Blue curaçao
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 4 oz Club soda or lemon-lime soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Blend the fresh strawberries into a smooth puree. Alternatively, muddle the strawberries in your glass if you prefer.
- Mix the Base of the Cocktail: In a shaker or mixing glass, combine the strawberry puree, vodka, and lemon (or lime) juice. Shake or stir to combine.
- Add the Blue Curacao: Pour in 1 ounce of blue curaçao for color and flavor.
- Add Ice and Shake: Fill a shaker with ice and shake well for 15 seconds to chill and mix the drink.
- Serve with Soda: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice and top it off with club soda or lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh strawberries and optionally add a lime slice or sprig of mint.
Notes
- Extra Sweetness: Add a splash of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Frozen Version: Blend the ingredients (without soda) with ice for a frozen slushie effect.
- Layering: For a stunning layered drink, pour the blue curaçao gently over the back of a spoon to let it settle at the bottom.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg