Blue Lagoon Cocktail Recipe
An easy vodka cocktail that’s bright, refreshing and perfect for summer entertaining.
The Blue Lagoon is one of those cocktails that never fails to catch people’s attention. With its vibrant blue colour and refreshing citrus flavour, it’s a classic that’s been popular for decades. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients.
Made with vodka, Blue Curaçao and lemonade, the Blue Lagoon is light, slightly sweet and perfect for warm afternoons, backyard barbecues or whenever you’re in the mood for a tropical-inspired drink. Whether you’re new to making cocktails or adding another classic to your collection, this recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again.
Blue Lagoon Cocktail At a Glance
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 5 minutes |
| Serves | 1 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Glassware | Highball Glass |
| Main Spirit | Vodka |
Ingredients
- 45 ml vodka
- 30 ml Blue Curaçao
- 120 ml lemonade
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel, to garnish
- Maraschino cherry, to garnish
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need a fully stocked bar to make a great Blue Lagoon, but having the right tools makes the process easier.
For this recipe you’ll need:
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Highball glass
- Ice scoop (optional but handy)
Looking to upgrade your home bar? Check out our guides to the Best Cocktail Shaker Sets, Best Bartender Jiggers and best highball glasses.
How to Make a Blue Lagoon
- Fill a highball glass with plenty of fresh ice.
- Pour in the vodka and Blue Curaçao.
- Top with chilled lemonade.
- Give the drink a gentle stir until combined.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately.
Behind the Bar with KAD
One thing I always notice with Blue Lagoons is people don’t use enough ice. It might seem like adding more ice waters the drink down faster, but the opposite is usually true. A glass packed with fresh ice stays colder for longer, meaning less melting and a better-tasting cocktail from the first sip to the last.
Recipe Notes
A few simple tips can make a noticeable difference.
- Chill your lemonade before making the drink.
- Use a smooth vodka for the cleanest flavour.
- Don’t over-stir or you’ll lose some of the fizz from the lemonade.
- Garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.
- If you’re entertaining, chill the glasses beforehand to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
Easy Variations
Frozen Blue Lagoon
Blend all the ingredients with a generous handful of ice for a refreshing frozen version that’s perfect on hot summer days.
Tropical Blue Lagoon
Add 30 ml of pineapple juice for a fruitier twist that pairs beautifully with the citrus flavours.
Sparkling Blue Lagoon
Replace the lemonade with lemon sparkling mineral water or prosecco for a lighter, more elegant version.
Blue Lagoon Mocktail
Swap the vodka for lemonade and use a blue curaçao syrup to create a colourful alcohol-free drink that’s perfect for parties.
What to Serve with a Blue Lagoon
The fresh citrus flavours make this cocktail easy to pair with food.
Some of my favourites include:
- Grilled prawns with lime
- Fish tacos
- Chicken skewers
- Fresh summer salads
- Tropical fruit platters
- Coconut desserts
It’s also a great cocktail to serve at pool parties, summer barbecues and casual get-togethers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Blue Lagoon taste like?
It’s light, refreshing and slightly sweet with bright citrus flavours. The Blue Curaçao adds subtle orange notes while the lemonade keeps the drink crisp and easy to enjoy.
Can I make a Blue Lagoon without Blue Curaçao?
Blue Curaçao gives the cocktail both its signature flavour and colour. You can use orange liqueur with a drop of blue food colouring if needed, but the flavour won’t be quite the same.
What’s the best vodka to use?
A clean, smooth vodka works best. You don’t need the most expensive bottle, but choosing a quality vodka will improve the overall flavour.
Can I make a Blue Lagoon in a jug?
Absolutely. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of serves and add the lemonade just before serving to keep it fizzy.
Why isn’t my cocktail bright blue?
The colour can vary depending on the brand of Blue Curaçao and the type of lemonade you use. Using plenty of ice and clear lemonade usually gives the brightest result.
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Blue Lagoon, you might also like:
Final Thoughts
The Blue Lagoon proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy techniques to make a great cocktail. It’s quick to prepare, looks fantastic in the glass and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re mixing drinks for friends or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon at home, this colourful classic deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Once you’ve made it a couple of times, don’t be afraid to experiment with different garnishes or one of the variations above to make it your own.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here
If you are looking for more easy-to-follow recipes check out our Hurricaine Cocktail