Recipe

Blue Lagoon Cocktail

A bright, citrusy vodka cocktail with blue curaçao and lemonade, finished with a fizzy splash for that poolside sparkle.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A vivid blue Blue Lagoon cocktail in a clear rocks glass filled with ice, garnished with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry on a kitchen counter

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If a lemonade stand and a beach vacation had a baby, it’d be the Blue Lagoon. This drink is loud in the best way: electric-blue, citrus-forward, and dangerously easy to sip. It’s basically a shortcut to “fun beverage” energy, even if you’re just standing in your kitchen in socks.

My version keeps it simple and accessible: vodka for backbone, blue curaçao for that sweet orange-citrus pop and the signature color, and lemonade to make it taste like you actually want a second one. Then we hit it with a small fizzy topper because bubbles make everything feel more festive, even a Tuesday.

Bottles of vodka and blue curaçao beside a pitcher of lemonade, a lemon, and a bowl of ice on a kitchen counter

Why It Works

Bright, balanced flavor: Lemonade keeps the drink crisp while blue curaçao adds sweet orange notes instead of straight sugar.
Fast and low-drama: Shake or stir, pour over ice, top with bubbles, done.
Color that delivers: Blue curaçao provides the classic lagoon-blue color (typically from added coloring, depending on brand).
Easy to adjust: Make it stronger, lighter, or even alcohol-free with simple swaps.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Let’s be real: this is best fresh over ice. But if you’re doing party math, here’s the move.

Pitcher (without bubbles): Mix vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade in a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add ice and lemon-lime soda or sparkling water right before serving so it stays lively.
Quick pitcher scale (about 8 drinks): 16 oz vodka (2 cups), 8 oz blue curaçao (1 cup), 24 oz lemonade (3 cups). Chill. Top each glass with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water when you pour.
Leftover mixed drink in a glass: It’ll dilute fast as the ice melts. If you must save it, strain out the ice, refrigerate, and drink within 1 day. Expect less sparkle and a slightly flatter flavor.
Make-ahead garnish: Slice lemons and store covered in the fridge up to 2 days. Keep cherries in their jar for easiest prep.

Enjoy responsibly.

Common Questions

What does a Blue Lagoon cocktail taste like?

Think lemonade with a sweet orange-citrus note and a clean vodka finish. It’s bright, lightly sweet, and super refreshing when served ice-cold.

Is blue curaçao alcoholic?

Most blue curaçao liqueurs are alcoholic, and the ABV varies widely by brand (often around 20% to 40%). There are also nonalcoholic blue curaçao syrups. If you’re serving kids or making mocktails, double-check the label.

Can I make a Blue Lagoon without lemonade?

Yes. Common variations use fresh lemon juice plus simple syrup, or a lemon-lime soda base. Lemonade is my favorite because it’s one bottle away from balanced.

How do I make it less sweet?

Use an unsweetened sparkling water topper instead of soda, and choose a tart or low-sugar lemonade. You can also reduce the blue curaçao slightly and replace it with a splash of orange bitters or a squeeze of fresh orange.

Can I make a Blue Lagoon mocktail?

Absolutely. Use nonalcoholic blue curaçao syrup, lemonade, and sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. It still looks like a pool in a glass.

What is the best glass for a Blue Lagoon?

A rocks glass or highball both work. I go rocks glass for a strong, icy pour and highball when I want more sparkle and a longer drink.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a tight lid)
Jigger or measuring spoons
Strainer (optional if you are shaking)
Rocks glass or highball glass
Citrus knife and cutting board

The first time I made a Blue Lagoon at home, I was convinced it’d taste like neon. Turns out it tastes like something you’d order on vacation when you promised yourself you’d be “easygoing” and then immediately became the person asking for extra lemons. I love this drink because it’s unapologetically fun, but it’s also a solid little lesson in balance. When the lemonade is cold and the ice is fresh, it hits that sweet-tart groove where you take a sip, pause, and go, “Okay, wow. That is dangerously drinkable.”