How to Make Blue Lagoon Mocktail: 3 Delicious Alcohol-Free Recipes

Blue Lagoon Mocktail is one of my favorite summer drinks to beat the heat.  Just the name “Blue Lagoon” conjures up a white sandy beach, a clear blue sky, and reggae or calypso music in the background.  I enjoyed this favorite summer mocktail a lot when I stayed at a resort on the island of Curaçao last summer.

Although a Blue Lagoon Mocktail is often billed as a summer drink, it can be enjoyed all year round. The original version of this drink has a striking blue color and two of people’s favorite drinks—alcohol and lemonade. However, if you don’t drink alcohol or want a non-alcoholic version, then try a mocktail version.   

A mocktail is a handcrafted drink without alcohol. A Blue Lagoon Mocktail is great anytime you want a refreshing, alcohol-free drink.  It is also the perfect drink for a kid-friendly occasion or an occasion with a blue theme. Impress your guests by making it for:

• Pool parties
• Barbecues
• Fourth of July celebrations
• Sweet Sixteen birthday parties
• Quinceañeras
• Brunches
• Girls’ Night Ins

This post gives three popular mocktail recipes to refresh and satisfy your thirst.  However, it also gives you two alcohol versions at the end.

Does Blue Lagoon Mocktail Use Blue Curaçao Liqueur or Blue Curaçao Syrup?

There are many variations of the cocktail and the mocktail.  Unfortunately, many recipes simply call for “Blue Curaçao” without specifying if they use the liqueur or the syrup.

So, what’s the difference between the liqueur and the syrup? Well, the most significant difference between the two is that the liqueur has alcohol.  Blue Curaçao liqueur is a sweet Caribbean liqueur that is distilled from the dried peels of the Laraha citrus.  The fruit is sometimes called the Curaçao orange or bitter orange.  So how does it get its blue color? Blue dye #1 gives the liqueur it bold, bright blue, tropical color.  The amount of alcohol in the liqueur varies by brand. The alcohol content varies from around 15% to 40%. A variety of cocktails use Blue Curaçao Liqueur to give an exotic blue color.

The alcoholic cocktail version uses vodka, Blue Curaçao liqueur, and lemonade.

For the non-alcohol (or virgin) Blue Lagoon Mocktail, we use the Blue Curaçao syrup, not the liqueur.  This orange-flavored syrup is made from pure cane sure, concentrated orange juice, and other proprietary ingredients.  Like the liqueur, blue dye #1 also gives it a fun, bold color. 

Shop for the Blue Curaçao syrup in the wine and spirits section of the grocery store, your favorite liquor store, or online.

What Does A Blue Lagoon Mocktail Taste Like?

The thing that first attracts people to a Blue Lagoon Mocktail is its striking blue color.  Then, when they sip it, their palate is hit with a sweet, refreshing, citrusy drink with a hint of tartness.   

The classic version uses Blue Curaçao syrup and lemonade, which is great if you have a sweet tooth.  However, we offer other ways to make it healthier with less sugar.

Blue Lagoon Mocktail Version 1

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (2 Tbs) Blue Curaçao syrup
• ½ to ¾ cup (4-6 ounces)  lemonade
• ¼ c crushed ice

Directions

• Fill a hurricane glass with ice cubes
• Add Blue Curaçao syrup, lemonade, and crushed ice to a cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds
• Strain drink into the hurricane glass 
• Garnish with a slice of lemon, lime slice, or orange, and a maraschino cherry
• Serve with a straw

Makes 1 serving

What I Like About This Version

This version is a fan favorite because it can be made ahead of time in large batches.

Note:  Use sugar-free lemonade if you want less sugar.   

Blue Lagoon Mocktail Version 2

This fizzy version is not overly sweet. It replaces the premade lemonade with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. It is sweetened with simple sugar or agave syrup.  Adjust the sugar to taste.  The recipe for simple syrup is further below in the post.

Prep

• Make simple syrup ahead of time
• Mull (crush) the lemon zest into the lemon juice, Blue Curaçao syrup, and simple syrup.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (2 Tbs) Blue Curaçao syrup
• 1 ounce (2 Tbs) simple syrup or agave syrup
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ¾ to 1 cup (6 to 8 ounces) of sparkling water or club soda
• ¼ c crushed ice

Directions

• Fill a hurricane glass (or highball glass) with ice cubes
• Add Blue Curaçao syrup, simple sugar, lemon juice, zest, and crushed ice to a cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds.
• Strain the drink into the glass  
• Add the sparkling water to the mixture
• Garnish with a slice of lemon, lime, orange, and a maraschino cherry
• Serve with a straw

Makes 1 serving

What I Like About This Version

I really like this fizzy version, especially for a brunch, baby shower, or a girls’ night in. The fresh lemon juice and zest take this recipe up a notch.

Blue Lagoon Mocktail Version 3

Blue Lagon Mocktails with Sprite or 7 UP are very popular.  This fizzy version also uses fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.   Adjust the amount of soda to taste.

Prep

• Mull (crush) the lemon zest into the lemon juice and Blue Curaçao syrup.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (2 Tbs) Blue Curaçao syrup
• Juice and zest of ½ lemon
• ¾ to 1 cup (6 to 8 ounces) Sprite or 7 UP
• ¼ c crushed ice

OR

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (2 Tbs) Blue Curaçao syrup
• Juice and zest of ½ lemon
• ½ cup (4 ounces) Sprite or 7 UP
• ½ (4 ounces) sparkling water
• ¼ c crushed ice

Directions

• Fill a hurricane glass (or highball glass) with ice cubes
• Add Blue Curaçao syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed to a cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds.
• Strain the drink into the glass 
• Add the Sprite, 7 Up, or sparkling water to the mixture
• Garnish with a slice of lemon, lime, orange, and a maraschino cherry
• Serve with a straw

Makes 1 serving

What I Like About This Version

I like this version for the same reasons that I like version 2. Additionally, most get together have Sprite or 7 UP on hand. Using half soda and half sparkling water also reduces the amount of sugar.

Blue Lagoon Mocktail Slushy

To make a slushie, use Blue Lagoon Mocktail version 1 recipe. Pour the drink into a freezer-friendly container or large plastic bag with a zipper for four to six hours. Stir to break up the clumps every hour or so.

Scoop into a glass and enjoy.

Blue Lagoon Cocktail Alcohol Version 1

This classic, easy, beautiful cocktail uses three ingredients—vodka, Blue Curaçao liqueur, and lemonade.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (2 Tbs)  vodka (gin or white rum)
• 1 ounce (2 Tbs) Blue Curaçao liqueur
• ½ cup (4 ounces) lemonade
• ¼ c crushed ice

Directions

• Fill a hurricane glass (or highball glass) with ice cubes
• Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds.
• Strain drink into the hurricane glass 
• Garnish with a slice of lemon, lime, orange, and a maraschino cherry
• Serve with a straw

Makes 1 serving

Blue Lagoon Cocktail Alcohol Version 2

Prep

• Mull (crush) the lemon zest into the lemon juice and simple syrup.

Ingredients

• 1ounce (2 Tbs) vodka (gin or white rum)
• 1 ounce (2 Tbs) Blue Curaçao liqueur
• 1 ounce (2 Tbs) simple syrup or agave syrup
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ½ c crushed ice

Directions

• Fill a hurricane glass (or highball glass) with ice cubes
• Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds.
• Strain the drink into the glass 
• Garnish with a slice of lemon, lime, orange, and a maraschino cherry
• Serve with a straw

Makes 1 serving

How to Make Simple Sugar for Blue Lagoon Mocktails

Simple syrup is the preferred way to sweeten cold mocktails and other beverages like sweet tea. It is made of equal parts sugar and water. While many people make a hot version of simple syrup on the stove, the quick version works easily well.

Hot Version–mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle boil until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the stove. Allow it to cool. Add to a bottle and store in the refrigerator.

Cold Version–add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of cold water to a blender. Run on high for 30 seconds in a blender. Use it immediately. Store the extra in a bottle in the refrigerator. Use less water for a smaller batch.

Expert Recipe Tips for Making Blue Lagoon Mocktail

• Chill the ingredients for a few hours to reduce the amount of ice
• Chill glasses for 10 minutes before serving
• Muddle (crush) the lemon rinds to get an intense citrus flavor
• Use orange juice and rind for a more intense orange flavor
• Shake the dink instead of stirring or using a blender
• Never use carbonated liquids in a cocktail shaker
• Strain the drink before pouring
• Use ice cubes instead of crushed ice to prevent watering down the drink
• Use crushed ice for a slushier version
• Serve in hurricane glasses for a more authentic feel

Fun Garnishes for Blue Lagoon Mocktail

• Lemon slices
• Lime slices
• Orange slices
• Pineapple wedges
• Mint sprigs
• Maraschino cherries
• Sweedish fish (candy)

Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Lagoon Mocktail

Do I need to use any fancy equipment to make a Blue Lagoon Mocktail?

No, you don’t.  However, I like to use a cocktail shaker set for special occasions or when I feel really bougie or fancy. The drink is usually shaken and then strained before pouring. A cocktail shaker set typically includes the shaker, strainer, and jigger.

Can I add alcohol to a Blue Lagoon Moctail?

Yes, you can. However, it will no longer be a mocktail but a cocktail. The original alcoholic version uses vodka and Blue Curaçao liqueur. Some recipes use white rum or gin instead of vodka.

Is it OK to use lemon juice instead of fresh lemons in Blue Lagoon Mocktails?

Yes, it is OK to use lemon juice or even frozen lemonade concentrate occasionally. However, nothing beats the taste of freshly squeezed lemons and a few zest shavings. Be careful about using too much lemon juice because it will dull the intensity of the beautiful blue color. We do not want a bluish green mocktail.

What about using orange juice instead of lemon juice in a Blue Lagoon Mocktail?

Feel free to experiment once you’ve mastered the basics of making a Blue Lagoon Mocktail.  Using orange juice intensifies the flavor of the Blue Curaçao syrup.  I prefer to use a few shavings of orange rind. Another option is to just use a slice of orange as a garnish and nibble on it. Some recipes also use pineapple juice instead of lemon juice.

Can I make a batch of Blue Lagoon Mocktail and let it chill overnight?

Mocktails should be made just before serving. Remember, this is not a mere fruit punch. The sparkling water or soda goes flat if mixed overnight. We want the mocktail to be crisp and bubbly. I recommend chilling the ingredients ahead of time but mixing the Blue Lagoon Mocktail a few minutes before serving.

What type of glasses should I serve a Blue Lagoon Mocktail in?

A Blue Lagoon Mocktail is usually served in hurricane glasses. However, you can use highball glasses or martini glasses.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope that you enjoy making and drinking this delicious Blue Lagoon Mocktail. Be sure to share your favorite mocktail in the comments section.

If you or a friend struggle with controlling your alcohol intake, check out the post on short prayers for alcoholism.

I think you will also enjoy reading:

Why Papaya Juice is the Best Juice for Hangovers

How to Make Refreshing Ginger Beer Mocktails

We look forward to hearing about your favorite mocktails.  You can also keep the conversation going on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Page.

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