The Blue Lagoon cocktail is a strikingly vibrant, bright blue drink that instantly evokes tropical holidays and exotic islands. The crisp taste of vodka, the citrus notes of Blue Curaçao, and the refreshing fizz of lemonade create a true Caribbean idyll in a glass. The Blue Lagoon isn’t just about flavor—it’s about color, like the meeting of the deep blue sea and the endless sky.
The story
The history of the Blue Lagoon cocktail dates back to the 1960s, when Andy MacElhone, son of renowned bartender Harry MacElhone and a famous barman at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, created this stunning drink. Legend has it that he was inspired by the mesmerizing blue hues of exotic lagoons, and he perfected the cocktail’s signature color using Blue Curaçao liqueur. Interestingly, the cocktail itself predates the film The Blue Lagoon, which later gained fame with Brooke Shields.
Ingredients
1⅓ oz (40 ml) vodka
1⅓ oz (40 ml) Blue Curaçao liqueur
5 oz (150 ml) sparkling lemonade (such as Sprite or 7Up)
How to make a Blue Lagoon cocktail
Fill a tall glass with ice (crushed ice works well). Pour in the vodka and Blue Curaçao liqueur. Top up with sparkling lemonade and gently stir with a mixing spoon to blend without over-mixing.
Serving and garnish
The Blue Lagoon is typically served in a hurricane or highball glass to showcase its brilliant blue hue. Lemon slices and cocktail cherries not only enhance the presentation but also complement the drink’s flavor.
Calorie content
A serving of the Blue Lagoon cocktail contains approximately 180–190 calories, primarily due to the sugar content in the Blue Curaçao liqueur and the type of carbonated lemonade used.