Blue Lagoon Cocktail

The Blue Lagoon is a striking classic cocktail known for its vibrant blue colour and clean, crisp flavour profile. This simple yet eye-catching drink combines vodka with curaçao liqueur and lemonade, producing a distinctive blue hue. Traditionally served over crushed ice in a tall or hurricane glass and garnished with a citrus slice and cherry, the Blue Lagoon is a timeless choice for anyone who enjoys a visually impressive and easy-to-mix mixed drink.

Who invented the Blue Lagoon cocktail?

Multiple reports suggest that Andy MacElhone, son of the famous bartender Harry MacElhone, developed the cocktail in the 1960s or 1970s at the iconic Harry’s New York Bar in Paris (talk about a weighty name!). The bar’s official site does state that it invented the drink alongside other classics like the SideCar and Bloody Mary cocktails.  

So, how has the blue lagoon cocktail stood the test of time? Well, the way it looks certainly has a role to play in it, but it’s also the taste and ease of mixing. The traditional recipe requires shaking all the ingredients and straining. However, a popular modern-day version turns it into a frozen cocktail. Here, all the ingredients are blended with crushed ice. The traditional route is faster and easier, while the modern variation is crunchier and icier. You can try both to see which one you prefer. 

Common variations of the Blue Lagoon cocktail  

The blue lagoon cocktail has a forgiving flavour profile, which means it is easy to tweak. Thus, if you’re the kind who likes to experiment with cocktail creations, then this is a good base to start with. Some of the common variations that already exist are the gin lagoon cocktail, which swaps the vodka for gin and the tropical lagoon cocktail, where rum replaces the gin. The juniper and botanical notes of the gin add an herbal edge that cuts through the citrusy sweetness of the curaçao while the rum gives the drink a heavy island punch that pairs beautifully with blue curaçao. Then there is the popular Scandinavian variation that keeps the vodka but replaces the lemonade with lemon-lime soda for a slightly sweeter, fizzier finish. It’s called Isbjørn or The Polar Bear. 

Blue Lagoon cocktail: Tips To Remember

If you’re new to the blue lagoon cocktail recipe, then there are two important tips to remember. First, there is the lemonade. American lemonade tends to be more tart than the Indian or European version. Depending on the type of lemonade you use, adjust the simple syrup. The Australian or UK version also tends to be carbonated. If your lemonade is without fizz, add a splash of club soda for fizz. Secondly, the curaçao liqueur is essential for the signature colour, but it may feel too sweet. If you prefer your cocktails on the tangier side, cut the sweetness by adding fresh lime juice (around 15 ml).