What is Blue Curacao?

Popular liqueur Blue Curacao is used in a variety of exotic and tropical cocktails.

It is renowned for both its distinctive bitter-sweet orange flavor and distinctive blue appearance. The beverage has been around for more than a century and is now considered a standard in the mixology community.

The name of the liqueur comes from the island of Curaçao, where it was first made. The dried peel of the laraha citrus fruit, a subspecies of the sweet Spanish orange, is used to make Blue Curacao.

To achieve a flavor that is highly concentrated, the peel is first soaked in alcohol before being distilled. The liqueur’s vivid blue hue is caused by the addition of food coloring during manufacture.

What is Blue Curacao?

Blue Curacao is a popular liqueur that is known for its vibrant blue color and citrusy flavor.

It is made from the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit, which is a type of orange that only grows on the island of Curacao. The liqueur is typically used as a cocktail ingredient and is a staple in many tropical drinks.

History

The history of Blue Curacao dates back to the 19th century when Dutch settlers on the island of Curacao began producing orange liqueurs. The original recipe for Blue Curacao was created by the Bols company in Amsterdam, which used the bitter Laraha orange peel to create a distinctive flavor. The liqueur was initially available in several colors, including clear, red, green, and orange. However, the blue variety quickly became the most popular and is now the most commonly used color.

Flavor

Blue Curacao has a sweet, citrusy flavor with a hint of bitterness. The Laraha orange peel used in its production is known for its bitter taste, which adds complexity to the liqueur. The oil from the peel is also used to add aroma and flavor to the liqueur. The alcohol content of Blue Curacao varies depending on the brand, but it typically ranges from 15% to 40% ABV.

Production

To produce Blue Curacao, the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit is soaked in alcohol for several days. The mixture is then distilled to create an orange-flavored alcohol base. Spices and other flavorings are added to the base, along with food coloring to achieve the distinctive blue color. The alcohol by volume (ABV) of the liqueur is then adjusted to the desired level before bottling.

Blue Curacao is a versatile liqueur that can be used in a variety of cocktails. It is often used as a substitute for triple sec or other orange liqueurs and pairs well with rum, gin, tequila, and vodka. Bartenders often use Blue Curacao to add color and flavor to their drinks, and it is a staple ingredient in many tropical cocktails.

Overall, Blue Curacao is a unique and flavorful liqueur that is enjoyed by many. It’s distinctive blue color and citrusy flavor make it a popular ingredient in cocktails, and it is a must-have for any bartender looking to create tropical drinks.

Blue Curacao Cocktails

Blue Curacao is a popular ingredient in many cocktails, adding a unique blue color and sweet, citrusy flavor.

Here are some popular Blue Curacao cocktails and how to make them.

Popular Cocktails

• Blue Lagoon: This sweet and tangy cocktail is made with Blue Curacao, vodka, and lemonade. Fill a shaker with ice, add 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1 oz Blue Curacao, and 4 oz lemonade. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice.
• Blue Margarita: A twist on the classic Margarita, this cocktail is made with Blue Curacao, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Combine 1 oz tequila, 1 oz Blue Curacao, 1 oz lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
• Blue Hawaiian: This tropical cocktail is made with Blue Curacao, light rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. Combine 1 oz Blue Curacao, 1 oz light rum, 3 oz pineapple juice, and 1 oz coconut cream in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.

How to Make Blue Curacao Cocktails

To make Blue Curacao cocktails, you will need Blue Curacao, a spirit such as rum, gin, or vodka, and other ingredients such as fruit juices, simple syrup, and spices. Here’s a basic recipe for a Blue Curacao cocktail:

• Combine 1 oz Blue Curacao, 2 oz of your chosen spirit, and 2 oz of your chosen mixer (such as fruit juice) in a shaker with ice.
• Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with a slice of fruit or a sprig of herbs, if desired.

For a Blue Martini, combine 2 oz gin and 1 oz Blue Curacao in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

For an Aqua Velva, combine 1 oz vodka, 1 oz Blue Curacao, and 1 oz lemonade in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water.

To make a simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool before using in cocktails.

Overall, Blue Curacao is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add color and flavor to a wide variety of cocktails.