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Top 13 Dry Curacao Cocktails

I love mixing dry curacao into my drinks because it adds that perfect hint of orange without overwhelming sweetness. This ingredient shines in a diverse lineup of cocktails, from timeless classics to innovative new mixes. It’s ideal for anyone eager to explore unique flavors and refine their mixology skills. Dry curacao cocktails strike the right balance, offering sophistication and versatility across various recipes. If you’re keen to expand your cocktail repertoire with a subtle yet impactful twist, this roundup is a must-try.

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The White Lady

White Lady Cocktail Combat bar paris
Source: davidlebovitz.com

The White Lady provides a light and refreshing option if you’re looking for a simple cocktail using liquors you probably have in your cabinet. This cocktail sounds elegant and complicated, but only gin, dry curacao, and lemon juice are needed. Elevate this drink with egg whites which are “dry shaken” without ice before ice is added for the final shake on this ice-cold cocktail.


The Louisville

The Louisville
Source: basilhaydenbourbon.com

Dry curacao is often paired with citrusy, poolside drinks, but this versatile orange liqueur is equally at home with warm, fireside cocktails. The Louisville uses its namesake’s signature bourbon for a spicy and flavorful concoction featuring baking spices, dried orange, and vanilla flavors. Break out this cocktail for a creative alternative for holiday parties.


Pegu Club

Pegu Club
 Source: bevvy.co

Like pickles and canned meat, the Pegu Club cocktail is another item considered popular food eaten in colonies from America’s earliest history that are still consumed today. The Pegu Club features ingredients similar to The White Lady, using lime juice instead of lemon and adding bitters.


Dusk on the Prairie

Dusk on the Prairie cocktail
Source: blossomtostem.net

Choose grapefruit juice and the citrusy balance to dry curacao in the Dusk on the Prairie cocktail. This Chicago invention uses gin, seltzer, and bitters to balance this herbaceous and visually stunning drink. A simple cocktail to concoct, serve this drink as a delicious option for late summer and early fall gatherings.


Curacao Rum Runner

Curacao Rum Runner
Source: vinepair.com

If you enjoy the sharp and bitter flavors of liquor and citrus rind, this curacao rum runner delivers a bracing mixed drink. Only orange bitters, dry curacao, and rum combine for this potent cocktail. Reminiscent of a classic Old-Fashioned, the curacao rum runner can stand up to hearty meals like a steak dinner.


Man o’ War

Man o’ War
Source: liquor.com

Three different liquors and high-end garnishes take this cocktail to sophisticated heights. Named for a champion racehorse, the Man o’ War will help you feel light on your feet with the combination of bourbon, vermouth, and dry curacao. Finish with a brandied cherry for an elegant martini-like cocktail.


The Irish Derby

The Irish Derby
Source: seriouseats.com

Skip the Guinness for your next St. Patrick’s Day celebration and mix up The Irish Derby instead. Instead of the bourbon and cherries from the Man o’ War, this drink highlights lime and Irish whiskey for this recipe. Add sweet vermouth and dry curacao for a potent and citrusy mixed drink.


Martinez (Orange)

Martinez (Orange)
Source: diffordsguide.com

Looking for a gin cocktail with dominant orange flavors? The Martinez delivers strong orange tastes with the combination of dry curacao and orange bitters. Sweet vermouth balances this strong drink, served in a chilled martini glass. If you enjoy brandy sidecars, try a Martinez cocktail.


Raimbaut

raimbaut
Source: diffordsguide.com

Most of the ingredients in this mixed drink can be found on anyone’s shelf, like gin and dry curacao. But the addition of aromatized wine makes this cocktail a special occasion. Reach for vermouth, an aromatized wine, or Lillet Blanc. This elegant, champagne-colored cocktail looks beautiful at a bridal shower or used for a toast at a retirement party.


Londoner

Londoner
Source: diffordsguide.com

Many of the dry curacao cocktails on this list feature a combination of dry curacao with citrus or other fruit juices, bitters, and your liquor of choice. The Londoner is no different, elevating the simple ingredients of dry gin, bitters, sweet vermouth, and dry curacao into a strong stirred cocktail.


Show Me State

show me state
Source: punchdrink.com

Imbibe with this sweet cocktail, named after the state of Missouri’s memorable state slogan. The Show Me State combines several ingredients for a syrupy and smoky dry curacao cocktail. Blend dry curacao with orange juice, heavy lime syrup, simple syrup, and mezcal for this refreshing poolside drink.


Dutch Sour

dutch sour
Source: diffordsguide.com

Vodka joins the party with this Dutch sour, a spin on the classic whisky sour. Dry curacao, vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and both orange and grapefruit bitters. The Dutch sour delivers a flavor explosion, adding a smooth egg white to the top for a balanced and complex mixed drink.


Snyder Cocktail

snyder cocktail
Source: diffordsguide.com

Go full dry martini with the Snyder cocktail. The classic martini ingredients of gin and extra dry vermouth combine with dry curacao for a strong cocktail with a refreshing, citrusy twist. The Snyder cocktail is also often compared to the strength and bitterness of an Old-Fashioned or negroni.


An elegant dry Curacao cocktail. The cocktail, in the foreground, is served in a sophisticated coupe glass, showcasing the bright, clear orange color of dry Curacao. It's garnished with a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry. On the sleek, reflective bar top, there's a small dish with orange peels and a few cherries. The background features a luxurious bar setting, with a dark wooden backdrop, soft ambient lighting, and shelves lined with an array of premium spirits. A large, arched window in the background offers a view of a vibrant cityscape at night, with illuminated buildings and a starry sky.

13 Dry Curaçao Cocktail Recipes

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 3 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dry cucacao cocktails, dry curacao
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Sip on the sweet and citrusy taste of dry curacao cocktails.

Instructions

  • Pick your favorite recipe
  • Gather all the needed ingredients
  • Prep a dry curacao cocktail in less than 5 minutes
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!
Top 13 Dry Curacao Cocktails
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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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