Name: American Blue Cooler
Prep time: 4 min
Ingredients: 1½ oz white rum; 1 oz Blue Curaçao; 3 oz sparkling lemonade; Garnish: fresh berries (blackberry and raspberry)

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The American Blue Cooler is bold, icy, and perfect for summer parties or holiday weekends. It blends blue curaçao with vodka or rum, a splash of lemon-lime soda or lemonade, and plenty of ice to create a smooth, frozen drink with a vibrant blue color. The flavor is sweet with a refreshing citrus kick, making it easy to enjoy on hot days. Serve it in a tall glass with a cherry or a slice of lemon on top, and if you’re feeling festive, add a fun straw or a little American flag pick. It’s simple, eye-catching, and made for celebrating.

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Tasting Notes

The American Blue Cooler is cool, sweet, and citrus-forward with a bright pop of color. The white rum brings a smooth, subtle warmth without overpowering the drink. Blue Curaçao adds a hint of orange flavor and that iconic bold blue color. Sparkling lemonade keeps the drink light and bubbly with just the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness. Blended with ice, the texture is smooth and icy, perfect for sipping on hot days. Garnishing with fresh berries adds a touch of natural sweetness and makes the drink visually stand out in the glass.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a good blender capable of crushing ice into a smooth slushy texture. A jigger helps with precise measurements for the rum, Blue Curaçao, and lemonade. Serve this drink in a hurricane glass, which holds the slushy mixture nicely and showcases the bright blue color. A bar spoon or long straw is useful for stirring between sips. Have a small knife and cutting board ready to prep any additional garnishes like fresh berries. For best results, chill the glass ahead of time to help keep the slushy cold longer.

Ingredients

1½ oz white rum
1 oz Blue Curaçao
3 oz sparkling lemonade
Garnish: fresh berries (blackberry or raspberry)

Instructions

Add white rum, Blue Curaçao, sparkling lemonade, and ice to a blender. Blend on high until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency.
Pour into a hurricane glass.
Top with fresh berries for a festive and colorful finish.

Pro Tips

Chill your ingredients before blending to help the slushy stay colder longer.
Use freshly made or high-quality sparkling lemonade for the best flavor.
If you want a stronger drink, you can add a little extra rum, but be sure to balance it with enough ice to keep the slushy texture.
For the garnish, use a mix of red and blue berries to create a patriotic look—perfect for summer holidays or themed parties.
Always serve right after blending to keep the texture perfect and refreshing.

When to Serve

This drink is a summer favorite, perfect for Memorial day, 4th of July parties, poolside gatherings, and backyard barbecues. The bold blue color and fresh berry garnish make it a fun and festive choice for holiday celebrations. Serve it in the afternoon when guests are looking for something cold and refreshing, or as a signature cocktail at themed events. It’s also a great option for casual get-togethers where you want a quick and easy frozen drink that looks impressive and tastes great.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

For the white rum, go with a smooth, light option like Bacardi Superior, Don Q Cristal, or Cruzan Light Rum.
These won’t overpower the drink and keep it light and crisp.
When it comes to Blue Curaçao, Bols and DeKuyper are widely available and affordable, while Giffard offers a slightly more refined flavor if you want to upgrade.
Use a sparkling lemonade with natural flavors for the freshest taste Fever-Tree and Sanpellegrino make great options that add bright citrus notes and good carbonation.

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