Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail to enjoy by the poolside. This classic cocktail is a vibrant blue color and is made with vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade. Some variations of the recipe also include simple syrup and fresh lemon juice for added sweetness and tartness.

The vibrant blue color of the drink is thanks to the addition of blue curaçao, a liqueur made from the dried peel of the laraha fruit, which is similar to an orange. When shaken with ice and strained into a hurricane glass over crushed ice, the Blue Lagoon cocktail is a beautiful and refreshing drink that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of the Blue Lagoon cocktail are debated, but it is generally believed to have been created by Andy MacElhone, the son of famed bartender Harry MacElhone, at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in the 1960s or early 1970s.

However, some sources claim that the Blue Lagoon was first created in the early 1920s by a bartender named Harry Craddock. The original recipe called for gin, blue Curaçao, and lemon juice. The Blue Lagoon cocktail was later modified in the 1940s.

Harry’s New York Bar in Paris has a rich history of cocktail making. The bar was founded in 1911 by American jockey Tod Sloan and was originally called the New York Bar. It quickly became a popular spot for expatriates and locals alike, and it was renamed Harry’s New York Bar after Harry MacElhone bought the establishment in 1923. Harry’s New York Bar has been credited with inventing many classic cocktails, including the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar.

Andy MacElhone followed in his father’s footsteps and became a renowned bartender in his own right. He is credited with creating many popular cocktails, including the Blue Lagoon. The bar at Harry’s New York Bar has been frequented by many famous patrons over the years, including Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, and Jack Dempsey.

Today, the Blue Lagoon cocktail remains a popular drink around the world and is often served at tropical-themed parties and events.

How to Make It

Blue Lagoon

Yield: 1

Making a Blue Lagoon cocktail is a breeze. Here is a simple recipe for you to follow:

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Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Crushed ice
• Lemon wheel and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, blue curaçao, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake well until the drink is well-chilled.
4. Fill a hurricane glass with crushed ice.
5. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry

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Variations

The Blue Lagoon cocktail is a classic drink that has been enjoyed for decades. While the original recipe calls for vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade, there are many variations of this cocktail that you can try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

The Blue Hawaii

If you’re looking for a tropical twist on the classic Blue Lagoon, try making a Blue Hawaii. This cocktail swaps out the lemonade for pineapple juice and adds a splash of sweet and sour mix. To make a Blue Hawaii, combine 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of blue curaçao, 3 ounces of pineapple juice, and 1/2 ounce of sweet and sour mix in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

The Frozen Blue Lagoon

For a refreshing frozen cocktail, try making a Frozen Blue Lagoon. To make this drink, blend 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of blue curaçao, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup with ice cubes until smooth. Pour into a hurricane glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.

The Citrusy Twist

If you prefer a more tart cocktail, try adding lime to your Blue Lagoon. To make a Citrusy Twist, combine 1 1/2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of blue curaçao, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

The Film Star

For a more sophisticated version of the Blue Lagoon, try using Dekuyper instead of blue curaçao. This Dutch liqueur is made from the bitter laraha fruit, which is similar to an orange. To make a Film Star, combine 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of Dekuyper, 1 ounce of fresh citrus juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of orange.