Paul Kushner
Hey there! Let me introduce you to Homemade Blue Curacao, a fantastic ingredient that’ll turn your drinks into something special. As a bartender, I love using it to add a pop of color and a unique flavor to cocktails. It’s super easy to make and brings a fun, tropical vibe to any drink. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add it to everything!
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Tasting Notes
Homemade Blue Curacao has a sweet, slightly bitter orange flavor that’s truly one of a kind. It’s made from the dried peels of the Laraha citrus fruit, giving it that distinctive taste. When you mix it into your drinks, it adds a beautiful blue hue and a refreshing citrus kick that’s hard to beat.
Equipment and Glassware
To make your own Blue Curacao, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for infusing
- A fine strainer or cheesecloth for filtering
- A funnel for bottling
- A zester or peeler for preparing the citrus peel
- Any glass bottle with a seal will work great for storing your Blue Curacao.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 8 cups sugar
- 1 liter gin
- 1 liter vodka
- 12 navel orange zest
- 4 tbsp dried bitter orange peel
- 32 cloves
- Blue food coloring (a few drops at a time until desired color is reached)
Instructions
- Combine vodka, gin, orange zest, and dried bitter orange peel in a large container. Let sit for 20 days.
- Add 32 cloves and let sit for one additional day.
- Strain the liquid through a coffee filter.
- Once strained, add the sugar and water. Stir until dissolved.
- Add blue food coloring a few drops at a time until the desired color is reached.
- Store in a clean bottle in the refrigerator.
Pro Tips
- Use organic oranges to avoid any pesticides in your drink.
- Adjust the amount of blue food coloring to get the shade of blue you prefer.
- For a deeper flavor, let the orange peels infuse for up to two weeks.
When to Serve
Homemade Blue Curacao is perfect for summer parties, beach gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with visually stunning cocktails. Use it in drinks like the Blue Lagoon or Blue Margarita to add a tropical flair and a gorgeous blue color.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For the vodka base, go with a neutral, high-quality brand like Absolut or Smirnoff. These will give you a clean canvas for the orange flavor to shine through.
Similar Cocktails
If you love experimenting with Homemade Blue Curacao, here are five cocktails to try:
- Blue Lagoon – A refreshing mix of vodka, Blue Curacao, and lemonade.
- Blue Margarita – A colorful twist on the classic, with tequila, Blue Curacao, and lime juice.
- Blue Hawaiian – A tropical blend of rum, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.
- Electric Lemonade – A zesty combination of vodka, Blue Curacao, lemonade, and a splash of soda.
- Curacao Martini – A sophisticated mix of gin, Blue Curacao, and dry vermouth.
History
Blue Curacao originated from the island of Curacao in the Caribbean. It’s made from the Laraha citrus fruit, which is native to the island. The liqueur was originally colorless, but the blue version was created to add a vibrant touch to cocktails and has become popular worldwide.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 8 cups sugar
- 1 liter gin
- 1 liter vodka
- 12 navel orange zest
- 4 tbsp dried bitter orange peel
- 32 cloves
- Blue food coloring a few drops at a time until desired color is reached
Instructions
- Combine vodka, gin, orange zest, and dried bitter orange peel in a large container. Let sit for 20 days.
- Add 32 cloves and let sit for one additional day.
- Strain the liquid through a coffee filter.
- Once strained, add the sugar and water. Stir until dissolved.
- Add blue food coloring a few drops at a time until the desired color is reached.
- Store in a clean bottle in the refrigerator.
