The Royal Eclipse is a bright, layered cocktail that’s all about color and contrast. With vodka, lime juice, Sprite, blue curaçao, and a splash of cherry juice, it’s fizzy, slightly tart, and just sweet enough to keep things smooth. The blue and red mix gives it a bold look like a sky lit up at sunset while the flavor stays light and refreshing. It’s a fun drink for parties, especially when you want something eye-catching without a long list of ingredients. The Royal Eclipse is easy to make, easy to enjoy, and just the right mix of sweet, citrus, and sparkle. Inspired by homebar.cocktails
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Tasting Notes
The Royal Eclipse is fruity, fizzy, and full of color. Vodka gives it a clean base, while lemon juice adds a citrusy edge. Sprite brings sweetness and bubbles, and blue curaçao adds light orange notes and bold color. The cherry juice finishes it off with a rich red layer that slowly blends as you sip. It’s refreshing and playful, with a balance of citrus, fruit, and sparkle.
Equipment and Glassware
No shaker needed—just a spoon and jigger. Build this drink right in the glass. Use a tall glass like a highball or a hurricane glass to show off the layered color. Crushed ice helps the cherry juice settle slowly, creating that “eclipse” effect. Add a straw, a lime wheel, and a few cocktail cherries for a clean, colorful finish.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 1.5 oz Sprite
- 0.75 oz blue curaçao
- 1.5 oz cherry juice
- Garnish: lemon wheel or cherry
Instructions
- Fill your glass with crushed ice.
- Pour in the vodka, lemon juice, Sprite, and blue curaçao.
- Give it a gentle stir to mix.
- Slowly pour the cherry juice over the top, it should settle slightly for a layered look.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a couple of cherries.
Pro Tips
- Crushed ice helps with layering and keeps the drink colder longer.
- Pour the cherry juice slowly to keep the layers clean. Want it sweeter?
- Add more Sprite or a splash of simple syrup. Use chilled ingredients to avoid too much melting.
- If your cherry juice is very thick, you can mix it with a bit of water before pouring to help it settle better.
When to Serve
This Royal Eclipse is perfect for summer nights, parties, or anytime you want something colorful and crowd-friendly. It’s great for themed events, signature menus, or as a fun starter for casual get-togethers. The bright look and smooth flavor also make it a hit at brunches or outdoor gatherings.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Go with a clean vodka like Tito’s, Absolut, or Smirnoff. For blue curaçao, DeKuyper or Bols are easy to find and mix well.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor, and stick with 100% cherry juice (not from concentrate) for bold color and real fruit taste.
- Regular Sprite works well, but you can also try lemon-lime soda with less sugar if you want a lighter version.
Similar Cocktails
- Jasmine Elderflower Daiquiri
- Green Beetlejuice Cocktail
- Skyline Cooler
- Tropical Depression
- Blue Motorcycle
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 1.5 oz Sprite
- 0.75 oz blue curaçao
- 1.5 oz cherry juice
- Garnish: lemon wheel or cherry
Instructions
- Fill your glass with crushed ice.
- Pour in the vodka, lemon juice, Sprite, and blue curaçao.
- Give it a gentle stir to mix.
- Slowly pour the cherry juice over the top, it should settle slightly for a layered look.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a couple of cherries.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For the best layering, pour the cherry juice over the back of a spoon so it floats down slowly.
- Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the ice from melting too fast.
- If you prefer it sweeter, increase the cherry juice or Sprite slightly.