The Whiskey Lagoon is a bold drink with a tropical twist. It mixes the deep, rich flavor of whiskey with bright, beachy mixers for something unexpected but easy to enjoy. Think of it as a backyard barbecue meets island getaway. It’s smooth with just enough sweetness to balance the warmth of the whiskey, making it great for relaxing evenings or weekend get-togethers. This drink brings a playful vibe without losing its kick. Whether you’re a whiskey fan or just trying something new, the Whiskey Lagoon delivers a cool, laid-back feel in every sip.
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Tasting Notes
The Whiskey Lagoon has a bold, slightly sweet flavor with a citrusy finish. Blue curaçao gives the drink a light orange taste and its bright color. Whiskey adds depth and warmth, resting on top with a bit of bite. Lemon-lime soda brings bubbles and a crisp finish that keeps the drink light. The layers slowly blend as you sip, so each taste shifts a little starting smooth and ending with more whiskey. It’s balanced without being too strong or too sweet. This drink is eye-catching, refreshing, and a fun way to bring whiskey into a more playful style.
Equipment and Glassware
You won’t need much to pull this one off. A highball or rocks glass works best for building and showing off the layers. You’ll want a bar spoon or the back of a regular spoon to help pour the whiskey slowly and keep the layers separate. A jigger helps you measure each pour for accuracy. Ice is essential, so use cubes rather than crushed for better layering. A lime wedge adds a pop of color and a bit of brightness. This is a great one to build directly in the glass, with no shaker or strainer needed.
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey
- ¾ oz blue curaçao
- Lemon-lime soda, to top
- 1 lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the blue curaçao.
- Add lemon-lime soda.
- Carefully pour the whiskey over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect on top.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Pro Tips
- Use a chilled glass to help keep layers from blending too fast.
- Pour slowly and close to the surface to layer the whiskey more cleanly.
- Use clear ice for a better visual effect.
- Choose a smooth whiskey to balance the sweetness of the curaçao and soda.
- Add a splash of lime juice for more tartness.
- Don’t stir if you want to keep the layered look.
- Use a tall glass to show off the separation between the blue and gold tones.
- If serving for guests, prep the soda and blue curaçao first, then layer the whiskey to finish.
When to Serve
The Whiskey Lagoon is great for casual parties, outdoor hangouts, or just when you want something fun and different. It’s especially good for summer, thanks to the soda and citrus base. The layered look makes it a solid choice for themed events or celebrations where you want something that looks cool without much work. It’s also a fun drink to serve to whiskey fans looking for something a little outside the usual. Since it’s easy to build and doesn’t need a shaker, it’s perfect for quick pours and no-mess cleanup.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Whiskey:
- Bulleit Bourbon (smooth with a bit of spice)
- Jameson Irish Whiskey (light and approachable)
- Maker’s Mark (soft and sweet, pairs well with soda)
- Evan Williams (budget-friendly and reliable)
Blue Curaçao:
- DeKuyper Blue Curaçao (widely available)
- Bols Blue Curaçao (strong color and solid flavor)
Lemon-Lime Soda:
- Sprite (classic choice)
- 7UP (less sweet, more crisp)
- Sierra Mist (light and clean)
Similar Cocktails
- Leatherneck Cocktail
- Blue Long Island Iced Tea
- Whiskey Strawberry Lemonade
- Cucumber Dragonfruit Vodka Limeade
- Mermaid Margarita
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey
- ¾ oz blue curaçao
- Lemon-lime soda to top
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the blue curaçao.
- Add lemon-lime soda.
- Carefully pour the whiskey over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect on top.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For the cleanest layers, pour each ingredient gently and slowly.
- Use clear ice if you want the colors to stand out even more.
- A large cube or sphere works great for less dilution and better layering.