Blue Devil Cocktail

Name: Blue Devil Cocktail
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz London Dry Gin; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Lemon Juice; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Blue Curaçao; 7.5 ml / 0.25 oz Maraschino Liqueur

Ingredients Instructions

The Blue Devil Cocktail is a visually stunning and deliciously tart drink tracing its roots back to the 1920s or 30s. It masterfully balances the botanical notes of gin with the sweet, complex flavor of maraschino liqueur and the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. The cocktail's signature electric blue color, derived from Blue Curaçao, makes it a sophisticated yet fun choice that is as delightful to behold as it is to sip.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Blue Devil is classified as a classic cocktail. It falls into the sour category of drinks, which are characterized by a base spirit, a sour element (citrus), and a sweet element.

Serving

Serve this moderately strong, cold cocktail in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass to maintain its temperature and showcase its brilliant color. The drink size is standard for a shaken, "up" cocktail.

Serving size

Approximately 120 ml or 4 oz

Alcohol content

Approximately 25-30% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Coupe

Glass treatment

Chilled

Backstory

The Blue Devil's exact origin is shrouded in the mystery typical of Prohibition-era cocktails, but it is widely believed to have been created in the lively bar scene of 1920s or 1930s Paris. Its name is thought to be a tribute to the elite French alpine infantry unit, the Chasseurs Alpins, who were famously nicknamed "les Diables Bleus" or "the Blue Devils." The cocktail's potent character and vivid color perfectly capture the spirit of its namesake.

Origin

Paris, France, circa 1920s-1930s.

Blue Devil Cocktail

The drink is most commonly known as the Blue Devil Cocktail, sometimes shortened simply to Blue Devil. There are no other significant alternative names for this classic recipe.

Original name

Blue Devil Cocktail

Alternative name

Blue Devil

Characteristics overview

The Blue Devil boasts a bright, citrus-forward flavor with botanical gin notes, balanced by a tart finish and a smooth texture. Its defining feature is a stunningly vibrant blue appearance, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Flavor

Citrus-forward, Tart, Botanical, Subtly sweet, Nutty, Orange

Aroma

Juniper, Lemon zest, Cherry, Orange peel

Taste balance

Sour, Sweet

Aftertaste

Clean, Crisp, Lingering citrus

Fizziness

Still

Color appearance

Bright blue, Vibrant, Clear

Texture

Smooth, Silky

Seasonality

Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a sour-dominant cocktail with moderate alcohol strength and fruitiness. It is not sweet, creamy, or carbonated, offering a crisp and intense flavor experience.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need four key ingredients for this cocktail: London Dry Gin as the base, fresh lemon juice for tartness, Blue Curaçao for color and flavor, and Maraschino liqueur for complexity.

London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 oz
A quality London Dry Gin with prominent juniper notes works best.
Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
Must be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
Blue Curaçao15 ml / 0.5 oz
Provides the signature blue color and a subtle orange flavor.
Maraschino Liqueur7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
Adds a complex, slightly nutty and sweet cherry flavor that balances the tartness.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

Standard cocktail-making equipment is needed, including a shaker to combine and chill the ingredients, and a set of strainers for a smooth, ice-free pour.

Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
Hawthorne strainer to strain from the shaker
Fine mesh strainer for double straining

Instructions

This drink is made by shaking all ingredients with ice until very cold, and then double straining into a pre-chilled coupe glass. A simple garnish completes the cocktail.

1. Prepare your serving glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice and water to chill.

2. Measure and pour the gin, fresh lemon juice, Blue Curaçao, and maraschino liqueur into a cocktail shaker.

3. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with ice cubes.

4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.

5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.

6. Double strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.

7. Garnish with a freshly cut lemon twist or a maraschino cherry before serving.

Garnishing

A simple garnish like a lemon twist complements the drink's citrus notes and adds a fragrant aroma. Alternatively, a single maraschino cherry can be used for a classic look.

Lemon Twist: Express the oils over the drink for aroma before dropping it in.
Maraschino Cherry: A single, high-quality cherry can be dropped into the glass as an alternative garnish.

Dietary Information

This drink is generally vegan and free from dairy, eggs, and gluten. However, it is not considered nut-free due to the inclusion of maraschino liqueur, which can be a concern for those with severe nut allergies.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✕ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low for a cocktail, stemming from the sweetening agents.

Calories

Averagely 210 kcal / 879 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Approximately 11g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Approximately 10g

Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for cocktail parties where its vibrant color can be a conversation starter. It's also an excellent choice for a refreshing summer evening drink or for any themed event calling for colorful concoctions.

Cocktail Party
Summer Evening
Themed Event
Pre-dinner Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Blue Devil's tart and botanical profile pairs well with light and savory foods. It cuts through the richness of seafood appetizers and complements the saltiness of snacks like olives, while its acidity matches well with fresh salads and soft cheeses.

Oysters or shrimp cocktail
Light salads with vinaigrette dressing
Salty snacks like olives or seasoned nuts
Goat cheese canapés

The Blue Devil Cocktail: A Dashing and Delicious Classic

The Blue Devil Cocktail is a captivating classic that stands out with its electric blue appearance and sharp, refreshing taste. As a gin sour variation, it beautifully balances the botanical spirit with tangy lemon, sweet orange from Blue Curaçao, and a complex hint of cherry from maraschino liqueur. It is a testament to the timeless appeal of well-balanced cocktails from the early 20th century. Simple to prepare yet sophisticated in character, the Blue Devil is a perfect choice to impress guests or to enjoy as a zesty pre-dinner drink.