Blue Devil Cocktail

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.
Blue Devil Cocktail

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.

Similar Cocktails

Aviation

Shares a gin, lemon, and maraschino base but uses Crème de Violette instead of Blue Curaçao, resulting in a floral aroma and a pale lavender color.

Blue Moon Cocktail

A simpler gin sour, typically omitting the maraschino liqueur and using Crème de Violette or Crème Yvette for its color and flavor.

You May Also Like

Kentucky Maid

A supremely refreshing bourbon sour, elegantly muddled with fresh mint and crisp cucumber.

The Prospector

A sophisticated bourbon sour elevated with the herbal sweetness of Yellow Chartreuse and the richness of honey.

Gin Old Fashioned

A sophisticated and aromatic twist on the quintessential classic, swapping whiskey for gin to create a botanical, spirit-forward sipper.

Chocolate Cake Shot

A popular and surprisingly deceptive party shot that combines hazelnut liqueur and citrus vodka to magically replicate the taste of chocolate cake when chased with a sugared lemon.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Hakam's Cocktail

A rare and intriguing classic sour featuring gin and the unique, funky spice of Swedish Punsch.

Clark Gable

A simple, refreshing highball combining the rich sweetness of dark rum with the familiar fizz of Coca-Cola and a bright touch of lime.

Gin and French

An elegant and beautifully simple classic cocktail featuring equal parts gin and French dry vermouth.

Medicine Man

A complex, modern tiki cocktail that uniquely combines the richness of dark rum and the smokiness of blended Scotch with bright citrus and warm spice.