Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a popular vodka-based cocktail famous for its stunning, tropical-blue hue. It combines the neutral spirit of vodka with the sweet, orangey flavor of blue curaçao liqueur, all topped with the zesty fizz of lemonade. It's a simple, refreshing highball that is incredibly easy to make and drink. Its appeal lies not in complex flavors but in its fun, vibrant appearance and straightforward, sweet-citrus taste that evokes images of a tropical paradise.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Blue Lagoon is classified as a cocktail, specifically a highball due to its preparation style and serving glass. It's considered a modern classic, having emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. Its simple, approachable nature makes it a popular choice in bars that feature well-known, crowd-pleasing drinks.
Serving
This is a cold, long drink served over ice in a Highball or Hurricane glass, with a moderate alcohol content. The presentation is simple, letting the brilliant blue color take center stage.
Serving size
Approximately 200-250 ml / 7-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The Blue Lagoon was created in the early 1970s, most sources credit it to Andy MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. He was the son of the bar's legendary founder, Harry MacElhone. The drink's name is often associated with the 1980 film of the same name, but the cocktail predates it. It's more likely named for its brilliant color, reminiscent of a tropical lagoon or perhaps the famous geothermal spa in Iceland.
Origin
The cocktail originated in Paris, France, around 1972 at Harry's New York Bar. It rose to global popularity throughout the 1970s and 1980s as a staple of resort bars and parties. Its creation reflects the era's taste for colorful, simple, and visually appealing mixed drinks.
Blue Lagoon
The drink is almost universally known as the Blue Lagoon. In Spanish-speaking countries, it may be referred to by its direct translation, Laguna Azul. However, the English name remains the most common identifier for this cocktail worldwide.
Original name
Blue Lagoon
Alternative name
Laguna Azul
Characteristics overview
The Blue Lagoon is defined by its sweet and sour citrus flavor profile and stunning electric blue appearance. It is a light, effervescent, and highly refreshing drink, making it an ideal choice for a hot summer day.
Flavor
sweet, citrusy, orange, tart
Aroma
citrus, sweet orange peel
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
short, clean, slightly sweet
Fizziness
lightly fizzy, effervescent
Color appearance
vibrant blue, transparent, brilliant
Texture
light, thin, watery
Seasonality
refreshing, summery, thirst-quenching
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is dominated by fruity sweetness and a balancing sourness, with a light alcohol presence. The carbonation from the lemonade adds a gentle fizz, making it a very approachable and easy-drinking cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This simple cocktail requires only three core ingredients: vodka for the alcoholic base, blue curaçao for its signature color and flavor, and lemonade to lengthen the drink and add citrusy sweetness.
- Vodka30-50 ml / 1-1.5 ozA standard, clean vodka is preferred as not to interfere with the other flavors.
- Blue Curaçao Liqueur30 ml / 1 ozThis provides the essential blue color and sweet orange flavor.
- Lemonade120 ml / 4 oz, or to topUse clear, carbonated lemonade (like Sprite or 7-Up) or traditional cloudy lemonade, depending on preference.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
Minimal equipment is needed to create a Blue Lagoon. A jigger ensures the proportions are correct, and a long bar spoon helps to gently combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pouring.
- Bar spoon for gently stirring the ingredients in the glass.
Instructions
The Blue Lagoon is a "built" cocktail, meaning the ingredients are added directly into the serving glass over ice. Simply pour in the spirits, top with lemonade, give it a gentle stir, and add the garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the vodka and blue curaçao liqueur over the ice.
3. Top up the glass with lemonade.
4. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange on the rim and drop in a maraschino cherry.
Garnishing
The drink is typically garnished with a slice of orange on the rim and often a bright red maraschino cherry. The contrast between the blue drink, orange slice, and red cherry enhances its tropical and fun appearance.
- Orange slice placed on the rim of the glass.
- Maraschino cherry dropped into the drink.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Assuming gluten-free vodka is used, it is also gluten-free, making it suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a relatively high-sugar cocktail due to the blue curaçao and lemonade. The calorie count is moderate, primarily coming from the alcohol and sugars.
Calories
averagely 200-250 kcal / 837-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 25-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 24-28 g
Sugar level
Occasions
With its refreshing taste and vibrant look, the Blue Lagoon is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, poolside lounging, and beach get-togethers. It's an excellent choice for casual social events where a fun, easy-drinking cocktail is desired. Its simplicity also makes it a great entry-level cocktail for home mixing.
- Summer Parties
- Poolside Lounging
- Beach Bars
- Casual Gatherings
Pairing suggestions
The sweet and citrusy profile of the Blue Lagoon pairs well with salty snacks that can cut through the sweetness. It also complements light appetizers, tropical-themed foods, and fresh fruit. Avoid pairing it with heavy or rich dishes that would clash with its light character.
- Salty snacks like chips, pretzels, or nuts
- Light finger foods and canapés
- Fresh fruit platters
- Coconut shrimp or calamari
Blue Lagoon: A Vibrant and Refreshing Escape
The Blue Lagoon is a quintessential party cocktail that prioritizes fun and aesthetics. Its electric blue color makes it instantly recognizable, while its simple blend of vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade offers a refreshingly sweet and citrusy taste. While it may not be a complex sipper for connoisseurs, it's an enduringly popular choice for its simplicity, vibrant look, and easy-drinking nature. It's the perfect drink for a sunny day, a lively party, or anytime you want a taste of the tropics in a glass.