Aqua Velva Cocktail Recipe
Aqua Velva Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:20g
Alcohol:20%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Aqua Velva cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for decades. It was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s and is known for its vibrant blue color and refreshing taste. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and fruity drink with a bit of a kick.
- The name 'Aqua Velva' comes from the popular men's aftershave of the same name, which also has a blue color.
- It is often served at beach bars and tropical-themed parties due to its refreshing and colorful nature.
- The Aqua Velva has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as people rediscover the classic cocktails of the past.
How Aqua Velva Tastes?
The Aqua Velva cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, fruity, and slightly tart flavors. The combination of vodka, gin, and blue curaçao gives it a strong and smooth base, while the lemon-lime soda adds a refreshing fizz. The pineapple juice brings a tropical sweetness that balances out the tartness of the blue curaçao.
Interesting facts about Aqua Velva
- The Aqua Velva is sometimes called the 'Blue Lagoon' due to its vibrant blue color and tropical flavors.
- The cocktail is often served in a highball glass, but can also be presented in a hurricane glass for a more festive look.
- The blue curaçao in the Aqua Velva is made from the dried peels of the Laraha citrus fruit, which is native to the island of Curaçao.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
- Gin: 1 oz(30ml)
- Blue curaçao: 1 oz(30ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon lime soda: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Maraschino cherry: 1
- Garnish: 1 Orange Slice
A few good options for Aqua Velva are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
A few good options for Aqua Velva are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Vodka
The neutral character of 1 oz Vodka provides a smooth base that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Too much vodka could overpower the delicate balance, while too little wouldn't provide the necessary kick. If you substitute vodka with a flavored spirit, it might turn the Aqua Velva into a completely different cocktail adventure, potentially clashing with the citrus and pineapple flavors.
Emma Rose
Gin
1 oz Gin, known for its botanicals, can add a touch of herbal complexity that elevates the drink. Too much gin might make the drink too botanical, overshadowing the fruit flavors, while too little might not give enough contrast to the sweetness. A possible alternative could be using a different type of aromatic spirit, but this will significantly change the character of the drink.
Mary Mitkina
Blue Curaçao
The 1 oz Blue Curaçao provides not only the signature blue hue but also a sweet orange flavor, which plays well with the tropical theme. Omitting it or altering the amount could unbalance the taste and the iconic color. An alternative could be using a clear orange liqueur with a splash of blue food coloring for the same taste without the vivid blue color.
Alex Green
Pineapple Juice
2 oz Pineapple Juice adds tropical sweetness and helps in balancing the strong alcohol with a fruity note. Too little juice might make the cocktail too sharp, while too much can make it overly sweet. In lieu of pineapple juice, mango juice could be a twist, though it would have a different flavor profile.
Emma Rose
Lemon-Lime Soda
2 oz Lemon-Lime Soda provides effervescence and a citrus zing that lightens up the drink. The proportion is key to offering a refreshing finish without diluting the cocktail's flavor. An alternative could be using a citrusy tonic water, leading to a less sweet and more adult finish.
Mary Mitkina
Maraschino Cherry
A single Maraschino Cherry serves as a vibrant garnish and offers a hint of cherry flavor which is a sweet retro nod to classic cocktails. Removing it might make the cocktail less visually appealing and miss that final sweet touch.
Alex Green
Garnish: Orange Slice
The Orange Slice garnish adds a pop of color and a subtle aroma which enhances the drinking experience. Without it, the cocktail is devoid of this fresh citrus hint as you go in for a sip.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Aqua Velva Drink
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- In a shaker, combine the vodka, gin, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice.
- Shake well to mix the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into the highball glass over the ice.
- Top off with lemon-lime soda and gently stir.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh pineapple juice for a more authentic tropical flavor.
- For a more visually appealing presentation, use a clear lemon-lime soda to maintain the vibrant blue color of the cocktail.
- Chill the vodka, gin, and blue curaçao before mixing to ensure a cold and refreshing drink.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
Grilled Shrimp or Fish: The citrus notes in the cocktail complement the light and fresh flavors of seafood.
Sushi: Particularly those with a tropical fruit component, like a mango roll, as the fruitiness in the drink would harmonize with the sweetness of the fruit in the sushi.
Snack Foods
Chips and Salsa: The acidity of the cocktail works well with the spice and tangy flavors in salsa.
Salted Nuts: The saline quality pairs nicely with the bright, sweet, and tangy profile of the Aqua Velva.
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What you could change in Aqua Velva
If you don't have blue curaçao, you can substitute it with triple sec and a few drops of blue food coloring.
Explore all drinks starting with A here
And of course - twists🍹
Aqua Rosa Velva
Ingredients: Substitute Blue Curaçao with Raspberry Liqueur.
Recipe: Follow the original recipe, replacing Blue Curaçao with an equal amount of Raspberry Liqueur. The result is a pinkish hue instead of blue. This Raspberry Velva becomes a tad sweeter and loses the citrus edge but gains a berry kick which could be a real crowd-pleaser at summer parties.
Aqua Fizz
Ingredients: Add a splash of grapefruit soda instead of lemon-lime soda.
Recipe: Mix as usual but top off with grapefruit soda for a tangy twist. The Aqua Fizz will have a refreshing grapefruit flavor which provides a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the drink, perfect for those who enjoy a more tart cocktail experience.
Green Lagoon
Ingredients: Use Midori Melon Liqueur instead of Blue Curaçao.
Recipe: Replace Blue Curaçao with Midori for a green variation - the Green Lagoon. It will taste of sweet, ripe melon instead of orange. This visually stunning twist provides a fun and tropical alternative that might have your guests feeling like they've been transported to an exotic island.
In case you forgot basics how to make Aqua Velva
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Aqua Velva
What other glassware can be used to serve the Aqua Velva cocktail?
While it's common to serve the Aqua Velva in a highball or hurricane glass, it can also be served in a Martini glass or a Collins glass for a unique presentation.
Can I use different types of vodka or gin for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with various types of vodka and gin to find the taste that suits your palette. Each type of vodka or gin will give a unique flavor to the Aqua Velva.
What is the optimal temperature to serve this drink?
The Aqua Velva is best served chilled, around 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can achieve this by shaking the ingredients with lots of ice before serving.
Can non-alcoholic versions of the Aqua Velva be made?
Yes! You can make a mocktail version of Aqua Velva by using non-alcoholic blue curaçao, and replacing the vodka and gin with water or a clear soda.
Are there any specific pairings of food that go well with this cocktail?
The Aqua Velva pairs well with light appetizers like shrimp cocktails, or sweet desserts like tropical fruit salad or cheesecake.
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