Blue Whale Cocktail Recipe

Blue Whale Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:14%

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

History

The Blue Whale cocktail is a delightful concoction that's been making waves in the cocktail world for quite some time. It's not clear who first came up with the recipe, but it's a favorite among those who enjoy a sweet, fruity drink with a bit of a kick. The cocktail's vibrant blue color, reminiscent of the deep ocean, is sure to catch your eye and make you want to dive right in.

How Blue Whale Tastes?

The Blue Whale is a sweet, fruity cocktail with a hint of tartness. The combination of blue curacao, vodka, and lemonade creates a refreshing, citrusy flavor that's balanced out by the sweetness of the pineapple juice. It's a strong drink, but the alcohol is well-masked by the other flavors.

Interesting facts about Blue Whale

  • The Blue Whale gets its vibrant color from blue curacao, a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit.
  • Despite its strong flavor, the Blue Whale is a relatively low-alcohol cocktail, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter drink.
  • The Blue Whale is often garnished with a slice of pineapple or a cherry, adding an extra touch of tropical flair.

Ingredients

  • Blue curacao: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Lemonade: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Ice: as needed
  • Pineapple slice: 1 piece
  • Cherry: 1 piece

A few good options for Blue Whale are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Blue Curacao

Blue Curacao gives the cocktail its signature deep blue color, which plays well into the oceanic theme of a 'Blue Whale'. A sweet orange-flavored liqueur, it also adds a touch of citrus complexity. No Blue Curacao? Try swapping in a different fruit liqueur and a dash of blue food coloring – but beware, the taste will change, and so will the underwater vibe!

Alex Green

Vodka

Vodka is the ocean in which our Blue Whale swims – it's the backbone of the cocktail, providing a strong base without overpowering other flavors. It's like the friend who's always there but doesn't steal your spotlight. Use too little, and your whale might not make a splash. Too much, and it'll be more like a Blue Tsunami. Other clear spirits, like white rum, could substitute; just know your whale might get a touch sweeter.

Mary Mitkina

Lemonade

The zest of lemonade brings a bright and sunny disposition to your glass, balancing the sweet with its tartness. It's like adding a sunbeam to the ocean. Without it, your Blue Whale might dive deeper into the sweet abyss. If you’re out of lemonade, a mix of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup could work, but you might need to taste-test and adjust to hit that perfect sunny spot.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice is the tropical current that brings freshness and a hint of exotic islands to your palate. Miss out on this, and you're just treading water flavor-wise. Want to try something different? Mango juice could be a nice twist; be ready for a bit mangier a whale, though.

Alex Green

Ice

Ice is the cool blue sea itself – it chills the cocktail, shaping the environment our Blue Whale calls home. Without enough ice, you'll end up with a lukewarm swim that no whale would enjoy. No alternatives here – unless you want to try blending the whole mix for a slushy version of the deep blue!

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Slice & Cherry

The garnish is the finishing touch, like the sun setting on the ocean. The pineapple slice and cherry add visual appeal and a hint of sweetness in each sip and the memory of a day spent beach-side. Without them, the cocktail would still be tasty, but it's the garnish that takes you from sea-level to 'see'-level!

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Blue Whale Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the blue curacao, vodka, lemonade, and pineapple juice.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain into a chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemonade and pineapple juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the cocktail to keep it cold longer.
  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to fully mix the ingredients and chill the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as mozzarella or havarti will complement the tropical notes of the Blue Whale cocktail without overshadowing its flavors.
  • Seafood: Light seafood dishes like shrimp cocktails or ceviche pair wonderfully with the fruity and citrus notes of the drink.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken: A lemon-herb marinated grilled chicken can balance well with the acidity and sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Fish Tacos: The refreshing qualities of the Blue Whale make it a perfect match for zesty fish tacos.

Desserts

  • Fruit Sorbet: A lemon or pineapple sorbet will echo the fruity elements in the drink, making for a harmonious dessert pairing.
  • Vanilla Panna Cotta: The creaminess of vanilla panna cotta would provide a nice contrast to the bright flavors of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Blue Whale

  • You can substitute the vodka with rum for a more tropical flavor.
  • If you don't have lemonade, you can use a mix of lemon juice and simple syrup.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the blue curacao and vodka.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Fizzy Blue Whale

Replace lemonade with a citrus soda for a bubbly take that tickles your tongue. This twist adds an effervescent charm to the drink, making it feel like the Blue Whale is playfully skipping through the waves. The carbonation also adds a refreshing crispness perfect for warm days.

Berry Blue Whale

Add a dash of raspberry liqueur and replace the pineapple juice with blueberry juice for a berry-infused variation. Your Blue Whale will dive into deeper, tarter territory, emerging with newfound berry treasure from the deep blue sea.

Spiced Blue Whale

Include a half-ounce of spiced rum and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This twist is the caliente cousin of the original cocktail, adding warm spice notes that make the Blue Whale feel like it's swimming in tropical waters even on a chilly evening.

In case you forgot basics how to make Blue Whale

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 shake

Place 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 strain

Garnishing 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).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Blue Whale

Can I add other garnishments aside from pineapple and cherry?

Yes, you can. While pineapple and cherry are the traditional garnishments, you may also use a lemon wheel or mint for a different flavor and presentation.

What other mixers can I use aside from lemonade and pineapple juice?

While lemonade and pineapple juice are essential to the taste profile of the Blue Whale cocktail, you can use other citrusy mixers like orange juice or grapefruit juice for a unique twist.

Can I use flavored vodka instead of the regular one?

Yes, using a flavored vodka can add a new dimension to the cocktail. Just be sure that the flavor complements the other ingredients.

What is the best occasion to serve a Blue Whale cocktail?

The Blue Whale cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings due to its refreshing and fruity taste. It's also great for tropical-themed parties.

Can I prepare a large batch of this cocktail in advance?

Yes, you can mix all the ingredients except the ice and garnish in a large pitcher or punch bowl, and then add those just before serving. Remember to stir well before serving each glass.

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