This Blue Christmas Cocktail is a fun and festive drink that brightens up any holiday gathering! With its vibrant blue color, it’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.
Mixing blue curaçao, a splash of lemon-lime soda, and a hint of cranberry juice makes it super refreshing. Personally, I love serving it with a twist of lemon for an extra zing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: This is the main spirit that gives the cocktail its kick. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, consider substituting with club soda for that bubbly feel.
Blue Curaçao: A colorful liqueur that adds sweetness and a vibrant blue color. If you can’t find it, try using a mix of orange juice and a few drops of blue food coloring for a similar look.
Lemon-Lime Soda: Brands like Sprite or 7-Up work well here, but you can swap in any lemon-lime flavored soda or even tonic water for a less sweet option.
Cranberry Juice: It adds a nice tartness to balance the sweetness. For a lighter option, use cranberry-flavored sparkling water.
How Do I Get the Perfect Rim on My Glass?
Rimming the glass can add a special touch to your cocktail presentation. Here’s how to do it right:
- Take a fresh lime wedge and run it around the rim of the glass to moisten it.
- Dip the damp rim into coarse sugar or salt on a small plate, giving it an even coating.
- Let it sit for a minute to set, and you’ll have a gorgeous rim for your drink!
Experiment with different types of sugar, like colored sugar for a festive flair! This little step can make a big visual impact.
Blue Christmas Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel, for garnish
- Coarse sugar or salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to mix up, making it perfect for holiday parties or chilly winter nights. Once you’ve got everything ready, you’ll enjoy your sparkling, blue drink in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by preparing your glass. Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of your glass to moisten it. Then, dip the rim into coarse sugar or salt on a plate to coat it evenly. Set this beauty aside for later.
2. Shake It Up:
Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice cubes. Pour in the vodka and blue curaçao. Put the lid on and shake it well for about 15 seconds. This step is key to ensuring your drink is nicely chilled!
3. Build Your Cocktail:
Now it’s time to fill your prepared glass with ice cubes. Carefully strain the shaken mixture into the glass, enjoying the vibrant blue color as you do. It’s going to look fantastic!
4. Top It Off:
Pour in the lemon-lime soda to give it that bubbly sparkle. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Next, slowly pour the cranberry juice over the top to create a beautiful layered effect.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your cocktail by garnishing with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass. If you want to get festive, add some fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary nearby. This will give your Blue Christmas Cocktail a cheerful holiday vibe!
Now you’re ready to enjoy a delicious, eye-catching Blue Christmas Cocktail. Cheers to holiday cheer!
Can I Use a Different Type of Alcohol?
Absolutely! If vodka isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with more blue curaçao for a sweeter taste or try gin for a more herbal note. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Definitely! To make a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the vodka and blue curaçao with a combination of blue sports drink (for color) and lemon-lime soda, maintaining the fizzy goodness. You can add a splash of cranberry juice for a similar taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
It’s best to serve this cocktail fresh, but if you have leftover mixture (without the soda), you can store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just remember to mix in fresh soda before serving again!
Can I Prepare This Cocktail in Advance?
While it’s best to help it stay bubbly by adding soda just before serving, you can prepare the vodka and blue curaçao mix ahead of time. Just keep it chilled and add soda and cranberry juice when you’re ready to serve!