Blue Curacao Gin & Tonic Cocktail Recipe

I love giving a classic drink a little twist—just enough to make it pop, but not so much that it becomes a hassle. A gin and tonic always hits the spot, but when you add Blue Curacao, suddenly it’s got this bright blue color and a hint of citrus that makes the whole thing feel more fun.

This cocktail’s easy to throw together, and it’s a fresh take on something you probably already enjoy.

When I mix up this version, I really notice how the Blue Curacao plays off the gin’s botanicals. It looks dramatic, but honestly, anyone can make it at home—no fancy bartending skills required.

You just need a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, and suddenly your ordinary gin and tonic feels a bit more like a party.

I’ll walk you through what you need, how to put it together, and what you can expect when you take that first sip.

Let’s get into it.

Blue Curacao Gin & Tonic Cocktail Recipe

This drink takes the classic gin and tonic and gives it a splash of color and flavor with blue curaçao. The mix of citrus, tonic, and a bit of sweetness keeps it light and easy to drink.

Equipment

• Highball glass – My go-to for gin and tonics since it fits plenty of ice and tonic.
• Jigger – Keeps the gin and blue curaçao balanced.
• Bar spoon – Makes stirring easy, and I don’t end up spilling everywhere.
• Ice cubes – Bigger cubes work best; they melt slower and the drink stays cold.
• Citrus knife – Handy for cutting up lime or lemon wedges.
• Cutting board – Makes slicing fruit less messy.
• Cocktail pick – Not essential, but it looks nice if you’re serving someone else.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 0.5 oz blue curaçao (orange liqueur)
• 4–5 oz tonic water
• Ice cubes
• 1 wedge of lime (for garnish)
• 1 slice of lemon (optional garnish)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, if you want it sweeter)

I usually reach for a dry gin because it cuts through the sweetness of the blue curaçao. Using chilled tonic water just makes everything taste crisper.

Fresh lime or lemon not only adds brightness, but it also makes the blue pop even more.

Instructions

• Fill your highball glass with ice.
• Measure and pour in the gin.
• Add the blue curaçao.
• Top it off slowly with tonic water.
• Stir gently with your bar spoon so you don’t lose the bubbles.
• Garnish with a lime wedge—either on the rim or just drop it in.
• If you’re feeling it, add a lemon slice or use a cocktail pick for the garnish.

I always stir just enough to mix, but not so much that the tonic goes flat. The lime wedge gives off a nice aroma right when you lift the glass.

Notes

Blue curaçao gives this cocktail its bold blue color and a light orange flavor. Suddenly, your regular gin and tonic looks a lot more playful.

I’ve noticed that too much curaçao makes it too sweet, so I keep it on the lighter side. If I want more citrus, I’ll squeeze the lime before adding it in.

Sometimes I add a little sugar if I’m craving something sweeter. Chilled tonic water helps keep everything refreshing and stops the ice from melting too fast.

Tasting Notes

When I take the first sip, I notice this crisp balance between the sharpness of the gin and the gentle sweetness from the Blue Curacao. The tonic water jumps in with a clean bite, keeping the drink super refreshing.

The color stands out right away. That bright blue hue just makes the cocktail look playful—maybe even a little whimsical—but the flavor stays light and citrusy, not cloying at all.

I get these hints of orange from the Curacao, and they mix up nicely with the botanicals in the gin. The bubbles from the tonic really lift the flavors and make each sip feel lively.

Mouthfeel:

• Light and fizzy
• Slightly dry finish
• Smooth citrus notes

Calories & Alcohol Content (approximate per serving):

• Calories: 180–200
• Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12–15% depending on gin and pour size

Honestly, I think the drink works best when it’s really cold. The chill keeps the flavors crisp and stops the sweetness from taking over.

Each sip leaves a clean aftertaste with just a hint of bitterness from the tonic, balancing out the orange flavor in a pretty satisfying way.