Blue Curacao Sunset Cocktail Recipe

I love making cocktails that look as good as they taste, and honestly, the Blue Curacao Sunset might be one of my favorites. Those bright blue and warm orange layers really make it a drink that feels refreshing—and, let’s be real, it’s fun to show off.

Here’s how I make a Blue Curacao Sunset at home, step by step, with ingredients you can actually find.

Let’s talk about what you’ll need, how to put it all together, and what you can expect when you finally take that first sip. The citrus, the sweetness, and the smooth finish just work—especially if you’re winding down after a long day or hanging out with friends.

Blue Curacao Sunset Cocktail Recipe

I really like how this drink layers bright colors and fresh fruit flavors. Blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and orange juice create a sweet-citrusy combo that’s as good as it looks.

Equipment

You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, but the right tools definitely help with those clean layers. I always grab a tall glass—it shows off the colors best.

• Highball or hurricane glass for serving
• Cocktail shaker to chill and blend the juices
• Bar spoon for layering
• Measuring jigger to keep things accurate
• Strainer if you want to ditch extra ice
• Ice cube tray for lots of cubes

I’ve found a bar spoon is super helpful for layering, since it slows down the pour. The shaker isn’t a must, but it chills everything fast, which I appreciate.

Ingredients

I keep things simple so the flavors don’t get muddled. Pineapple juice brings the sweetness, orange juice adds some tartness, and blue curaçao gives both the color and a little citrus kick.

• 2 oz blue curaçao
• 3 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz orange juice
• 1 oz grenadine syrup
• Ice cubes (enough to fill the glass)
• Optional garnish: orange slice or maraschino cherry

Grenadine goes right to the bottom—that’s what creates the “sunset” effect. I like tossing an orange slice on the rim for a pop of color and a nice aroma.

Instructions

Layering is key here, so I take my time. Slow pours really make the drink look sharp.

• Fill your glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the grenadine syrup first, so it settles at the bottom.
• In a shaker, mix pineapple juice and orange juice with ice, then give it a light shake.
• Strain the juice mix into the glass, letting it sit on top of the grenadine.
• Slowly pour blue curaçao over the back of a spoon, so it floats on top.
• Add an orange slice or cherry if you want to get fancy.

If you pour gently, the layers stay crisp and the colors don’t muddle together.

Notes

I’ve noticed chilled juices keep the layers separate longer—if they’re warm, everything mixes way too fast.

For a lighter version, I’ll sometimes splash in a bit of soda water with the pineapple juice. If I’m craving more sweetness, I add a touch more grenadine.

Crushed ice just blends the layers too quickly, so I stick with solid cubes. That way, the “sunset” effect lasts right until the last sip.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright citrus flavor jumps out at me. The orange notes from the Blue Curacao really stand out, but they’re smooth—not too sharp.

There’s a sweet balance with a bit of tartness from the juice, so the drink feels refreshing instead of heavy. I honestly appreciate how clean and crisp the flavors stay.

I get a gentle tropical vibe too, like a hint of fresh fruit. It doesn’t take over, but it adds this extra layer that keeps each sip interesting.

The color just makes everything more fun. Watching those orange and blue shades swirl in the glass is almost as enjoyable as the taste itself.

The finish comes off soft and a little sweet, with a light citrus aftertaste. I always want another sip, and it never feels too strong or sugary.