I love making cocktails that look as good as they taste. The Blue Ocean Martini is honestly one of my favorites.
This drink blends smooth vodka, blue curaçao, and citrus for a crisp, refreshing flavor with a vibrant blue color. It’s simple to prepare, but it still feels special enough for any occasion.
When I first tried this recipe, the striking color definitely caught my attention. The balanced taste kept me coming back.
The mix of sweet orange notes and a clean finish makes it perfect for relaxing evenings or small gatherings. If you’re curious about trying something a little different, stick around.

Blue Ocean Martini Cocktail Recipe
I like making this drink when I want something colorful and refreshing. The bright blue color comes from blue curaçao.
The flavor balances sweet citrus with smooth vodka. It looks great in a martini or coupe glass with a simple garnish.
Equipment
To make the Blue Ocean Martini, I gather a few basic bar tools. Using the right equipment helps me get the right texture and chill.
- Cocktail shaker – for mixing and chilling the drink
- Jigger – to measure each ingredient accurately
- Hawthorne strainer – to keep ice out of the glass when pouring
- Martini glass or coupe glass – for serving
- Bar spoon – for stirring if needed
- Citrus juicer – for squeezing fresh lemon juice
- Small knife – for cutting a lemon twist or preparing garnish
I always chill my glass before pouring. This keeps the martini cold for longer.
Ingredients
I keep the ingredients simple but fresh. The blue curaçao gives the drink its ocean-like color and a hint of orange flavor.
- 2 oz vodka (regular or black vodka for a layered effect)
- 1 oz blue curaçao or blue curaçao syrup
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes for shaking
- Lemon twist or maraschino cherry for garnish
If I want a sweeter drink, I add a little more simple syrup. Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference in taste compared to bottled juice.
Instructions
I follow these steps to make sure the flavors mix well and the drink looks appealing.
- Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or maraschino cherry.
I sometimes use black vodka by pouring it gently over the back of a spoon to float it on top for a two-tone effect. Looks dramatic, honestly.
Notes
I’ve found that using a coupe glass works well if my martini glass is too small. The wide rim also makes it easier to add a garnish.
If I want a lighter citrus flavor, I reduce the lemon juice slightly. For a stronger orange taste, I use a touch more blue curaçao.
Serving the drink immediately after shaking keeps it cold and fresh. I try not to let it sit with ice because that waters down the flavor.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka regular or black vodka for a layered effect
- 1 oz blue curaçao or blue curaçao syrup
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- ice cubes for shaking
- lemon twist or maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or maraschino cherry.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The first thing I notice about the Blue Ocean Martini is its color. That bright blue? It really does remind me of a calm sea, especially when it’s poured into a chilled martini glass.
It just looks so clean and inviting. Makes you want to take a sip, doesn’t it?
As soon as I try it, there’s this smooth mix of citrus and a gentle sweetness. It’s kind of like a tropical blue martini, but honestly, not as sugary as a blue lagoon martini—and I appreciate that.
The coldness keeps everything crisp. There’s something about that chill that just works.
At the end, there’s a gentle finish, a little tang from the citrus. Compared to a midnight blue martini, this one’s flavor is lighter, while a virgin blue sea martini is even softer.
I do like how each version tweaks the balance between sweet and tart. It’s subtle, but you notice.
This drink actually pairs really well with spicy appetizers. The cool flavors cut through the heat from stuff like chili shrimp or jalapeño bites.
It’s a good pick for casual hangouts or those summer nights when you want something easygoing.
Every sip feels refreshing, not heavy at all. The clean taste and that cool color make it a drink you can enjoy slowly, especially if you’re after something light but still flavorful.