blue curacao : How To Make It
blue curacao
Curaçao is a Caribbean liqueur crafted from the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit. Blue curaçao is a variation of this, enhanced with artificial blue coloring that gives cocktails a striking appearance. Popular mid-century drinks like the Blue Hawaii and Blue Lagoon owe their vibrant hues to this liqueur.
For those feeling adventurous, you can bypass store-bought options and create your own blue curaçao. This is exactly what the creative bartenders at Kirkland Tap & Trotter (a now-closed bar in Somerville, Massachusetts) did. Homemade blue-curaçao is rarely found on cocktail menus, mainly because the commercial versions are effective and making your own takes significant time.
This recipe calls for vodka, gin, orange zest, and bitter orange peels, which must steep for 20 days. After this lengthy infusion period, cloves are added for another day before incorporating sugar, water, and blue food coloring.
The result is a vibrant, zesty, and brilliantly blue liqueur. The best part? You’ll have plenty to use in an array of colorful cocktails.
- 32 cloves
- 8 cups sugar
- 6 cups water
- Blue food coloring
- 1 liter vodka
- 1 liter gin
- Zest of 12 navel oranges
- 4 tablespoons dried bitter orange peel
Combine vodka, gin, orange zest and dried bitter orange peel in a large container, and let sit for 20 days.
Add 32 cloves and let sit for one additional day.
Strain the liquid through a coffee filter.
Once strained, add the sugar and water. Stir until dissolved.
Add blue food coloring a few drops at a time until desired color is reached.
Tips
Cocktail Mixing Tips:
- Balance the Sweetness:
- Blue Curaçao is sweet and has a citrusy flavor. When making cocktails, balance the sweetness by adding more acidic ingredients like lime or lemon juice.
- Layering Cocktails:
- The bright blue color makes Blue Curaçao perfect for layered drinks. Pour it over the back of a spoon into a glass to create visually striking layers with other liquors of different densities.
- Classic Pairings:
- Blue Curaçao works well with white rum, vodka, gin, or tequila. You can also pair it with pineapple juice, lemon-lime soda, or coconut cream to make tropical cocktails like the Blue Lagoon or Blue Hawaiian.
- Garnishes:
- Enhance the look of your Blue Curaçao cocktails by garnishing with citrus slices, maraschino cherries, or edible flowers. The vibrant blue color contrasts beautifully with yellow or red garnishes.
- Perfect for Frozen Drinks:
- Blue Curaçao can be blended into frozen margaritas, daiquiris, or piña coladas. The rich blue color and fruity flavor make it ideal for beachside drinks.
Culinary Uses:
- Desserts:
- Use Blue Curaçao as a syrup or drizzle over ice cream, sorbet, or cheesecake for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- Baking:
- Add a splash of Blue Curaçao to cake batter, cupcake frosting, or even gelatin desserts. The color is eye-catching, and it adds a mild orange flavor.
- Cooking with Alcohol:
- For savory dishes, you can glaze chicken or pork with Blue Curaçao and orange zest for a fruity, tangy glaze. It pairs well with grilled or roasted meats.
- Mocktails:
- If you're making non-alcoholic drinks, replicate the blue hue by using a non-alcoholic blue syrup or combine Blue Curaçao with club soda and fruit juices.
Presentation:
- Serve in Clear Glassware:
- To highlight the beautiful blue color, serve Blue Curaçao drinks in clear glasses like martini glasses, highballs, or hurricanes.
- Add Sparkle:
- You can add a bit of sparkle or shimmer powder (food-grade) to the drink for an enchanting effect, especially for events like parties or weddings.
- Ice Cubes:
- Freeze slices of oranges or edible flowers in your ice cubes before adding them to your Blue Curaçao cocktail. It adds visual flair and a burst of flavor as they melt.
