When the sun blazes high and you’re longing for something cool and invigorating, there’s nothing quite like a tall glass of lemonade. But not just any lemonade—this Refreshing Blue Lemonade is an eye-catching, flavor-packed twist on the classic summer drink. Vibrant, citrusy, and just the right amount of sweet, this drink has a stunning ocean-blue hue that makes it a showstopper at parties, picnics, and weekend gatherings.
This recipe blends fresh lemon juice, a hint of natural sweetness, and a splash of blue curaçao syrup (non-alcoholic) for color and flavor. It’s suitable for kids and adults alike, and can easily be turned into a cocktail with a touch of vodka or rum. With only a few simple ingredients and less than 15 minutes of preparation, you’ll have a visually stunning drink that quenches thirst and sparks conversations.
Whether you’re planning a poolside BBQ, a baby shower, or simply want to brighten up your dinner table, this blue lemonade delivers both looks and flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this cool, crisp, and beautiful beverage from scratch.
Ingredients
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1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
-
4 cups cold water
-
¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
-
½ cup blue curaçao syrup (non-alcoholic; available at most grocery or beverage stores)
-
Ice cubes (as needed)
-
Lemon slices (for garnish)
-
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Optional for variation:
-
Sparkling water instead of still water
-
Alcoholic version: 1 cup vodka or white rum
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the lemons
Roll the lemons on the countertop to release the juice. Slice them in half and use a citrus juicer to extract 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Be sure to remove seeds. You can strain the juice if you prefer a pulp-free drink.
Step 2: Make the lemonade base
In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice with ¾ cup of sugar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar begins to dissolve. Add 4 cups of cold water to the mixture and continue stirring until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary—add more sugar or lemon juice depending on your preference.
Step 3: Add the blue color and flavor
Pour in the ½ cup of blue curaçao syrup. Stir until the syrup is fully integrated and your lemonade turns a bright, vibrant blue. This syrup doesn’t just bring the color; it adds a hint of orange and tropical notes that complement the lemon beautifully.
Step 4: Chill the drink
Add plenty of ice cubes into the pitcher or directly into serving glasses. For best results, refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and chill properly.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Pour the blue lemonade into tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with thin lemon slices on the rim of each glass and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve with a reusable straw or fun cocktail umbrella for extra flair.
Variation
There are many creative ways to customize this blue lemonade to suit different occasions or dietary needs:
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Sparkling Blue Lemonade: Replace half or all of the still water with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy version.
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Frozen Blue Lemonade: Blend the mixture with ice to make a slushy, frozen treat.
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Alcoholic Version: Add 1 cup of vodka or white rum to the pitcher to turn this into a party-ready cocktail.
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Coconut Blue Lemonade: Add a splash of coconut water for a tropical vibe.
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Herbal Infusion: Add a few bruised basil or rosemary leaves while chilling for a subtle herbal note.
COOKING Note
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Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice will work in a pinch but lacks the bright, fresh taste.
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Blue curaçao syrup is a non-alcoholic flavored syrup different from the liqueur. If using the alcoholic version, reduce the quantity slightly and adjust sugar to taste.
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For deeper color, increase the amount of blue syrup slightly, but be cautious as it will also increase the sweetness.
Tips
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Chill your glasses before serving for an extra-refreshing experience.
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Want a natural blue? Use butterfly pea flower tea as a base, then add lemon juice to turn it purple-blue.
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You can make a sugar-free version using stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
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Double the batch and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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If making for a large group, prep all ingredients in advance and mix just before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 5mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on brand of syrup and quantity of sugar used.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest and most authentic flavor.
Q2: Is blue curaçao syrup the same as the alcohol?
No. This recipe uses non-alcoholic blue curaçao syrup, which is sweet and flavored with citrus. The alcoholic version contains about 20% alcohol and can be used for an adult version.
Q3: How do I make this drink naturally blue?
You can use butterfly pea flower tea as a base. Add lemon juice and it changes to a violet or light blue hue naturally, without added dyes.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix the base and refrigerate it. Just add ice and garnish right before serving.
Q5: What can I use instead of sugar?
Try honey, agave syrup, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener for a healthier or sugar-free version. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Conclusion
Refreshing Blue Lemonade is more than just a pretty drink—it’s a burst of citrusy brightness with a tropical twist that uplifts any moment. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot afternoon or looking to impress guests with a dazzling drink, this recipe offers the perfect combination of taste and visual appeal.
Simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to please a crowd, this lemonade is your go-to beverage for spring and summer. Keep it classic with just lemons and syrup, or explore fun variations with sparkling water, herbs, or spirits.
One sip, and you’ll understand why this beautiful blue drink is a must-have in every home’s refreshment repertoire.
Print
Refreshing Blue Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
-
4 cups cold water
-
¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
-
½ cup blue curaçao syrup (non-alcoholic; available at most grocery or beverage stores)
-
Ice cubes (as needed)
-
Lemon slices (for garnish)
-
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Optional for variation:
-
Sparkling water instead of still water
-
Alcoholic version: 1 cup vodka or white rum
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the lemons
Roll the lemons on the countertop to release the juice. Slice them in half and use a citrus juicer to extract 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Be sure to remove seeds. You can strain the juice if you prefer a pulp-free drink.
Step 2: Make the lemonade base
In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice with ¾ cup of sugar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar begins to dissolve. Add 4 cups of cold water to the mixture and continue stirring until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary—add more sugar or lemon juice depending on your preference.
Step 3: Add the blue color and flavor
Pour in the ½ cup of blue curaçao syrup. Stir until the syrup is fully integrated and your lemonade turns a bright, vibrant blue. This syrup doesn’t just bring the color; it adds a hint of orange and tropical notes that complement the lemon beautifully.
Step 4: Chill the drink
Add plenty of ice cubes into the pitcher or directly into serving glasses. For best results, refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and chill properly.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Pour the blue lemonade into tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with thin lemon slices on the rim of each glass and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve with a reusable straw or fun cocktail umbrella for extra flair.
Notes
-
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice will work in a pinch but lacks the bright, fresh taste.
-
Blue curaçao syrup is a non-alcoholic flavored syrup different from the liqueur. If using the alcoholic version, reduce the quantity slightly and adjust sugar to taste.
-
For deeper color, increase the amount of blue syrup slightly, but be cautious as it will also increase the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 0g