If you’re looking for a drink that’s as bold in looks as it is in flavor, you’ve got to try my Blue Lagoon Sunset Cocktail. This recipe takes the classic Blue Lagoon and gives it a vibrant twist with a splash of grenadine to mimic a summer sunset. It’s crisp, refreshing, and the presentation alone will make your guests think you’ve been to bartending school.
Instead of reaching for a standard, one-note cocktail, this recipe layers citrus, fizz, and fruit into a drink that’s fun to make and even better to sip. The combination of blue curaçao, vodka, and triple sec brings bright citrus depth, while lemon-lime soda adds bubbles and sweetness. Finish it off with grenadine, and you’ve got a two-tone cocktail that tastes just as good as it looks.
Whether you’re grilling on the patio, lounging by the pool, or winding down after a long day, this drink delivers tropical vibes in every glass.
Blue Lagoon Sunset Cocktail | Heath Riles BBQ
This cocktail is quick and easy to build, but don’t mistake “easy” for basic. The flavor is layered and refreshing, with a balance of sweet, tart, and smooth that keeps you coming back for another sip.
Want it sweeter? Add a little extra grenadine. Prefer it drier? Use a splash less soda. This drink is flexible, approachable, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone you serve it to. For garnish, I recommend a lime wedge or maraschino cherry—but if you really want to lean into the tropical vibe, add an umbrella or fresh orange slice for extra color.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to shake up this colorful cocktail:
- Triple Sec (½ ounce). A bright, orange-flavored liqueur that adds depth and sweetness.
- Blue Curaçao (½ ounce). The star ingredient for that striking blue color and citrus kick.
- Vodka (1 ½ ounces). Clean, smooth, and the backbone of the drink. Use your favorite brand.
- Lemon-Lime Soda (splash on top). Adds fizz and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Grenadine (½ ounce). Slowly poured at the end, it creates the “sunset” effect with its bold red hue and fruity flavor.
- Ice. Essential for shaking and serving.
The Setup
You don’t need a full bar cart to pull this drink together, but the right tools make a difference:
- YETI Cocktail Shaker. Double-wall insulated and leakproof, perfect for chilling bold cocktails.
- Bar Spoon. Helps gently layer the grenadine without disturbing the drink.
- Measuring Jigger. Keeps your pours consistent for balanced flavor.
- Lowball Glass. Shows off the layered look beautifully.
- Strainer. Handy for pouring smooth from the shaker into your glass.
- YETI Bar Bucket. Keeps ice solid for hours—ideal when mixing for a crowd.
- YETI Pitcher. Great for batching the base mix ahead of time.
The Process for Making a Blue Lagoon Sunset
Check out the video for a full walkthrough, but here’s the breakdown of how I made it:
- Fill the Shaker. Add ice to your YETI Cocktail Shaker to chill the drink as you build it.
- Add the Spirits. Pour in ½ ounce of triple sec, ½ ounce of blue curaçao, and 1 ½ ounces of vodka.
- Shake It Up. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the mix is chilled. Use your Strainer when pouring.
- Pour and Top. Strain the mixture into a Lowball Glass or tall glass filled with fresh ice. Top with lemon-lime soda.
- Create the Sunset. Place your Bar Spoon against the inside of the glass and slowly pour in ½ ounce of grenadine. It will sink and gradually rise, creating that layered “sunset” look.
- Garnish and Serve. Add a lime wedge, cherry, or fun tropical garnish, then serve immediately.
The Results
The Blue Lagoon Sunset is bright, fruity, and refreshing. The first sip hits with crisp vodka and citrus from the curaçao and triple sec, followed by the fizz of soda. The grenadine finishes things off with a sweet, fruity note that balances the whole drink.
Visually, it’s a stunner. The blue base with the red-orange layer drifting upward looks like a tropical sunset in your glass. It’s casual enough for backyard hangs but polished enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday celebration.
Serving Suggestions
This drink pairs beautifully with summer BBQ and seafood. Here are two recipes from Heath Riles BBQ that match up perfectly with the tropical, citrusy vibes of the cocktail:
- Shrimp Tacos on the Traeger Flatrock Flat Top. Bright, zesty, and loaded with flavor. The sweet-savory shrimp, pineapple-jalapeño slaw, and chipotle cream in this recipe play off the citrus and grenadine in the drink so well.
- Hawaiian Style Burgers: A Taste of Tropical Paradise. Juicy beef & pork burgers with grilled pineapple, caramelized toppings, sweet glaze, and spicy mayo. These give a rich, tropical backdrop that complements the Blue Lagoon Sunset beautifully.
Serve the cocktail alongside either of these dishes to round out a meal—and the color-pop of the drink makes for great table presentation too.
Storing Leftovers
This cocktail is best built fresh, but you can prep parts of it ahead:
- Mix the vodka, blue curaçao, and triple sec in a YETI Pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, shake with ice, pour into glasses, top with soda, and finish with grenadine.
- Because of the carbonation, don’t store fully mixed drinks—they’ll lose their fizz quickly.
If you want to scale up for a group, prep a batch of the base mix and keep it chilled in the fridge. Then build each glass to order for the best results.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Lagoon Sunset Cocktail is proof that you don’t need a dozen fancy ingredients to create something spectacular. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a drink that’s as refreshing as it is beautiful. It’s the perfect cocktail for summer cookouts, holiday parties, or whenever you want to add a splash of tropical flair to your evening.
Try it once, and you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation—it’s that good.
Equipment and Tools
YETI Cocktail Shaker, Bar Spoon, Measuring Jigger, Lowball Glass, Strainer, YETI Bar Bucket, YETI Pitcher