Blue curacao is a distinctly bright blue liqueur that is commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails and other mixed drinks. It gets its vibrant blue color and orange flavor from the laraha citrus fruit, grown on the island of Curaçao. While traditional blue curacao does contain alcohol, non-alcoholic versions are also available for those looking to enjoy the flavor without the effects of alcohol.
What is Blue Curacao?
Blue curacao is a sweet, vibrantly blue orange-flavored liqueur made from the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit, which is grown on the island of Curaçao. The laraha is a citrus hybrid fruit related to oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines. While curacao can be clear, blue curacao gets its distinctive blue hue from the addition of food coloring, traditionally made from the dye of the pea flower.
Traditional blue curacao has an alcohol content around 30% ABV (60 proof). It has a sweet yet tart orange flavor profile with hints of bitterness from the citrus pith. The blue color and orange flavor make it a popular cocktail ingredient, adding both visual appeal and fruit flavor. Blue curacao is commonly used in cocktails like the Blue Hawaiian, Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon.
History of Blue Curacao
The origins of curacao date back to the 16th century on the island of Curaçao, which was under Dutch control. The Valencia orange peels were dried, infused, distilled, and aged into a clear liqueur called “Curaçao of Curaçao.” It was eventually exported to the Netherlands and became known as Curaçao triple sec.
In the 1800s, there are records of orange liqueur being artificially colored blue for aesthetic purposes. Using dyes from the pea flower, blue curacao was born. Bols claims to have commercialized the first blue curacao liqueur in the early 1900s, marketing it under the name “Blue Curacao.”
Blue curacao grew in popularity in the mid-1900s, becoming a staple ingredient in tropical cocktails and mixed drinks. While curacao can still be found in its clear, original orange color, the vivid blue version has become the most recognized and used in cocktails today.
What is Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao?
Non-alcoholic blue curacao contains the same distinct blue color and sweet orange flavor as the traditional liqueur, but without the alcohol content. There are a few different ways non-alcoholic blue curacao is made:
Distillation
Some brands start with traditional blue curacao liqueur and use low-temperature distillation to remove the ethanol alcohol. This leaves behind the blue dye, flavorings, and sugar without the effects of alcohol.
Flavor Extraction
Other non-alcoholic versions extract and concentrate the flavors and color from orange peels, along with sugar and blue food dye. The extracts are blended into a syrup without alcohol as the base.
Ready-to-Drink
There are pre-mixed non-alcoholic blue curacao drinks on the market. These are flavored beverages made with citrus juices, blue dye, and sweeteners. While convenient, these ready-to-drink options usually don’t have as intense of an orange-blue curacao flavor.
No matter how it’s made, non-alcoholic blue curacao contains less than 0.5% ABV alcohol, allowing anyone to enjoy the bright color and citrus flavor in mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
Comparing Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao
Here’s how traditional alcoholic blue curacao compares to the non-alcoholic version:
Alcohol Content
– Alcoholic blue curacao contains around 30% ABV alcohol.
– Non-alcoholic blue curacao contains less than 0.5% ABV alcohol.
Flavor
– Alcoholic curacao has a robust, authentic orange and slight bitter flavor.
– Non-alcoholic is milder in flavor, but still offers orange and sweet citrus notes.
Color
– Both contain vibrant, artificial blue dye for visual appeal. The color intensity is similar.
Sweetness
– Alcoholic curacao tends to be slightly less sweet.
– Non-alcoholic versions usually contain more added sugar or sweeteners.
Uses
– Alcoholic curacao is ideal for cocktails and mixed drinks.
– Non-alcoholic can be used in mocktails and non-alcoholic mixes.
So while the non-alcoholic lacks some of the depth and complexity, it mimics the look and basic flavor well for an alcohol-free alternative.
How to Use Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao
Non-alcoholic blue curacao can be used in much the same way as the alcoholic liqueur, adding a bright pop of color and sweet citrus flavor. Here are some ways to use it:
Mocktails
Replace alcoholic curacao with non-alcoholic in cocktail recipes like a Virgin Blue Hawaiian, Blue Lagoon, Sunrise, etc. Adjust sweetness as needed.
Adds Color
Add a splash to lemonade, fruit juices, soda water, iced tea, or any other clear drink for instant color.
Flavoring
Stir a small amount into fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, desserts, and baked goods for orange flavor.
Food Coloring
Use in place of regular blue food dye to naturally color frostings, cakes, candies, etc.
Smoothies
Blend into orange juice or fruit smoothies for a burst of color and more sweetness.
Start with about 1/2 oz per serving and adjust to taste preference. Combine with other fruit juices and sweeteners to balance the flavor.
Popular Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao Drink Recipes
Here are some delicious non-alcoholic blue drink recipes that can be made with blue curacao syrup:
Blue Hawaiian Mocktail
| Pineapple juice | 1 cup |
| Coconut cream | 1/4 cup |
| Blue curacao | 1 oz |
| Maraschino cherries | For garnish |
| Pineapple slice | For garnish |
Combine pineapple juice, coconut cream, and blue curacao in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherries.
Blue Lagoon Mocktail
| Lemonade | 1 cup |
| Blue curacao | 1 oz |
| Sprite/lemon-lime soda | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon slice | For garnish |
Mix together lemonade, blue curacao, and lemon-lime soda in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice.
Blueberry Pomegranate Refresher
| Pomegranate juice | 1 cup |
| Blueberries | 1/4 cup |
| Blue curacao | 1 oz |
| Soda water | 1/2 cup |
| Blueberries | For garnish |
Muddle blueberries in a glass. Add pomegranate juice, blue curacao, and soda water. Garnish with extra blueberries.
Electric Lemonade
| Lemonade | 1 cup |
| Blue curacao | 1 oz |
| Sugar or simple syrup | To taste |
| Lemon slice | For garnish |
Stir together lemonade, blue curacao, and sugar/simple syrup to taste in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice.
Where to Buy Non-Alcoholic Curacao
Here are some places where you can find non-alcoholic blue curacao:
Online
– Amazon: Brands like Mixology & Craft, Virgin Cocktails, Everyday Drinkers
– Walmart: Look for DaVinci, Finest Call, Bacardi brands
– Ebay: Search for non-alcoholic curacao syrup
Liquor Stores
Some liquor stores carry non-alcoholic cocktail mixes and syrups, often near the bar tools and glassware section.
Specialty Stores
– Mocktail supply stores
– Cocktail equipment stores
– Craft syrup shops
Grocery Stores
Check the mixer or cocktail aisle of large supermarket chains for common brands like Finest Call, Mr. & Mrs. T, and Hi Ball.
How to Make Your Own
You can also easily make homemade non-alcoholic blue curacao with just a few ingredients:
Ingredients
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1⁄4 cup orange peel (about 2 oranges)
– Blue food coloring
Instructions
1. Peel outer orange skin of oranges with a vegetable peeler. Try to avoid getting too much of the bitter white pith.
2. Add orange peels and 1 cup of water to a small pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of sugar until dissolved. Allow to cool completely.
4. Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a jar or bottle.
5. Add several drops of blue food coloring and taste. Add more sugar or food coloring as desired.
6. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
You can also experiment with other flavor variations by using different citrus fruits, herbs, spices, juices, or liqueurs.
The Takeaway
While not completely identical to traditional blue curacao, the non-alcoholic version provides the same vibrant hue and basic orange flavor for a fraction of the alcohol content. It can allow you to create fun, colorful cocktails without getting a buzz. Look for it at liquor stores, specialty shops, or make your own at home. Mix up some fruity mocktails, add it to lemonades or juices for instant color, or blend it into desserts. Non-alcoholic blue curacao opens up a whole world of drink possibilities without the effects of liquor.