Blue Curaçao is a bright blue liqueur that is commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails and mixed drinks. It has a distinct sweet, citrus flavor and vibrant blue color that makes drinks visually appealing. But what exactly gives Blue Curaçao its signature blue hue and taste? Here’s an in-depth look at what kind of liquor is used to make this popular liqueur.
The Origins of Blue Curaçao
Blue Curaçao originated in the early 20th century on the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean. Curaçao is known for its bitter oranges, and the peels of these oranges were used to flavor and color the first Blue Curaçaos. The liqueur was initially developed and produced by the Senior family on Curaçao as an adaptation of triple sec, an orange-flavored liqueur.
The distinctive electric blue color came from the addition of food dye. It provided an eye-catching color that made Blue Curaçao stand out. The liqueur became popular both on the island as well as internationally as a specialty liqueur and cocktail ingredient. Blue Curaçao production later spread to the Netherlands, where it continues to be produced today under a variety of brands.
Base Spirit
The base spirit used to produce Blue Curaçao is neutral grain spirit that has been distilled from grains like wheat, rye or corn. This creates a smooth, high-proof spirit with little flavor on its own. The neutral spirit allows the citrus and spice flavors to come through.
Some lower-quality commercial brands may use industrial-grade alcohol rather than a potable spirit. However, authentic brands use a minimally 80 proof (40% ABV) neutral grain spirit as the base for Blue Curaçao.
Triple Sec
Blue Curaçao is sometimes confused with triple sec, but they are different liqueurs. Triple sec is a clear orange-flavored liqueur made from dried citrus peels soaked in neutral spirit. While triple sec and Blue Curaçao have some overlapping citrus notes, Blue Curaçao has its own distinct flavor profile.
Flavorings
In addition to the neutral spirit base, Blue Curaçao gets its signature flavor from a blend of citrus oils extracted from dried peels of laraha oranges, a variety grown on Curaçao. The dried laraha peels impart notes of orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit and even cinnamon, clove and allspice.
Most quality producers macerate the dried peels to extract the essential oils anddevelop the flavor before adding them to the distilled spirit. Additional botanicals like vanilla, flowers or herbs may also be infused during this process.
Sweeteners
Sugar is added to Blue Curaçao to give it a sweet, syrupy texture. Simple syrup, cane sugar or honey may be used. The sugar balances out the tart citrus oils and gives Blue Curaçao its slightly syrupy mouthfeel.
Food Coloring
The electric blue color of Blue Curaçao comes from the addition of food coloring, traditionally Blue No. 1 or Brilliant Blue FCF. Only a small amount is needed to provide the vibrant color. Authentic Curaçao liqueur uses only natural food dyes.
Common Brands and Styles
There are several major brands of Blue Curaçao that use slightly different recipes, resulting in variations in flavor and intensity:
- Curaçao of Curaçao – Made by the Senior family on Curaçao using laraha peel, this is considered the original and most authentic. It has a natural citrus flavor with floral, spicy notes.
- Grand Marnier Blue Curaçao – Produced in France, it uses bitter orange and tropical fruit peels. Sweeter and brighter citrus flavor.
- Marie Brizard Blue Curaçao – Made in France, it has a lighter, drier citrus flavor with hints of cocoa and vanilla.
- DeKuyper Blue Curaçao – A brand made in the Netherlands, it has a candied orange flavor. One of the sweeter styles.
- Bols Blue Curaçao – Another Dutch brand with a balanced citrus profile and subtle vanilla-spice undertones.
There are also colorless, clear varieties of Curaçao liqueur without any blue coloring. These have a similar citrus flavor but lack the vibrant color.
Cocktails and Uses
The bold blue color and sweet, tangy flavor of Blue Curaçao make it a popular ingredient in tropical cocktails and mixed drinks. Here are some classic cocktails featuring Blue Curaçao:
Blue Hawaiian
This tropical cocktail is made by mixing light and dark rum, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice and cream of coconut. It has a bright blue color.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon combines vodka, Blue Curaçao and lemonade or Sprite. The result is a turquoise blue cocktail.
Blue Margarita
A twist on a classic margarita, this cocktail uses tequila, Blue Curaçao and lime juice shaken with ice and served in a salt-rimmed glass.
Electric Lemonade
This high-voltage drink mixes vodka, Blue Curaçao, lemonade and sweet and sour mix for a sour neon cocktail.
Belini Martini
For a cosmopolitan martini with a tropical twist, Blue Curaçao is combined with vodka, pineapple juice and Prosecco.
In addition to cocktails, Blue Curaçao can be used to add a pop of color and flavor to desserts, fruit salads, lemonade, punches and more drinks. It pairs well with citrus and tropical fruits.
Blue Curaçao Production
Authentic Blue Curaçao is still produced in distilleries on the island of Curaçao using a careful production process. Here are the key steps involved:
- Laraha oranges are harvested by hand when ripe. The fruit is inedible but the peels are aromatic.
- The orange peels are sun-dried to concentrate the flavors.
- The dried peels are macerated in the neutral grain spirit for several weeks to extract the oils.
- The spirit is then distilled in copper pot stills.
- Sugar and natural citrus essences are added after distillation to adjust the flavor.
- Food-grade blue dye is added for color.
- The Blue Curaçao is filtered, diluted to 60-80 proof and bottled.
From harvest to bottling, the production of quality Blue Curaçao takes over a year. The extended maceration and distillation helps provide depth of flavor.
Taste and Flavor Profile
When tasting Blue Curaçao, the vibrant hue is the first thing you’ll notice. In the glass, it can range from a radiant aquamarine to an intense royal blue. Next, you’ll find the following flavor notes:
Aroma
The aroma is highly citrusy with orange, tangerine and lemon notes. Hints of vanilla and cinnamon spices may also be present.
Flavor
On the palate, Blue Curaçao delivers sweet yet tart orange, lime and grapefruit citrus flavors. There are also subtle undertones of ginger, clove, allspice and vanilla. The flavor is vibrant and lingers on the tongue.
Mouthfeel
Blue Curaçao has a smooth, velvety texture. The sugar content gives it a syrupy, viscous mouthfeel. There is little alcohol heat on the palate.
Finish
The finish is sweet and tart, with candied orange and lemon peel flavors. The aftertaste is mildly spicy and herbal.
How to Drink Blue Curaçao
Blue Curaçao is very versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
As a Cocktail Ingredient
Add a splash of Blue Curaçao to tropical cocktails, long drinks and frozen blended drinks. It’s commonly paired with light and spiced rums.
On the Rocks
Pour 1-2 oz of Blue Curaçao over ice for a simple chilled drink. Garnish with an orange twist.
With Citrus Mixers
For a refreshing drink, mix Blue Curaçao with lemonade, bitter lemon or orange juice. Adjust sugar levels to taste.
In Shooters
Layer or mix the blue liqueur with other vibrantly colored spirits for a party shooter.
In Desserts
Use a splash of Blue Curaçao to add flavor and color to cakes, frostings, fruit salads and more.
Cocktail Recipes
Here are some festive cocktail recipes that showcase Blue Curaçao:
Blue Hawaiian
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz Blue Curaçao
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with pineapple.
Electric Lemonade
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz Blue Curaçao
- 2 oz lemonade
- 1 oz sweet and sour mix
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Build drink over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Blue Margarita
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 1 oz Blue Curaçao
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave nectar
- Lime wedge for garnish
Shake liquid ingredients with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with lime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Curaçao made from oranges?
Yes, Blue Curaçao is flavored with the dried peels of bitter oranges native to the island of Curaçao called laraha oranges. The essential oils extracted from these peels give Blue Curaçao its distinct citrus flavor.
Is Blue Curaçao the same as triple sec?
No, Blue Curaçao and triple sec are two different colored liqueurs. While they both have an orange flavor, triple sec is clear while Blue Curaçao is dyed its signature blue. They also have slightly different flavor profiles.
What can I use instead of Blue Curaçao?
If you don’t have Blue Curaçao, you can substitute triple sec. The drink won’t have the same vibrant blue color but will still have citrus flavors. For the color, you can add a few drops of blue food coloring.
Is Blue Curaçao naturally blue?
No, Blue Curaçao gets its color from the addition of blue food dye. The curaçao oranges and neutral spirit used to produce it are not naturally blue. Only artificial color provides the bright blue hues.
Is Blue Curaçao alcoholic?
Yes, Blue Curaçao contains alcohol since it is a liqueur made from distilled spirits and citrus flavorings. The alcohol content ranges from 40-60 proof (20-30% ABV).
Conclusion
With its vivid blue color and sweet, tangy citrus flavor, Blue Curaçao is a liqueur that adds festive flair to cocktails. This tropical liqueur gets its signature taste from laraha oranges grown on the island of Curaçao, which are used to flavor a base of neutral grain spirit. Sugar and natural citrus essences round out the flavor profile, while food coloring provides the electric blue color that makes it instantly recognizable. Cleverly used in moderation, Blue Curaçao can bring a taste of the tropics to drinks.