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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Published: May 26, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Red, White, and Blue Cocktail

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    red white and blue cocktails on counter
    red white and blue cocktails on counter
    red white and blue cocktails on counter

    Our favorite 4th of July cocktail recipe! This citrusy red, white, and blue layered drink recipe is perfect for summer parties and backyard BBQs. Have you ever seen such a patriotic cocktail?

    3 red white and blue cocktails on a marble counter

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    Since I was making 4th of July jello shots, I figured it was important to keep the fourth of July theme going with this red, white, and blue cocktail.

    It isn't fancy, or expensive to make but it is perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day!

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • ⏲️How to Make a Layered Cocktail
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip
    • 💭 Non-Alcoholic Option
    • Related Recipes
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why This Recipe Works

    This layered drink is easy to make but needs clear lines to prevent the colors from bleeding together. Two things have to happen to ensure clear lines.

    First, we have to layer the ingredients in a specific order, so they don't immediately bleed together. And second, the pouring technique is critical. Nice and slow.

    We won't be slinging drinks like the bartenders in Cocktail (you know the really old movie, right???)

    This recipe makes 2 cocktails. While you can't batch make this cocktail it does come together quickly, and no cocktail shaker is needed.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    recipe ingredients on counter

    For this recipe, you need vodka and then red, white, and blue elements. Grenadine is the red layer and adds sweetness.

    The white layer is lemonade and vodka. Because the red and blue layers are very sweet, I suggest a lightly sweetened lemonade. You can make your own but for store-bought, I prefer the Simply Lemonade brand.

    The blue layer is Blue Curacao liqueur. Blue curacao is a citrus-flavored liquor, like triple sec. While there are high-quality high-end brands, I suggest keeping things basic for this cocktail.

    For the vodka, use any brand of unflavored vodka you like. I know it can be tempting to add more flavor but there is a lot going on in this drink and want to keep things balanced.

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    ⏲️How to Make a Layered Cocktail

    For this drink, you want a tall glass. I usually use a pint glass or fluted water glass.

    Step 1- Red Layer

    Divide the grenadine between your 2 glasses. Then fill your glass with ice.

    Do not add the ice first. The grenadine is thick and will coat the ice cubes turning the whole drink pink when you add the white layer.

    step by step instructions for making a layered drink

    Step 2- White Layer

    Mix together the vodka and lemonade. You can do this in a cocktail shaker. I typically just stir it together in a glass measuring cup because it has a nice spout for pouring.

    SLOWLY pour in the lemonade. Some people recommend pouring over the back of a spoon but I found that it created more of a splash for this particular layer. A slow and steady pour worked better.

    Step 3- Blue Layer

    Place a spoon upside down over the glass and slowly pour the blue curacao over the spoon. Just like bartenders make a black and tan. The purpose of the spoon is to cascade the liquid because it is heavier than the blue layer.

    After doing this several times I felt like I mastered how slow you have to pour in the blue curacao (it is really, really slow) and I could achieve the look without using the spoon.

    garnishing blue cocktail with a lemon and cherry

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

    While batch making this cocktail isn't ideal for this recipe you can set up a cocktail station for party guests to help themselves.

    Mix the lemonade and vodka in a pitcher. Pour the grenadine into individual glasses and stage with the blue curacao and an ice bucket along with instructions.

    Frankly, it is hilarious to see people compete and try different techniques to get the most perfect layers.

    💭 Non-Alcoholic Option

    You can make a non-alcoholic Red, White, and Blue drink by using this blue curacao syrup instead. Or you can use blue Gatorade (although admittedly, I don't love the taste of that).

    4th of july cocktail with red and white straw

    Related Recipes

    • red white and blue layered jello shot with whipped cream and a cherry
      Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
    • mangonada popsicles stacked on top of each other.
      Mangonada Popsicles
    • Homemade frozen dog treats for summer in bowl
      Blueberry Frozen Dog Treats
    • vodka margarita with fresh limes
      Vodka Margarita

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    What does blue curacao taste like?

    This liqueur is made using the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit giving it a citrus flavor similar to triple sec. The blue color comes from a dye and doesn't affect the taste.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    layered red white and blue drink in a tall glass

    Red, White and Blue Cocktail

    The perfect 4th of July cocktail with red, white and blue layers. This citrusy cocktail is refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
    Servings: 2
    Prep: 5 mins
    Cook: 0 mins
    Total: 5 mins
    5 from 5 votes
    PRINT PIN SAVE

    Equipment

    • 2 tall glasses
    • jigger
    • soup spoon

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 oz grenadine
    • 6 oz lemonade
    • 3 oz vodka
    • 2 oz blue curacao
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Pour 1 ounce of grenadine into each glass, fill with ice.
      2 oz grenadine
    • Mix together the lemonade and vodka. Very slowly pour the lemonade into each glass.
      6 oz lemonade, 3 oz vodka
    • Again hold the upside down spoon over the glass, SLOWLY pour blue curacao over to create the blue layer. Serve immediately.
      2 oz blue curacao
    Rate this Recipe

    Video

    Notes

    • Refer to post for visual layering technique to ensure separation between layers. 
    • The drink will eventually mix together as the ice melts. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 267kcal | Carbs: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Cocktail
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword 4th of july cocktail, red white and blue alcoholic drinks
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Preview this red, white, and blue layered cocktail recipe and other easy gluten free recipes.

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    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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