Though not everyone wants to admit it, it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t love a colorful cocktail. Whether it’s a red, white, and blue shot on the Fourth of July or an amethyst lemonade to enjoy while watching Purple Rain, there are hundreds of drinks out there in every color of the rainbow.

One color that is especially eye-catching is blue. From inky navies to dream sky blues, almost every blue drink features one very special ingredient: blue curaçao. This bitter orange-flavored liqueur hails from the Caribbean island of curaçao, and its blue coloring mimics the waters off the shores of that beautiful island.

Keep reading for some tasty blue curacao recipes that you can try at your next get-together.

Blue Dolphin Martini

A finished Blue Dolphin Martini has a clear jewel-tone finish. All you need to make one is:

  • 1 1/2 oz vodka
  • 1/3 oz blue curaçao
  • 1/3 oz peach schnapps

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. If they’re available, garnish with a tropical flower with a hibiscus.

Skylab

One of blue curaçao’s most interesting qualities is its high specific gravity. Specific gravity is a measurement used in mixology that refers to the sugar content, and therefore density, of a liquid. Denser liquids sink to the bottom, while lighter ones can rest on top. Specific gravity is the theory that allows for the creation of layered drinks, like the Skylab, To make one you’ll need:

  • 1/3 oz apricot brandy
  • 1/3 oz vodka
  • 1/3 oz blue curaçao
  • 1/3 oz light rum
  • 2/3 oz orange juice
  • 2/3 oz pineapple juice

Add the ingredients to an ice-filled wine glass in the order listed above. Allow each ingredient to settle before adding the next. Do not stir. Garnish with an orange wedge and a maraschino cherry.

Big Bertha

Some raspberry liqueur helps to dark this shot, making it closer to navy than many of the other drinks that feature blue curaçao, which tend to be a punchier electric blue. For a Big Bertha you’ll need:

  • 1 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1/2 oz blue curaçao
  • 1/2 oz raspberry liqueur

In a shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients until chilled. Strain into a shot glass.

Betty Blue

Blue curaçao can be incredibly saccharine on its own, so pairing it with ingredients that cut through that sweetness can be a good idea. Currants are berries with a tart flavor similar to cranberries, which makes them a good partner for blue curaçao. Try this:

  • 3/4 oz currant vodka
  • 3/4 oz blue curaçao
  • 1 dash lemon juice
  • lemonade

Pour the currant vodka, blue curaçao, and lemon juice into a highball glass filled with ice, then top with lemonade and garnish with an orange wedge.

Blue Metrazor

This drink finished with an icy, steely blue. To make one you’ll need: 

  • 1 1/2 oz lemon vodka
  • 1/3 apricot brandy
  • 1/3 oz blue curaçao
  • 1/3 oz lemon juice

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake until combined. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Cupids Blue

Drinks that feature blue curaçao mixes and lemonade not only have a great combination of citrus flavors but also tend to have a gorgeous aquamarine color. To get that mix for a Cupid Blue you’ll need:

  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1/2 oz blue curaçao
  • lemonade

Add vodka and blue curaçao to an ice-filled highball glass, then top with lemonade and still until you get an even color. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

These are just the beginning – are so many beautiful blue cocktails to explore.