Blue Bird Cocktail Drink

Blue Bird Cocktail

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

The Blue Bird Cocktail recipe is perfect for a vibrant drink. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, and you’ll enjoy its delightful taste.

Blue Bird Cocktail Recipe

Enjoy spring with a simple Blue Bird Cocktail recipe! Combine Gin, Blue Curaçao, lemon juice, and Orgeat to make this refreshing drink.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

182 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Gin
  • ¾ oz Blue Curaçao
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ¼ oz orgeat syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon ribbon, for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Martini Glass

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Stir some ice into a Martini glass and set it aside.
  • Add Orgeat: Measure and pour ¼ oz orgeat syrup into the shaker.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Add ¾ oz lemon juice to the mix.
  • Add Blue Curaçao: Measure and pour ¾ oz Blue Curaçao into the shaker.
  • Add Gin: Pour 1½ oz Gin into the shaker.
  • Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
  • Garnish: Place a lemon ribbon on the rim of the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: If you don't have Gin, try using vodka for a cleaner taste. I've also used white rum in a pinch, which adds a different but pleasant flavor profile.
  • Blue Curaçao: Triple sec with a few drops of blue food coloring works if you're out of Blue Curaçao. It keeps the citrusy flavor intact.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh lime juice can replace lemon juice with a slightly different tangy kick.
  • Orgeat Syrup: Infuse some simple syrup with a bit of almond extract, it won't have the same effect but it will work in a pinch. 

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Gin, 6 oz of Blue Curaçao, 6 oz of lemon juice, and 2 oz of orgeat syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Gin, Blue Curaçao, lemon juice, and orgeat with ice.  Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into martini glasses, garnish with lemon ribbons, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic Gin's botanicals.
  • Blue Curaçao Substitute: You can opt for blue curaçao syrup or make a simple syrup infused with orange peel and blue food coloring.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The standard recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients only.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
182
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
13
g
4
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Potassium
 
23
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
1
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.04
mg
0
%

 

Blue Bird Cocktail Drink

Blue Bird Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Enjoy spring with a simple Blue Bird Cocktail recipe! Combine Gin, Blue Curaçao, lemon juice, and Orgeat to make this refreshing drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 182

Ingredients
 

  • oz Gin
  • ¾ oz Blue Curaçao
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ¼ oz orgeat syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon ribbon - for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Martini Glass

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Stir some ice into a Martini glass and set it aside.
  • Add Orgeat: Measure and pour ¼ oz orgeat syrup into the shaker.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Add ¾ oz lemon juice to the mix.
  • Add Blue Curaçao: Measure and pour ¾ oz Blue Curaçao into the shaker.
  • Add Gin: Pour 1½ oz Gin into the shaker.
  • Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
  • Garnish: Place a lemon ribbon on the rim of the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: If you don't have Gin, try using vodka for a cleaner taste. I've also used white rum in a pinch, which adds a different but pleasant flavor profile.
  • Blue Curaçao: Triple sec with a few drops of blue food coloring works if you're out of Blue Curaçao. It keeps the citrusy flavor intact.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh lime juice can replace lemon juice with a slightly different tangy kick.
  • Orgeat Syrup: Infuse some simple syrup with a bit of almond extract, it won't have the same effect but it will work in a pinch. 

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Gin, 6 oz of Blue Curaçao, 6 oz of lemon juice, and 2 oz of orgeat syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Gin, Blue Curaçao, lemon juice, and orgeat with ice.  Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into martini glasses, garnish with lemon ribbons, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic Gin's botanicals.
  • Blue Curaçao Substitute: You can opt for blue curaçao syrup or make a simple syrup infused with orange peel and blue food coloring.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The standard recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients only.

What is a Blue Bird Cocktail?

A Blue Bird Cocktail is a gin-based cocktail made of Gin, Blue Curaçao, lemon juice, and orgeat syrup.  It’s easy to make because it requires only essential ingredients and simple mixing steps. This vibrant blue drink stands out for its refreshing citrusy flavor and eye-catching color, making it perfect for any festive occasion.

A side shot of a Blue Brid cocktail in a martini glass on a wooden board with a bar spoon, and a cocktail strainer

What is a Blue Bird Cocktail made of – The ingredients

Collect these ingredients to prepare a Blue Bird Cocktail:

  • Gin: Provides the botanical base and primary spirit for the cocktail.
  • Blue Curaçao: Adds a vibrant blue color and a sweet, citrusy flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Contributes a refreshing, tangy acidity to balance the sweetness.
  • Orgeat syrup: Adds a nutty profile to the drink.
  • Lemon Ribbon (for garnish): Adds a decorative touch and a hint of citrus aroma.

Gin, Blue Curaçao, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and lemon laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Blue Bird Cocktail?

Discover the process of making a Blue Bird Cocktail with our simple guide:

1
<p>Chill a martini glass.</p>

Chill a martini glass.

2
<p>Pour 0.25 oz into the shaker, for its sweetness and nutty profile.</p>

Pour 0.25 oz into the shaker, for its sweetness and nutty profile.

3
<p>Squeeze 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice and add it to the shaker to provide a refreshing, tangy acidity.</p>

Squeeze 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice and add it to the shaker to provide a refreshing, tangy acidity.

4
<p>Measure and add 0.75 oz of Blue Curaçao to the shaker for its vibrant color and citrusy sweetness.</p>

Measure and add 0.75 oz of Blue Curaçao to the shaker for its vibrant color and citrusy sweetness.

5
<p>Pour 1.5 oz of Gin into the shaker as the primary spirit.</p>

Pour 1.5 oz of Gin into the shaker as the primary spirit.

6
<p>Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.</p>

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

7
<p>Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure all ingredients are well combined and chilled.</p>

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure all ingredients are well combined and chilled.

8
<p>Fine strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass to remove the ice and any pulp.</p>

Fine strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass to remove the ice and any pulp.

9
<p>Garnish the drink with a lemon ribbon to add a decorative touch and a hint of citrus aroma.</p>

Garnish the drink with a lemon ribbon to add a decorative touch and a hint of citrus aroma.

History and Origin

Probably bartenders created the Blue Bird Cocktail in the 1950s in Paris,  to offer a vibrant, eye-catching drink, they used Blue Curaçao to give it its distinctive blue color, making it popular at parties and social gatherings. Over time, people appreciated the cocktail’s refreshing citrus flavor and simple preparation, securing its place in mixed drinks.

A Blue Bird cocktail, shot from above, in a martini glass on a beige surface surrounded by Gin, Blue Curaçao, lemon juice, and orgeat syrup

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Blue Bird Cocktail?
This version contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How strong is a Blue Bird Cocktail?
Its alcohol by volume (ABV) is approximately 20%, which translates to about 40 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Blue Bird Cocktail?
The primary alcohol used is Gin.
In which glass is a Blue Bird Cocktail served?
You typically serve the cocktail in a martini glass.
What does a Blue Bird Cocktail taste like?
It has a refreshing citrus flavor, subtle botanical notes from the Gin, citrus part from the lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness from the Blue Curaçao and the Orgeat syrup.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Blue Bird Cocktail?
The standard ratio is 2 parts gin, 1 part Blue Curaçao, and 1 part lemon juice, with a touch of orgeat syrup.
How is a Blue Bird Cocktail served?
It is served "up," meaning it is shaken with ice and then strained into a chilled glass without ice.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Blue Bird Cocktail?
You can use non-alcoholic gin substitutes and blue curaçao syrup to create a non-alcoholic cocktail version.
Is the Blue Bird Cocktail challenging to make?
No, it is relatively easy, requiring only basic ingredients and simple mixing steps.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice in a Blue Bird Cocktail?
Yes, you can substitute lime juice for lemon juice if you prefer, or if that's what you have on hand, it will give the drink a slightly different tangy kick.

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