Blue Curaçao Mojito

A Blue Mojito takes everything great about the classic rum cocktail and puts on a citrusy and blue hue twist. It’s a fun way to mix things up, whether you’re making a single drink or a batch for a party.

If you love Mojitos as much as I do, make sure to check out my Mojito Royale recipe. I’ve even made Mojitos with Gin. I have tried Mojitos that use spiced dark rum, which gives a spiced, complex layer of flavor to the drink. A great example of this my Blackberry Mojito.

What is Blue Curaçao?

Blue Curaçao is an orange liqueur with a bright blue color. It has a similar flavor profile to triple sec, making it an easy swap in cocktails. Historically, curaçao was a brandy-based liqueur, but many modern brands use a neutral spirit, especially for the blue variety. This was something that I learned while earning my WSET Award in Spirits.

A well-known example of a curaçao-style orange liqueur is Grand Marnier, which is brandy-based but not blue. The alcohol content of Blue Curaçao can range from 20-40% ABV, depending on the brand. The brand I used, Drillaud, sits at 25% ABV.

If you love this Blue Mojito, you can also check out my Shark Bite Spritz and Blue Mermaid Water Margarita.

Best Rum to Use

The best rum for a Blue Curaçao Mojito depends on your taste. A white rum is the classic choice for a crisp and clean flavor.

But if you want something even more tropical, try using coconut rum instead of regular white rum. It adds a little extra sweetness and a smooth coconut finish that pairs beautifully with a Blue Curaçao cocktail.

Other Ingredients

• Fresh mint leaves – Fresh mint is essential to a good mojito. Don’t use dried mint, it will not go well!

• Simple syrup – You can buy simple syrup or make it at home. It’s VERY easy and WAY more economical to make at home. Details on how to make simple syrup are included in the recipe card notes.

• Lime juice – Fresh lime juice will always taste best in cocktails. If your only option is bottled juice, opt for 100% juice that is not from concentrate.

• Soda water – I was out of CO2 for my SodaStream, so I used canned seltzer. Club soda would also work great.

• Garnishes – I garnished the cocktail with a lime slice and fresh mint as is traditional.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the fresh mint and simple syrup to a highball glass.

Step 2: Muddle mint leaves and syrup together with a cocktail muddler or wooden spoon. 

Step 3: Add ice cubes and white rum to the glass. 

Step 4: Then, add the blue curacao and lime juice.

Step 5: Top with soda water. 

Step 6: Garnish with fresh limes and more fresh mint, if desired. 

How to Make a Big Batch

To make a big batch, grab a pitcher that holds at least 50 ounces. Add the mint and simple syrup, then gently muddle with a long wooden spoon—just enough to release the mint’s oils without shredding the leaves.

Pour in the rum, blue curaçao, and lime juice and give it a good stir. Pour over ice and top with club soda in the glass. Add a mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish. Avoid adding the club soda to the pitcher so it doesn’t have a chance to go flat.

You can make up to 1 day in advance, but don’t add the mint before chilling. Add and muddle fresh leaves in the pitcher before serving—otherwise, the mint might turn the drink bitter.

To make things easier, I’ve included measurements for making a batch of 8 drinks in the recipe card notes.

FAQ

Where do Mojitos come from? 

The Mojito cocktail is a Cuban specialty hailing from Havana. It isn’t absolutely clear exactly where it came from, but it dates back to the 1500s and was a bit different from what we know today as the Mojito. Bacardi is thought to have created the modern version of the drink around mid-1800s. 

Others say that the Mojito was the Cuban evolution of the Mint Julep. While its history is debatable, I think we can all agree that the Mojito is one of the most delicious cocktails!

What is the point of muddling mint?

Muddling mint allows for the aromatics and oils from the mint to be released and make for a better-tasting cocktail. Make sure to lightly muddle! If you press too hard, the green plant chlorophyll will seep out and make the drink bitter. 

You can also use muddled mint in my Martini Royale, which is a bubbly cross between an Italian spritz and a mojito.

How much alcohol is in a Mojito?

The average Mojito comes in around 13% ABV (alcohol by volume). I’ve calculated this particular Blue Mojito to be around 14%, so it’s just slightly stronger than a regular mojito due to the addition of the blue curacao. Of course, this depends on how much soda water you use and how fast your ice melts.