Blue Shark Attack Cocktail

Why This Recipe Works

• Unique and fun – Everything about this themed shark bite drink is unique and fun – from the shark gummy candies to the red icing “blood” on the rim, this cocktail is bound to be a crowd pleaser!

• Balanced citrus flavor – This fun drink is full of citrus flavor from the orange flavor of the blue curaçao and lemon juice that is paired with just the right amount of sweetness. 

• It’s easy and can be batched – It uses simple ingredients that you can find at any liquor or grocery store and only takes a few minutes to put together. If you’re making it for a party or get-together, I’ve included instructions so that it can easily be batched to serve a group.

• Vodka – Use your favorite vodka for this drink. I like to use either Tito’s, Costco brand, or a local distillery brand. You can also use lemon vodka, light rum, or coconut rum – all would go well here.

• Blue curaçao – This orange-flavored liqueur can be found at most liquor stores easily and will give the cocktail the ocean water look.

• Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice will taste best. Juices from concentrate typically have an aftertaste that will come through in a lightly flavored cocktail like this. If you must use juice from a bottle, opt for 100% juice, not from concentrate juice like this brand of bottled juice. You can also substitute lime juice.

• Simple syrup – You can buy this, but it’s very easy and much less expensive to make at home. Simply heat equal parts granulated sugar and water, whisk until sugar is dissolved, and allow to cool. 

• Red gel icing – You can find this in the baking aisle or online at Target, which is perfect for giving that “attack” vibe to this tasty cocktail. You can also use a little grenadine in the cocktail, but it will give the cocktail more of a greenish-blue water look.

• Shark gummy candy – While I’ve seen these in stores before, I couldn’t find them when I wanted them, so I ended up ordering from Amazon. You can also use a little toy shark.

• Soda water – You can use plain or flavored soda water that you think would go well with the lemon and orange flavors of this cocktail. I typically make mine in my SodaStream. If you want to make it sweeter, you can also use lemon-lime soda, like Sprite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the vodka and blue curacao to an empty cocktail shaker.

Step 2: Add the lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice. Shake until well chilled. Drizzle the rim and/or side of a large wine glass or rocks glass with the red icing.

Step 3: Add ice to the wine glass and top with blue shark gummy candy. Strain cocktail shaker into the glass and top with soda water. 

Step 4: For garnish, cut a small slit in the bottom of the underside of the gummy candy to help balance the gummy candy on the rim of the glass. 

Tips and FAQ

Can I make a big batch of this Blue Shark Attack cocktail?

Yes, you can definitely make a big batch for a group. I’ve included measurements for making 8 cocktails in the notes section of the recipe below. You can make this in a pitcher up to a couple of days in advance by adding the vodka, blue curacao, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a pitcher and chilling. 

Add the ice and soda water just before serving to prevent dilution and letting the soda water go flat. Allow your guests to add their own gummy sharks and decorate their own glasses with the red icing. 

Where can I get shark gummy candy and the gel icing? 

Below are links to the ingredients that I used. 

Red Shimmer Gel Icing

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Blue Shark Gummy Candy

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What is blue curaçao?

Blue curaçao is a blue colored orange liqueur. It can be used almost interchangeably with triple sec. Historically, it is a brandy-based liqueur, although many brands do not follow the traditional method, especially the blue variety of curaçao.

Grand Marnier is an example of a liqueur made in the curaçao style (brandy based) and is not blue in color. 

Is blue curaçao and triple sec the same thing?

They are similar but not the same. Both are orange flavored liqueurs. Triple sec is typically clear and tends to be sweeter than curacao. Triple sec also has its origins in France, whereas, curacao in the country of Curaçao, which is just north of Venezuela.

Cointreau is an example of an orange liqueur in the style of triple sec.

Ideas for Serving

This shark attack drink is perfect to just have at home for your own personal happy hour, but here are a few other ideas for serving:

• Jaws theme party
• Discovery Channel Shark Week viewing party (My Blue Mermaid Water Margarita or Blue Mojito would be more great options!)
• Halloween cocktail