Blue Lagoon
A splash of blue happiness
A bright blue, alcohol-free mocktail of fresh lemon juice, blue citrus syrup and sparkling lemon soda, ready in about 15 minutes.
One tablespoon = 15 ml; one teaspoon = 5 ml.
About Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a cool, citrusy and irresistibly refreshing mocktail with a dazzling blue colour. This alcohol-free version combines zesty fresh lemon juice, sparkling lemon soda and a blue citrus syrup, finished with lemon slices, mint and a cherry.
What makes it work is freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavour, well-chilled glasses and adding the soda slowly so the drink stays bubbly. It is a lovely choice for parties, family gatherings or a relaxing day at home.
Kitchen testing has not been documented for this recipe. Cooking times are estimates and vary with the stove, cookware and batch size. Follow the doneness checks in the method.
Make it work for your kitchen
Also known as Blue Lagoon mocktail, Blue lemonade mocktail.
Original quantities serve 4. Cooking times, pan size and frying-oil depth do not scale, cook in extra batches instead.
Before you start
Juice the lemons
Rinse the lemons under cold water and pat dry. Cut them in half and squeeze out about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of juice, straining it if you like.
PreparationMake the syrup mix
Measure 1/4 cup (60 ml) of alcohol-free blue curaçao syrup and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of cold water, then combine them in a small jug.
PreparationPrepare the garnishes
Slice some lemons into thin rounds, rinse and dry the mint, and have the alcohol-free maraschino cherries ready.
PreparationSet up the equipment
For Blue Lagoon, have these tools clean and ready: Measuring cups and spoons; mixing jug or large glass; stirring spoon; 4 tall glasses; fine mesh strainer (optional); knife and cutting board; citrus juicer (optional). Choose the cooking method before starting and use the tools for that method.
Before cooking
Step-by-step cooking method
1 Wash the lemons; Juice the lemons
Rinse the lemons under cold water and pat dry. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice, about 1/2 cup (120 ml). Strain if desired.
2 Prepare the syrup; Measure the water; Stir the syrup mix
Measure out 1/4 cup (60 ml) of alcohol-free blue curaçao syrup. Measure 1/4 cup (60 ml) of cold water to dilute the syrup (optional). Combine the blue syrup and water in a small jug and stir well.
3 Slice the lemons; Prepare the mint
Slice some lemons into thin rounds for the garnish. Rinse the fresh mint leaves and pat them dry.
4 Prepare the cherries; Fill the glasses; Add the lemon juice
Get the alcohol-free maraschino cherries ready for the garnish. Fill 4 tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml) of fresh lemon juice into each glass.
5 Add the syrup; Stir gently
Divide the 120 ml blue syrup and water mixture evenly among the 4 glasses, about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) per glass. Stir gently to combine the lemon juice and syrup.
6 Add the soda; Stir again; Check the taste
Top up each glass with lemon soda or sparkling water, about 1/2 cup (120 ml) each, pouring slowly. Stir lightly to mix without losing the bubbles. Taste and adjust the sweetness or lemon flavour if needed.
7 Add the garnish; Add the mint
Add a lemon slice to each glass. Add a sprig of fresh mint leaves to each glass.
8 Add a cherry; Final touch; Serve and enjoy
Add a maraschino cherry on top of each drink. Add a straw if desired and give each drink a final gentle stir. Serve immediately while the drinks are cold and bubbly.
Chef’s tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright, tangy flavour.
- Chill your glasses for an extra refreshing drink.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less blue syrup to taste.
- Use fresh, firm lemons for maximum juice.
- For a layered look, add the soda slowly.
- Garnish with colourful fruits and mint for a beautiful presentation, and serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Common mistakes & quick fixes
- Too sour
- Add more syrup.
- Too sweet
- Add more lemon juice.
- Weak flavour
- Use fresh lemons.
- Flat drink
- Use cold, freshly opened soda and serve immediately.
- Cloudy appearance
- Strain the lemon juice.
- Too dark blue
- Reduce the amount of syrup.
- Ice melts quickly
- Use larger ice cubes.
Variations & serving ideas
Lime: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a zesty twist.
Different syrup: Try blue lemonade or blue raspberry syrup.
Tropical: Add a splash of orange juice for a tropical flavour.
Berry: Top with fresh berries such as blueberries or strawberries.
Flavoured water: Use flavoured sparkling water, such as lemon or citrus.
Party pitcher: Serve in a pitcher for parties.
Perfect result check
| Colour | Bright, vibrant blue. |
|---|---|
| Taste | Well-balanced sweet and tangy taste. |
| Texture | Refreshing and crisp with bubbles, properly chilled with ice. |
| Garnish | Garnished beautifully with lemon, mint and cherry. |
| Overall | Looks appealing and inviting; a delicious, refreshing mocktail. |
Storage & reheating
| Serving | Best enjoyed immediately | Serve in chilled glasses for the best taste and fizz. |
|---|---|---|
| Syrup mix, refrigerator | Up to 3 days | You can prepare the syrup mix in advance and refrigerate it. |
| Lemon juice, refrigerator | Within 2 days | Keep fresh lemon juice refrigerated. The finished drink is not suitable for long-term freezing, as it loses its fizz. |
Know when to change the heat
| Stage | Heat | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Syrup mix | No heat | Blue syrup and water fully combined. |
| Building the drinks | No heat | Glasses full of ice; soda added slowly and the drink still bubbly after a light stir. |
Helpful answers before you cook
Is this Blue Lagoon alcohol-free?
Yes. This version uses alcohol-free blue curaçao syrup with fresh lemon juice and lemon soda, so it is a mocktail suitable for everyone.
What gives the Blue Lagoon its blue colour?
The blue citrus syrup. Alcohol-free blue curaçao syrup, blue lemonade syrup or blue raspberry syrup all work.
How do I stop my Blue Lagoon going flat?
Use cold, freshly opened soda, add it slowly, stir lightly and serve the drinks immediately.
Can I prepare it ahead for a party?
Make the syrup mix up to 3 days ahead and keep the lemon juice refrigerated for up to 2 days, then build the drinks over ice with the soda just before serving.
