Blue Sunset – Tequila, Blue Curaçao & Citrus Highball Cocktail
A vibrant tequila highball layered with citrus and blue curaçao, the Blue Sunset delivers a refreshing balance of orange, lemon, and light sweetness with a striking ocean-blue finish.
Easy
Bright, refreshing, and visually striking, the Blue Sunset is a modern tequila highball that balances citrus and sweetness with a clean, easy-drinking profile. Built with blue curaçao, orange juice, and a splash of soda, it delivers both color and flavor without overwhelming the palate.
Background
The Blue Sunset is part of a family of visually driven cocktails that gained popularity through tropical and beach-style drinks. Using blue curaçao for its signature color and orange flavor, these cocktails focus on accessibility and presentation while still maintaining a balanced, refreshing structure.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Tequila Blanco – provides a crisp, agave-forward base
- Blue Curaçao – adds color and light orange sweetness
- Orange Juice – brings body and natural citrus sweetness
- Lemon Juice – sharpens the profile with acidity
- 7-Up – adds lift, light sweetness, and effervescence
Substitution ideas:
- Use soda water instead of 7-Up for a drier version
- Swap tequila for vodka or white rum for a softer profile
- Replace orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical twist
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Ice
A Balanced Highball With Visual Impact
What makes the Blue Sunset work is restraint. By limiting sweetness and letting citrus and carbonation carry the drink, it stays refreshing instead of heavy. The blue curaçao adds just enough flavor and color to make it stand out without turning it into a novelty drink.
Substitutions & Variations
- Add a splash of grenadine for a layered “sunset” effect
- Use sparkling water and increase curaçao slightly for a brighter finish
- Add a lime wedge for extra citrus complexity
- Serve over crushed ice for a more tropical presentation
Helpful Tips
- Add soda last to preserve carbonation
- Stir gently after topping to avoid flattening the drink
- Use fresh citrus for better balance
- Adjust sweetness by changing the soda ratio
- Use clear ice for a cleaner visual presentation
Blue Sunset Recipe
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Type of Glass
Highball Glass
Prep Time
2 min
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
- 2-3 oz. (Top) 7-Up
Directions
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add Tequila Blanco, Blue Curaçao, Orange Juice, and Lemon Juice.
Stir briefly to combine.
Top with 7-Up.
Stir gently to integrate.
Garnish with an orange slice or cherry.
A colorful, easy-drinking highball that balances visual appeal with real structure.
