The Royal Blue Cocktail: A Betty Crocker Gem with a Crown of Citrus

There are some recipes that, no matter how many years I spend in the kitchen, just bring a smile to my face. This Royal Blue Cocktail is one of them. It hails from the venerable Betty Crocker archives, a name synonymous with home-baked comfort and reliable results. I remember encountering this dazzling drink years ago, a sophisticated surprise amidst a sea of more common concoctions. It was the sheer vibrancy of the color, a deep, mesmerizing sapphire, that first captured my attention. Then came the taste – a delicate dance of citrus that was both refreshing and intriguing. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’re partaking in something truly special, a little sip of accessible luxury.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Yield: 1 cocktail
• Dietary Type: N/A

Ingredients

The beauty of the Royal Blue Cocktail lies in its elegant simplicity, requiring just a handful of quality ingredients to create its signature hue and flavor.

• 1 lime wedge, for moistening the rim
• Coarse sugar or granulated sugar, for rimming the glass
• Ice cube
• 1⁄4 cup white cranberry juice
• 2 tablespoons citrus-infused vodka (or 2 tablespoons regular vodka)
• 2 tablespoons Blue Curaçao
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Ingredient Notes:

• White Cranberry Juice Cocktail: This is crucial for achieving the desired “royal blue” color. Regular cranberry juice will result in a pink or red hue. The “cocktail” version is often slightly sweeter and thinner, which works well here.
• Citrus-Infused Vodka: For an extra layer of citrus complexity, seek out a citrus-infused vodka. If you can’t find it, standard vodka will work perfectly, and the fresh lime juice will provide ample citrus notes.
• Blue Curaçao: This is the key ingredient responsible for the cocktail’s stunning blue color and its subtle orange flavor. It’s a liqueur made from the dried peel of the laraha citrus fruit.

Equipment Needed

While this cocktail is straightforward to prepare, a few essential tools will ensure a polished presentation and perfect consistency.

• Martini glass (chilled is best!)
• Small plate (for the sugar rim)
• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer

Instructions

Crafting the Royal Blue Cocktail is a swift and satisfying process, perfect for a last-minute indulgence or to impress guests.

1. Begin by preparing your serving glass. Take a chilled martini glass and moisten the rim by rubbing the lime wedge around its edge. This creates a sticky surface for the sugar.
2. On a small plate, spread out a thin layer of coarse sugar or granulated sugar.
3. Gently dip the moistened rim of the martini glass into the sugar, rotating it to lightly coat the edge. Set the prepared glass aside.
4. Fill your cocktail shaker generously with ice cubes. This is essential for chilling the drink properly.
5. To the shaker, add the white cranberry juice, citrus-infused vodka (or regular vodka), Blue Curaçao, and fresh lime juice.
6. Cover the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. This ensures the ingredients are well combined and thoroughly chilled.
7. Strain the contents of the shaker into your prepared, sugar-rimmed martini glass.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Elevate your Royal Blue Cocktail from simply good to truly exceptional with these seasoned insights.

• Chill Everything: For the most refreshing experience, make sure your martini glass is well-chilled in the freezer beforehand. You can even chill your vodka and Blue Curaçao in the freezer as well (though vodka may freeze solid, so be mindful).
• The Perfect Rim: For an even sugar rim, ensure the entire outer edge of the glass is moistened. If you want to be extra precise, you can use a lime wedge dipped in sugar to “paint” the rim.
• Shake it Like You Mean It: Don’t be shy with the shaking! A good, vigorous shake not only chills the drink but also aerates it slightly, contributing to a smoother texture. You should feel the shaker become frosty.
• Straining is Key: Using a cocktail strainer ensures that no ice chips make their way into your finished drink, providing a clean and professional pour.
• Citrus Zest Garnish: While not explicitly in the recipe, a thin strip of lime or orange zest, twisted over the drink to release its oils before dropping it in, adds a beautiful aromatic finish.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

The Royal Blue Cocktail is designed to be enjoyed immediately after preparation, celebrating its vibrant color and crisp, chilled profile.

• Serving: Present this cocktail as is, allowing the striking blue hue to be the star. The sugar rim adds a delightful textural contrast and a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect as an aperitif, a festive holiday drink, or a sophisticated accompaniment to light appetizers.
• Storage: Cocktails are best consumed fresh. If you find yourself with a small amount of prepared mixture that wasn’t used, it’s not recommended for long-term storage, as the dilution from the ice will have already begun. It’s best to prepare this drink on demand.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one Royal Blue Cocktail, based on the standard ingredients. Please note that values can vary slightly based on the specific brands of spirits and juices used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	180-200 kcal	9-10%
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	5 mg	<1%
Total Carbohydrate	12 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	10 g	20%
Protein	0 g	0%

(Note: This nutritional information is an estimate and does not include the sugar rim.)

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic Royal Blue Cocktail is a triumph, there’s always room for a touch of personal flair.

• Vodka Base: As mentioned, if citrus-infused vodka isn’t available, regular vodka works beautifully. For a non-alcoholic version, you could explore a flavored sparkling water with a hint of citrus, though the color intensity might differ.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can slightly reduce the Blue Curaçao, though this might impact the color. Conversely, a splash more white cranberry juice can add a touch more sweetness.
• Garnish Play: Beyond the lime zest, consider a thin orange peel or even a maraschino cherry at the bottom of the glass for a pop of contrasting color.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is white cranberry juice essential for this cocktail?
A: White cranberry juice is crucial because it provides a clear base that allows the Blue Curaçao to create its signature vibrant, royal blue color. Regular cranberry juice would dilute and alter the hue.

Q: Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
A: It’s best to prepare this cocktail just before serving. Shaking with ice dilutes the drink, and it’s meant to be enjoyed freshly chilled.

Q: What does Blue Curaçao taste like?
A: Blue Curaçao is a liqueur with a distinct orange flavor, derived from the peel of the laraha citrus fruit, which is native to the island of Curaçao. It’s not overly sweet and has a pleasant, slightly bitter undertone.

Q: Can I use regular sugar for the rim if I don’t have coarse sugar?
A: Yes, granulated sugar will work perfectly well for rimming the glass. Coarse sugar provides a slightly more textural contrast, but granulated sugar is a fine substitute.

Q: Is this cocktail a good option for parties?
A: Absolutely! The visual appeal is stunning, and its relatively simple preparation makes it feasible to mix in batches or for individual guests upon arrival.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Blue Cocktail is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most profound. It’s a drink that doesn’t demand complex techniques or exotic ingredients, yet it delivers a sophisticated and visually arresting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking for a delightful new drink to try, I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip up this Betty Crocker classic. Pour yourself a glass, admire its jewel-like hue, and savor that bright, refreshing citrusy finish. It’s a little bit of elegance, readily available, waiting to make your day a touch more special. Cheers!