Adding an adult twist on Sonic Drive-In’s summertime classic, the ocean water cocktail is a refreshing, Caribbean-inspired drink guaranteed to satisfy on a hot summer day. Made with coconut water, pineapple juice, blue Curaçao, and coconut rum, it brings the beach to you with each sip, no matter where you are.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
Say goodbye to cheesy Sonic Drive-In commercials and hello to a relaxing day at the beach (even if it’s only in your poolside dreams) with an ocean water cocktail. Inspired by the drive-in fast food chain’s Ocean Water drink, this adult beverage combines vibrant blue Curaçao, creamy coconut rum, and the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice and coconut water to deliver serenity in every sip.
In This Article
What is an Ocean Water Cocktail?
An ocean water cocktail is a delightful adult beverage that tastes like tropical bliss. Its vibrant blue color and refreshing coconut flavor make it the perfect cocktail for pool parties and other festive summer occasions. Whether you’re chilling poolside or just wishing you were, this vibrant blue potion is the next best thing to having your own personal cabana boy.
History of the Ocean Water Cocktail
The ocean water cocktail is a spiked version of the non-alcoholic Ocean Water drink sold at Sonic Drive-In. Ocean Water quickly became the drive-in chain’s signature summertime drink with its vibrant blue color and tropical flavor. Over the years, cocktail enthusiasts incorporated ingredients like blue curacao and coconut rum to create a refreshing drink for adults. And thanks to those ingenious cocktail enthusiasts, we can now enjoy the ocean water without worrying about a jellyfish sting.
Ingredients Needed for an Ocean Water Cocktail
You will need these key ingredients to add a tropical beach vibe to your next pool party, backyard gathering, or other festive occasion. Now let’s play mix master and see what tropical symphony these key ingredients can concoct!
Coconut Water
Known for its exceptional hydrating properties, coconut water is the liquid found inside coconuts. In an ocean water cocktail, coconut water provides a smooth, tropical base that perfectly complements the other ingredients. So while you’re sipping your cocktail, you can tell yourself it’s basically a sports drink.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice adds a touch of fruity goodness and a hint of tanginess to this drink. Its natural acidity and sweetness pair perfectly with the coconut flavors to create a refreshing taste reminiscent of sunny beach days and tropical getaways.
Blue Curaçao
Blue Curaçao is a vivid blue, orange-flavored liqueur that resembles the azure waters of the Caribbean. Made from the dried peel of Laraha citrus fruit native to the island of Curaçao, this ingredient adds a citrusy and slightly bitter note to the ocean water cocktail. It also gives this blue drink its signature color using something artificial like blue food coloring.
Coconut Rum
Coconut rum is the final ingredient in an ocean water cocktail, bringing a deliciously smooth and delightful coconut flavor to the drink. Made from distilled sugar cane and infused with the essence of coconuts, coconut rum provides a deliciously sweet and creamy taste.
Combining these four main ingredients – coconut water, pineapple juice, blue Curaçao, and coconut rum – you can effortlessly create a refreshing ocean water cocktail that transports you to a tropical paradise with each sip.
If you’re looking for another delicious rum cocktail that will whisk your tastebuds away to the tropics in one sip, be sure to try this piña colada recipe or this Jamaican rum punch recipe!
Sage Advice: Avoid an unexpected alpha-gal reaction by selecting a vegan-friendly brand of blue Curaçao and coconut rum.
Garnishes and Toppings
Garnishes and toppings elevate the overall taste and increase the fun factor of any fruity tropical drink, including an ocean water cocktail. Experiment with different combinations to create your signature drink and add a touch of personalization to your next summer gathering or pool party. Here are several fun alpha-gal friendly options to help you garnish this refreshing blue beverage.
Maraschino Cherries
This classic cocktail garnish adds vibrant red color and a touch of sweetness to your ocean water cocktail. Bonus points for anyone who can tie the maraschino cherry stem into a knot!
Fresh Pineapple Chunks
The bright yellow color of a wedge of fresh pineapple contrasts beautifully with the blue hue of the drink. This garnish also gives you something refreshingly juicy to nibble on as you sip.
Swedish Fish
While many fish-shaped gummies are made with gelatin, the original Swedish Fish brand is made with carnauba wax, a plant-based alternative. So you can safely add a playful touch to your cocktail using this alpha-gal safe candy. Plus, who wouldn’t love a drink that gives you the excuse to snack on Swedish Fish?
Sage Advice: LIFE SAVERS gummies are a popular ocean water cocktail garnish. However, these candies contain gelatin and are not a good option for people following an alpha-gal diet.
Cocktail Umbrella
What tropical drink is complete without a cocktail umbrella? These tiny paper parasols might not protect you from a sudden downpour, but they will shield your Swedish Fish from getting a sunburn! Yes, they’re purely decorative, but a paper umbrella is the cherry on top of any tropical concoction.
Ocean Water Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces coconut water
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 2 ounces blue Curaçao
- 1 ounce coconut rum
- garnishes and toppings see suggestions above (not included in calorie count below)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add all ingredients and shake to combine.
- Pour into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with your favorite garnishes (see suggestions above).
This ocean water cocktail is definitely a guest’s favorite! It is brimming with flavors and so vibrant!
This ocean-water cocktail was so refreshing! Every sip was worth trying! My friends also loved it! Such a good recipe to try!
I’m thrilled it was a hit!
Such a wonderful combination of flavors! It’s reminiscent of laying on a tropical beach in the Caribbean.
Right?!? I feel like I’m on vacation with each sip, even if I’m just sitting in my backyard.
What a fun cocktail! The color is a showstopper but the taste is even better!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This drink was gorgeous, and so delecious! I dont have coconut water much, but this was definetly a great use. Also, I loved the idea of using swedish fish, they were so fun!
Cheers!
This ocean water drink was so much fun for a girls afternoon on the beach. Everyone loved it.
Sipping an ocean water cocktail on an actual beach sounds divine! (Especially to this landlocked girl in Kansas.) Cheers!
This drink was like summer in a glass! I wanted to dive in. 😉 The color was gorgeous and it tasted awesome.
This ocean water cocktail is definitely giving me some tropical vibes. I’m sitting out on my deck and its almost like I can hear the ocean!
The flavor and color was a hit. Everyone who tried this blue drink wanted the recipe.
This ocean water cocktail was such a fun drink to sip on. A hit in our bbq. Will make it again (and again)…
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Loved the tropical vibe in this one! The blend of coconut and pineapple was like a beach vacation in a glass.
Cheers!