Making Waves: How to Craft an Ocean Water Cocktail

Ocean Water Cocktail

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.

Sonic Drive-In Sign
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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!

An open coconut with the water drained into a glass
Photo Credit: Canva

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.

A glass of pineapple juice and a fresh pineapple
Photo Credit: Canva

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. 

A glass of blue curacao on the rocks.
Photo Credit: Canva

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.

Three maraschino cherries on a white background.
Photo Credit: Canva

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!

A pineapple cut into chunks on a cutting board
Photo Credit: Canva

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.

Bag of Swedish Fish candy
Photo Caption: Amazon

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.

A colorful assortment of paper cocktail umbrellas

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

Dive into a refreshing, Caribbean-inspired drink with this ocean water cocktail. Made with coconut water, pineapple juice, blue Curaçao, and coconut rum, this easy-to-make adult beverage brings the beach to you, no matter where you are.
5 from 149 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Cocktail
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cocktail
Calories 250 kcal

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).

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cocktailCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 61mgPotassium: 216mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword alcohol, alpha-gal friendly, dairy-free, rum, vegan, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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24 thoughts on “Making Waves: How to Craft an Ocean Water Cocktail”

  1. 5 stars
    This ocean-water cocktail was so refreshing! Every sip was worth trying! My friends also loved it! Such a good recipe to try!

  2. 5 stars
    Such a wonderful combination of flavors! It’s reminiscent of laying on a tropical beach in the Caribbean.

  3. 5 stars
    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!

  4. 5 stars
    This drink was like summer in a glass! I wanted to dive in. 😉 The color was gorgeous and it tasted awesome.

  5. 5 stars
    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!

  6. 5 stars
    This ocean water cocktail was such a fun drink to sip on. A hit in our bbq. Will make it again (and again)…

  7. 5 stars
    Loved the tropical vibe in this one! The blend of coconut and pineapple was like a beach vacation in a glass.

  8. 5 stars
    This was the perfect cocktail to celebrate our first night of our beach house vacation! So summery and fun!

5 from 149 votes (132 ratings without comment)

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