This gorgeous cocktail starts with rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lemonade, and blue Curaçao. But the fun doesn’t stop there! A cotton candy “bomb” filled with stunning turquoise luster dust is dropped into the glass, adding sweetness, shimmer and an extra pop of blue color. How long it takes: 5 minutes Equipment you’ll need: glass, spoon, and ice Servings: 1 but it can easily be made as a pitcher Colorful tropical cocktails abound. A Bay Breeze, made with cranberry, pineapple and vodka, is one of my favorite beach cocktails, or a refreshing Aperol spritz. I think everyone loves a piña colada. My mom still talks about a “Coco Loco” she ordered on the beach at an all-inclusive. Apparently it made quite an impact on everyone. To be sure, this stunning mermaid cocktail will make an impact as well. Stir up a pitcher or just a couple of cocktails for you and a friend. Whether you’re at the beach, sunning by the pool, enjoying a sunset on the deck, or maybe wistfully wishing for warmer weather, this festive and fun cocktail will add tropical luster, sparkle, and fun to your day!
About this Recipe
You won’t need any special equipment to make this lemonade: no blenders, cocktail shakers, or muddlers. It doesn’t take any magical powers or harmonic “mermaid-ish” singing. Oh, that reminds me of my sister when we were growing up and Disney’s The Little Mermaid was popular. She sang THAT MERMAID SONG incessantly and nearly drove the rest of my family crazy. It still echoes in my brain … ear worm alert!
What You Need
How to make It
You’ll want a tall glass for this pretty Mermaid lemonade. This recipe makes one drink but it’s easily doubled or tripled. Keep reading for instructions on how to make a pitcher. Make sure all the ingredients are well chilled. You’ll be stirring in ice at the end so have ice on hand. Prepare the pineapple garnish. Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, rum, blue Curaçao, and lemonade to each glass. If you like more of an ombre effect, begin with the blue Curaçao. Spoon a bit of luster dust into the center of a small piece of cotton candy and gently wrap the cotton candy around it, shaping it into a small ball. Drop the cotton candy into the glass. It will dissolve quickly, releasing the luster. Give the drink a gentle stir to reveal the magical shimmer, then top with a bit of ice and add the garnish. The drink will shimmer when stirred but will settle if it sits. So pretty and so sweetly delicious!
How to make this cocktail your own
If desired, omit the cotton candy and luster dust. For lots of luster, increase the amount to 1/2 teaspoon. I don’t recommend more than that. Add a splash of club soda for a lighter, more bubbly cocktail.
Make-Ahead Ideas
Make a pitcher of mermaid lemonade and chill it in the fridge until it’s party time. For 8 servings, add to pitcher: 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 1/2 cups white rum, 1/2 cup blue curaçao, and 4 cups lemonade. Prepare garnishes and cotton candy balls. When ready to serve, continue with recipe directions, making luster dust/cotton candy balls, and adding ice. Encourage guests to add their own cotton candy balls. They’ll love it watching the candy dissolve, revealing the luster dust.
More fun cocktails
Cocktails can inspire so much creativity. Have fun combining mixers, juice, and spirits, and add beautiful garnishes. Looking for new glassware? Try your local thrift shop for inexpensive or unique finds. Here’s a few recipes to get you started:
Raspberry Rosé Spritzer Watermelon Lemonade with Mint (with cocktail option!) Jack Frost Mimosa Sparkling Pink Lemonade (with cocktail option!) Vodka Lemonade Sparkling Pomegranate Punch — party perfection! Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe — tips to make the best! Pear Hibiscus Brunch Cocktail Frosé Recipe — the best frozen Rosé Frozen Sangria Slushie Recipe
