Blue Curaçao substitutes
The closest substitute for Blue Curaçao is Triple Sec, which works and barely changes the drink. Same flavour, no blue colour. Grand Marnier also works.
What to use instead of Blue Curaçao
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Triple SecAlmost the same Same flavour, no blue colour. Same amount | Same amount | 15–40% ABV | +2 points |
Grand MarnierWorks, tastes different Richer, no blue colour. Same amount | Same amount | 40% ABV | +2 points |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Blue Curaçao, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- AMF (Adios Motherf*cker)
15ml (½ oz) Blue Curaçao → 15ml (½ oz) Triple Sec
About 16% ABV → about 18% ABV+2 points
- Blue Hawaiian
40ml (1⅓ oz) Blue Curaçao → 40ml (1⅓ oz) Triple SecAbout 5 g more sugar, so it comes out sweeter.
About 8% ABV → about 10% ABV+2 points
- Blue Kamikaze
15ml (½ oz) Blue Curaçao → 15ml (½ oz) Triple Sec
About 19% ABV → about 22% ABV+3 points
- Blue Lagoon Slush
100ml (3⅓ oz) Blue Curaçao → 100ml (3⅓ oz) Triple SecAbout 13 g more sugar: use 22.5 ml less simple syrup.
About 8% ABV → about 10% ABV+2 points
- Corpse Reviver No. Blue
22.5ml (¾ oz) Blue Curaçao → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Triple Sec
About 15% ABV → about 19% ABV+4 points
- Electric Lemonade
30ml (1 oz) Blue Curaçao → 30ml (1 oz) Triple SecAbout 4 g more sugar: use 7.5 ml less simple syrup.
About 10% ABV → about 12% ABV+2 points
- Island Cooler
15ml (½ oz) Blue Curaçao → 15ml (½ oz) Triple Sec
About 4% ABV → about 5% ABV+1 point
- Witches' Brew Slush
100ml (3⅓ oz) Blue Curaçao → 100ml (3⅓ oz) Triple SecAbout 13 g more sugar, so it comes out sweeter.
About 6% ABV → about 8% ABV+2 points
How they compare
| Property | Blue Curaçao | Triple Sec |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 15–25% ABV | 15–40% ABV |
| Sugar | 12.5 g per 100 ml | 25 g per 100 ml |
| Taste | Orange, Sweet citrus, Light bitter peel, Clean | Orange zest, Sweet, Citrus oils, Light bitterness |
| Aroma | Orange peel, Citrus, Light floral, Sweet | Fresh orange, Orange blossom, Sweet citrus |
| Finish | Orange, Sweet, Clean, Short | Clean, Citrus, Moderately sweet |
| Property | Blue Curaçao | Grand Marnier |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 15–25% ABV | 40% ABV |
| Taste | Orange, Sweet citrus, Light bitter peel, Clean | Orange, Rich cognac, Vanilla, Subtle oak |
| Aroma | Orange peel, Citrus, Light floral, Sweet | Bitter orange, Cognac, Vanilla, Oak |
| Finish | Orange, Sweet, Clean, Short | Long, Warming, Orange-forward, Elegant |
Already have one of these?
If you have Bols Blue, De Kuyper Blue Curaçao or Senior Curaçao Blue, you don't need a substitute: they are all Blue Curaçao. How they differ
What is Blue Curaçao?
Blue Curaçao is a vibrant blue orange liqueur used primarily for its striking color. It adds a tropical look to cocktails like the Blue Lagoon and Blue Kamikaze.
Got Blue Curaçao? It also replaces
Questions about Blue Curaçao substitutes
What is the best substitute for Blue Curaçao?
Triple Sec is the closest substitute for Blue Curaçao and barely changes the drink. Same flavour, no blue colour. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Blue Curaçao in an AMF (Adios Motherf*cker)?
Triple Sec: swap 15ml (½ oz) of Blue Curaçao for 15ml (½ oz) of Triple Sec. It ends up about 18% ABV instead of about 16% (before the ice melts).
Which Blue Curaçao brands can I use?
If you have Bols Blue, De Kuyper Blue Curaçao or Senior Curaçao Blue, you don't need a substitute: they are all Blue Curaçao. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Triple Sec instead of Blue Curaçao change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Corpse Reviver No. Blue, which goes from about 15% to about 19% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Blue Curaçao?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.