Blue curacao is a bright blue liqueur that is commonly used in cocktails and mixed drinks. Its striking blue color makes it visually appealing and adds flair to cocktails. Blue curacao has a sweet, orange-flavored taste and is an essential component of popular cocktails like the Blue Hawaiian, Blue Lagoon, and Blue Kamikaze.
Blue curacao originated in the Netherlands, where it was developed as an orange liqueur called Curacao Triple Sec. It was dyed bright blue to distinguish it from other orange liqueurs. While traditional curacao liqueurs contain the dried peels of the Laraha citrus fruit, which provides the orange flavor, most commercial blue curacao relies on artificial flavoring and coloring.
Many people assume all blue curacao products contain alcohol since it is categorized as a liqueur. However, there are actually non-alcoholic versions of blue curacao available too. So is all blue curacao alcoholic or not? Let’s take a closer look.
Alcohol Content in Blue Curacao
Authentic blue curacao liqueur that is made from Laraha citrus peels contains alcohol, typically between 15% to 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). The alcohol content provides the liquid base that allows the orange essence and sugars to dissolve into a liqueur.
Most commercial brands of blue curacao like Bols and Marie Brizard contain between 15% to 30% alcohol. So any blue curacao that is marketed as a true liqueur will have a significant alcohol percentage.
Blue Curacao Liqueur Brands and Alcohol Content
| Brand | Alcohol by Volume |
|---|---|
| Bols Blue Curacao | 30% |
| Marie Brizard Blue Curacao | 25% |
| Hiram Walker Blue Curacao | 30% |
| DeKuyper Blue Curacao | 30% |
| Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao | 40% |
| Senior Curacao Triple Sec | 30% |
| Grand Marnier Blue Curacao | 40% |
| Patron Citronge Orange Liqueur | 32% |
As the alcohol percentages show, any blue curacao liqueur that is produced as an orange liqueur contains a high alcohol content. The alcohol allows the orange oils and flavoring to blend properly into the liqueur.
Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao
While traditional blue curacao liqueurs contain alcohol, there are non-alcoholic versions available too. These are typically marketed as “non-alcoholic blue curacao” or “zero proof blue curacao.”
Non-alcoholic blue curacao provides the vibrant blue color and sweet, orangey flavor without the alcohol content. It gives drinks the signature blue tint and citrus taste, but allows them to be enjoyed alcohol-free.
The non-alcoholic varieties replace the alcohol base with glycerin or sugary syrups. Glycerin has become the most popular alcohol-free base for blue curacao, since it provides thickness and viscosity similar to the liqueur. However, the consistency may be slightly more syrupy.
Brands like Pierrre Ferrand, Bols, and Finest Call offer non-alcoholic blue curacao products. They contain 0% alcohol by volume. While the color and flavor profile aims to mimic that of traditional curacao, the main difference is the lack of alcohol.
Popular Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao Brands
| Brand | Alcohol by Volume |
|---|---|
| Pierre Ferrand Orange Curacao – Non Alcoholic | 0% |
| Bols Blue Curacao – Non Alcoholic | 0% |
| Finest Call Premium Blue Curacao Mix – Non Alcoholic | 0% |
| Trader Joe’s Alcohol Free Blue Curacao | 0% |
| Claude Chatelier’s 0% Blue Curacao | 0% |
| Daily Drinks Blue Curacao Syrup | 0% |
These alcohol-free blue curacao products allow people to enjoy the flavors and bright colors without consuming liquor. This makes them an option for creating drinks for children, people avoiding alcohol, or situations where you want the blue curacao profile without the high proof.
How Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao Is Made
While traditional orange liqueurs use ethyl alcohol as the base, non-alcoholic blue curacao relies on other methods to mimic the texture and mouthfeel:
Glycerin
Most non-alcoholic blue curacao products today use food-grade glycerin as the base. Glycerin is a thick, clear liquid that provides viscosity so the blue curacao has a richer, syrupy texture. Glycerin easily dissolves flavorings like orange extract and food dyes as well.
Sugar Syrup
Simple syrup made from sugar and water is another popular alcohol-free base. Combining superfine sugar with hot water creates a thick, sugar syrup that can dissolve the orange essence and blue coloring. However, the texture is slightly thinner than alcohol-based liqueurs.
Citrus Juice
Some brands use citrus juices, like orange juice or lime juice, as the liquid base to give a hint of real citrus flavor. However, using only juice results in a very thin, watery consistency. Juice is usually combined with glycerin or simple syrup.
Natural Flavorings
Since real Laraha citrus peels are not used, natural and artificial orange extract helps provide the signature orange profile. Essential oils and oleoresins derived from oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus add robust, bright flavor notes.
Food Coloring
Vibrant blue dyes are added for eye-catching color. FD&C Blue No. 1 is commonly used to give non-alcoholic blue curacao its bright azure tone. The blue coloring offsets the orange hue from the flavorings.
So while the base differs from traditional alcohol-infused liqueurs, non-alcoholic blue curacao approximates the desired look, smell, taste, and texture through glycerin, syrups, citrus juices, natural extracts, and food dyes. This creates a suitable alcohol-free alternative.
Taste and Flavor Profile
Let’s compare the flavor profile of alcoholic and non-alcoholic blue curacao:
Alcohol-Based
– Robust orange aroma with hints of citrus and dried peel
– Slightly tart yet sweet orange taste
– Notes of vanilla, caramel, ginger, and spice
– Thick, viscous, syrupy texture
– Alcohol provides a warming sensation
Non-Alcoholic
– Bright, zesty orange aroma
– Very sweet and sugary orange flavor
– Lacking complexity and depth of liqueur
– Candied orange notes rather than fresh citrus
– Glycerin provides rich texture but less smoothness
While non-alcoholic products try to mimic the true flavor profile, the lack of alcohol content results in a less complex, nuanced taste. The glycerin base also provides more syrupy sweetness rather than smooth liqueur texture.
Cocktail and Mixology Uses
Blue curacao is commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails and mixed drinks. Here’s how alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions compare for mixology purposes:
Alcoholic Blue Curacao
– Adds sweet, orange flavor to balance tart citrus
– Provides rich mouthfeel and viscosity
– Contributes high alcohol content in cocktails
– Works well with rum, vodka, tequila, gin, and other liquors
– Used in popular cocktails like Blue Hawaiian, Kamikaze, Lagoon, etc.
Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao
– Provides color and light orange flavor
– Adds sweetness and citrus aroma
– Allows creation of no-proof cocktails
– Used in “virgin” variations of blue drinks
– Functions as alternative to juice or syrup rather than full liqueur replacement
Non-alcoholic blue curacao works best for adding a pop of color and light fruitiness rather than substantially contributing alcohol or depth of flavor. It has limitations for precisely replicating the profile of cocktails made with true curacao liqueur.
Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Version
While non-alcoholic blue curacao has some drawbacks in terms of flavor complexity, it does offer a few potential benefits:
– Allows enjoyment of blue curacao flavor without alcohol
– Suitable for cocktails for children and teens
– An option for people avoiding alcohol for religious, health, or personal reasons
– Allows pregnant women to safely enjoy the flavor profile
– Won’t impair driving or work safety
– Avoidance of alcohol calories and hangover potential
For those looking to cut back on alcohol intake or eliminate it entirely, non-alcoholic blue curacao provides a way to still enjoy blue cocktails in moderation without the high alcohol content of liqueurs.
Downsides of Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao
However, there are a few downsides to keep in mind with non-alcoholic blue curacao:
– Lacks depth of flavor and complexity compared to liqueur
– Often has a very sugary, syrupy taste profile
– May have artificial or candy-like orange notes
– Glycerin base provides different mouthfeel than alcohol
– Won’t deliver the subtle aromatics of a true orange liqueur
– Color stability may degrade over time
– Limited use for professional bartending purposes
Ultimately, the non-alcoholic products are unable to fully replicate the nuanced flavor and balanced sweetness of a true orange liqueur. The color may also fade quicker without alcohol stabilization.
Storing and Shelf Life
Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic blue curacao have similar storage methods but different shelf lives:
Alcoholic Blue Curacao
– Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place
– Avoid direct light exposure
– Stable for several years when stored properly
– Alcohol content acts as preservative for multi-year shelf life
Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao
– Refrigerate after opening for optimal freshness
– Use within 3-6 months once opened
– Keep sealed and avoid contamination
– Color and flavors degrade more rapidly than alcohol versions
The lack of alcohol in non-alcoholic products means the shelf life is reduced compared to traditional liqueurs. Keeping them chilled and sealed gives the highest quality.
Price Differences
There are also notable price differences between the two versions:
Alcoholic Blue Curacao
– Ranges from $8 to $35+ per 750ml bottle
– Premium brands cost $25 and up
– Higher prices for small batch artisanal liqueurs
– Mass produced brands under $15 usually
Non-Alcoholic Blue Curacao
– Typically $5 to $15 per bottle
– Often sold in smaller 375ml bottles
– Bulk pricing available for large volumes
– Cheaper since no alcohol tax
Without alcohol taxes and bottling requirements, non-alcoholic products have much lower retail pricing. This allows greater affordability and accessibility.
Is All Blue Curacao Suitable For Cocktails?
While both alcoholic and non-alcoholic blue curacao add vibrant color and orange flavor, only true liqueurs should be used for cocktails:
– Non-alcoholic is not a 1:1 substitute in cocktail recipes
– Balances and ratios will be thrown off without liquor
– Texture and mouthfeel will be thinner and more syrupy
– Lacks depth and complexity to shine in cocktails
– Best for virgin drinks or very low alcohol punches only
For crafting quality cocktails, a good-quality orange liqueur is required. Non-alcoholic is best for ornamental uses rather than as an integral ingredient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while all traditional curacao liqueurs contain alcohol, there are non-alcoholic options available. However, these lack the complexity of flavor and texture that alcohol provides. Non-alcoholic blue curacao works best for ornamental uses rather than as a core liquor replacement in cocktails. It allows those avoiding alcohol to still enjoy blue drinks in moderation. But for the full depth and quality of a true orange liqueur, an alcohol-based blue curacao is required. So while not all blue curacao contains alcohol, the highest quality versions that are suitable for fine cocktails do rely on alcohol to provide balanced flavor and a smooth sipping experience.
