Beach Blast Cocktail – A Sunset in a Glass

Thank you so much for stopping by—seriously, it means the world that you’re here. Whether you stumbled across this on your quest for the perfect summer drink or you’ve been following my cocktail journey for a while, I’m thrilled to share this vibrant, fruity stunner with you. The Beach Blast Cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a full sensory experience that brings together the warmth of golden hour, the thrill of summer parties, and the cool kiss of crushed ice in a glass that’s as stunning to look at as it is refreshing to sip.

This cocktail is designed to impress, but it’s also wonderfully easy to create. Think bold berry notes layered with bright citrus and finished with a splash of tropical flair. The colors are dazzling—like a frozen sunset—and the flavor is just as unforgettable. Whether you’re enjoying it poolside, beachside, or perched on your fire escape pretending you’re on vacation, this cocktail brings the beach to you.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with the Beach Blast Cocktail

When I say this drink is summer in a glass, I’m not exaggerating. It’s fruity, fun, a little flirty, and absolutely unforgettable. The Beach Blast Cocktail is a triple-layered showstopper, featuring bright blue curaçao at the base, a float of berry rum in the middle, and a citrusy orange-pink sunset layer on top.

What makes this drink stand out? Well, a few things. First, the visual wow factor—it’s a drink that literally looks like a beach sunset. Second, the flavor layering gives you a complex yet refreshing sip every time. And third, the customization options mean you can make this your own in a hundred different ways.

Reasons to Love This Cocktail

• It’s stunning—seriously, this drink will light up your table and your Instagram feed.
• Layered flavor means it’s never boring. Each sip reveals something new.
• Easy to make, even for beginners—no bartending experience necessary.
• Totally customizable for sweetness, strength, or color balance.
• Pairs beautifully with summer dishes, snacks, and parties.

What Does the Beach Blast Cocktail Taste Like?

Imagine taking a bite out of a ripe blueberry, then washing it down with citrusy lemonade, followed by a whisper of pineapple sweetness. The berry rum adds depth and a touch of natural sugar, while the blue curaçao provides a tangy orange flavor that keeps things exciting. The citrus vodka and cranberry bring it all together with a tart, zesty finish.

The result is an ice-cold cocktail that balances sweet and tangy with just the right hit of alcohol—never too heavy, but enough to make you feel like dancing barefoot in the sand.

Benefits of the Recipe

• Perfect for parties—make a few rounds ahead of time for an impressive crowd-pleaser.
• Gorgeous presentation—your guests will be wowed.
• Can be made non-alcoholic with simple swaps.
• Refreshing and hydrating with crushed ice and fruity juices.
• Great base for experimenting with flavors and colors.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 2)

To create this colorful cocktail masterpiece, you’ll need the following:

• 2 ounces citrus vodka
• 2 ounces berry-flavored rum (blueberry or raspberry work best)
• 1 ounce blue curaçao
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
• Crushed ice (enough to fill two tall glasses)
• Fresh blueberries for garnish

These ingredients balance sweetness with tartness and allow for beautiful visual layering. If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, the simple syrup is optional but definitely enhances the tropical vibe.

Tools You’ll Need

Making a layered cocktail might seem intimidating at first, but I promise it’s all about the right tools and a little patience.

• Cocktail shaker (or mason jar with lid)
• Bar spoon or regular spoon (to help float the layers)
• Tall glasses (highball or hurricane style)
• Measuring jigger or shot glass
• Ice crusher or mallet to crush ice (if you’re starting with cubes)

Pro tip: The spoon technique for layering drinks is everything. It helps you float each liquid gently so the layers don’t mix. I’ve taught friends this trick at summer parties and now they all swear by it.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

The Beach Blast Cocktail is incredibly flexible. Want to customize it for what you have on hand? Here are some ideas:

• No berry rum? Use plain white rum and muddle a few fresh berries into it.
• Want extra citrus? Add a squeeze of lime or a splash of orange juice to the vodka mix.
• Avoiding sugar? Skip the simple syrup or use a zero-calorie version.
• Want more fizz? Add lemon-lime soda on top for a sparkly twist.
• No citrus vodka? Substitute regular vodka with a splash of lemon or orange zest.

How to Make the Beach Blast Cocktail

Ready to create your own sunset in a glass? Follow these steps carefully and you’ll have a drink that tastes like summer and looks like a masterpiece.

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

Fill two tall glasses all the way to the top with crushed ice. The more tightly packed the ice, the better the layering will hold. Crushed ice creates more surface area for the liquid to rest on, keeping each layer separated.

Step 2: Pour the Blue Base

In a shaker, combine the blue curaçao with a splash of water or lemon-lime soda. This dilutes the liqueur just slightly so it pours more smoothly and evenly.

Gently pour this blue mixture into the bottom of your glasses. Let it settle for a moment before moving on.

Step 3: Add the Berry Rum Layer

Using the back of a spoon (held just above the blue layer), slowly pour the berry rum. This creates the second layer and should sit just on top of the blue base. Go slowly—patience makes all the difference!

Step 4: Create the Sunset Layer

In your shaker, combine the citrus vodka, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup if using. Shake gently with ice to chill the mixture.

Again using the back of a spoon, carefully float this bright, sunset-colored blend over the berry rum layer. This final layer should rest on top and give your drink its signature “sunset” look.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

Top with a little more crushed ice if needed to shape the surface. Garnish with a few fresh blueberries. Serve immediately, and don’t forget to take a photo—this drink is a stunner!

What to Serve With the Beach Blast Cocktail

This drink practically screams summer, so it’s only right to pair it with fresh, zesty dishes and party snacks.

• Grilled pineapple chicken skewers
• Shrimp tacos with mango salsa
• Chips and guacamole or fruit salsa
• Watermelon and feta salad
• Tropical fruit trays
• Coconut shrimp with dipping sauce

And if you’re building out a whole cocktail menu, consider adding some of these complementary recipes:

• Berry Lemonade Recipe – A bright, zesty non-alcoholic option that guests of all ages will love.
• Bite Me Baby Shark Cocktail – If you love a drink that doubles as a party starter, this bold and playful cocktail is the perfect pairing.
• I Have a Dream Cocktail – A classy, sophisticated sipper with deep flavors that contrast beautifully with the fruity lightness of the Beach Blast.

Tips for the Perfect Beach Blast Cocktail

• Always use crushed ice for best layering results.
• Chill your ingredients beforehand so they don’t melt the ice.
• Use a light hand and a spoon to float each layer.
• Don’t overpour or stir—let the layers shine on their own.
• Want to turn this into a frozen version? Blend each layer with ice separately and layer carefully into your glass.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

While the Beach Blast Cocktail is best made fresh for that striking layered look, you can still prep it ahead of time for a party.

• Mix each layer separately and store in labeled containers in the fridge.
• Crush ice and store in a freezer bag until you’re ready to assemble.
• Garnishes like blueberries can be pre-washed and stored in the fridge.

Don’t assemble the layers ahead of time—the colors will start to blend after 15–20 minutes, especially in warm weather.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the Beach Blast Cocktail non-alcoholic?
Yes! Use blue sports drink (like Gatorade or Powerade) for the blue base, berry juice or soda for the middle layer, and a combo of lemonade and cranberry juice for the top. Same layering rules apply.

Can I batch this for a party?
Sort of. Since it’s a layered cocktail, batching will blend the colors. You can mix each layer separately in larger quantities and assemble drinks individually for guests.

What glass is best for serving?
Hurricane glasses or tall highball glasses are perfect. The tall shape helps show off those gorgeous layers.

How can I make the layers more distinct?
Use a spoon for pouring, and make sure each liquid is cold. Different densities will naturally separate better when poured gently over crushed ice.

What’s the alcohol content?
Each serving contains about 1.5 standard drinks—refreshing but still packs a punch, so sip responsibly.

Final Thoughts: A Cocktail That Captures Summer in Every Sip

The Beach Blast Cocktail is everything I love about summer—bright, bold, refreshing, and just a little bit extra. It’s perfect for toasting at sunset, cooling down after a hot day, or celebrating any occasion that calls for a splash of something beautiful.

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof: tweak the ingredients, make it alcohol-free, dress it up with fruit skewers or keep it simple—the core magic of this drink stays the same. A layered, colorful tribute to the beach life we all dream about.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share a photo on Pinterest or Instagram. I live for seeing your creations and how you make these recipes your own.

And if you’re still thirsty for more, be sure to check out:

• Berry Lemonade Recipe
• Bite Me Baby Shark Cocktail Recipe
• I Have a Dream Cocktail Recipe

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugars: 14g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Alcohol: ~1.5 standard drinks

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