Blue Curaçao liqueur

When you think of Curaçao, you probably immediately have that Caribbean picture in mind, with swaying palm trees and clear seas. But of course a delicious cocktail as well! When people around the world google Curaçao, they soon come across beautiful pictures of Blue Curaçao, for the island’s most famous cocktails!

Blue Curaçao liqueur is one of the most popular and versatile spirits. It is a sweet citrus-flavored liqueur made from the dried peels of the laraha citrus fruit. The unique taste and color of Blue Curaçao has become a regular ingredient in many delicious cocktails in recent decades. In fact, it gives a vibrant blue hue to beverages and enhances their flavor.

Despite its popularity, few people know much about this liqueur or where it comes from. We will tell you about the history and production process behind Blue Curaçao. And of course about the most famous cocktail recipes you can make at Chobolobo’s Cocktail Workshop….

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    History of Blue Curaçao

    The origins of Blue Curaçao date back to 15th century Spain. Settlers discovered that soaking dried orange peels in alcohol produced a pleasant-tasting beverage (orange liqueur). This discovery quickly spread through Europe and eventually found its way to the Dutch island of Curaçao in 1634. Here it was perfected by the local distillery. This made use of the previously mentioned laraha fruit that is common in the region.

    Over time, different flavors were added until Blue Curaçao saw the light of day in 1896. Senior & Co, one of the oldest distilleries on the island, developed their original recipe with food coloring to give it its distinctive blue hue. Since then, Blue Curaçao has become one of the world’s most popular liqueurs and can be found in bars around the world, from New York City to London to Tokyo.

    Production process of Blue Curacao

    How do you make this delicious liqueur? Blue Curaçao is produced through a long process of several steps:

    Harvesting

    The first step involves harvesting ripe laraha fruit from trees that grow on hills near sea level all over Curaçao.

    Peeling

    The harvested fruits are then peeled by hand and placed in brine overnight.

    Dry

    After soaking, they are laid flat on racks in direct sunlight to dry for two weeks.

    Extracting

    After drying, an oil extraction process extracts essential oils that form an orange-colored liquid (called saccharum).

    Distilling

    This liquid is then distilled into alcohol, which is mixed with sugar syrup and then filtered several times.

    Taste/coloring

    Finally, natural flavors such as vanilla beans or spices such as cinnamon can be added. This is done along with dyes to create different types, such as Green or Blue Curacao.

    Bottling/labeling

    Once all these steps are completed, the product is ready to be bottled and labeled for sale worldwide!

    Chobolobo country house

    Where are all these goodies made? Locally, this is done at the distillery of Country House Chobolobo. Based in Curaçao, it has been producing the unique flavor since 1929. Besides Blue Curaçao, other brightly colored liqueurs are also made. Meanwhile, these are made with sweet syrup (instead of food coloring) and the drinks mature for several weeks in oak barrels before being bottled.

    At Country House Chobolobo, quality is paramount. All ingredients used for their products are carefully sourced from local farmers who adhere to strict quality control standards. Landhuis Chobolobo’s commitment to excellence ensures that each bottle of Blue Curaçao contains only pure flavors.

    kura-botanica-logo.png
    Spread over an eight-block area, this property offers a unique luxury experience in a botanical and tranquil retreat, offering complete privacy and intimacy.
    Ideal for Business people, Couples or Lovers who need a break

    Chobolobo tour

    If you are looking for an authentic Caribbean experience, look no further than Country House Chobolobo. For those who want to experience more than just the taste of Blue Curaçao, Chobolobo offers tours of their distillery. During these tours, visitors can learn firsthand about the production process and history.

    You can also sample several types of unique varieties not normally available on store shelves. Moreover, at Landhuis Chobolobo’s, they offer a combination of dishes that can be enjoyed during the tour, so guests can truly taste what makes Blue Curaçao so special.

    Chobolobo’s Cocktail Workshop

    Now it’s really getting fun! After the tour of Chobolobo Manor, continue with Chobolobo’s Cocktail Workshop. Learn how to make your own delicious cocktails with the help of expert bartenders. You can create your own signature cocktails with Blue Curaçao by combining, shaking and topping it with different tasty flavors. Cheers!

    Above all, don’t forget to take pictures of your colorful creations. Totally fun for your Insta and Snapchat. Every Friday at 2 p.m., you can join Chobolobo’s Cocktail Workshop for $45.

    Most famous Blue Curacao cocktails

    Blue Curacao is widely used as an ingredient in many classic cocktails, but there are also lesser-known recipes that use this delicious Curacao liqueur! Here are some of our favorites at Chobolobo’s Cocktail Workshop:

    Blue Lagoon

    A refreshing blend of Blue Curaçao, vodka, pineapple juice & lime juice, topped with lemonade (or soda water).

    Electric Lemonade

    A fruity concoction of equal parts Blue Curaçao, vodka, triple sec & sour mix with lots of ice and lemon slices.

    Summer Breeze

    A perfect summer cooler consisting of white rum, Blue Curaçao, cranberry juice & pineapple juice over ice with wedges of lime as garnish.

    Flamingo

    An exotic mix consisting of coconut rum, amaretto, melon liqueur & Blue Curaçao plus pineapple juice & lime juice. Finished with grenadine for the pink effect.

    Kura Botanica Hotel Image Gallery

    Kura Botanica Hotel
    4.9
    Based on 43 reviews
    powered by Google
    Ingrid LanduytIngrid Landuyt
    18:20 08 Jan 24
    Dushi place to be!! ❤️❤️❤️
    lize huppeslize huppes
    01:00 04 Jan 24
    Had a very nice stay. Everything is clean and the place of the hotel is safe. Staff is very friendly & hospitable. Highly recommended!!
    Ximena Peña ortizXimena Peña ortiz
    10:39 22 Dec 23
    Very good hotel.. nice romanticthe staff is great. VeryAlways friendly and attentive. Good location. The cleaning people are very nice and everything is very clean.I would definitely return again.. thank you kura botanica and curaçao for a very good vacation.. in my heart ❤️
    Andrego StarmansAndrego Starmans
    15:33 04 Dec 23
    Jeroen SmeuldersJeroen Smeulders
    21:57 02 Dec 23
    Beautiful, nice and service-oriented boutique hotel in the heart of Willemstad.To be clear: If you book via Corendon: certainly not a 5* hotel (a good 4 is better). Missing some critical things. But they make up for it with great service!A quick summary of plus and minus pointsPlus:-Location. The heart of Willemstad. In the middle of restored Otrabanda. 15 minutes walk from Nieuwstraat. Nevertheless, very quiet.-Service: employees are super friendly and helpful.-Rooms. Rooms are clean and beds great. Nice shower. Are cleaned every day. And I mean really cleaned.-Nice poolside bar where there is a lot of chatting in the evening.-Adult only. Really nice.Minus:-No beach access. This is not something that you can blame the hotel for, but it is stated differently on the Corendon site. If you want to go to a beach, you will have to arrange that yourself. Otherwise they would have gotten 5 stars for location.-Swimming pool is quite small for 46 rooms. There are approximately 13 beds, so on busy check-out days: do the math.-Breakfast. They have outsourced breakfast to a restaurant nearby (Bario). Not a buffet but a la carte. During our stay we suffered from long waiting times. Kura management then took steps and things improved.-No gym.Extras:-If you stay here, it is wise to arrange a car for at least a few days.-Be informed by the hotel management about where to eat/be etc etc.
    Edward ErasmusEdward Erasmus
    14:10 06 Nov 23
    I had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica in Curacao. This boutique hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. The rooms were not only nice but also impeccably clean, which is always a priority for me when traveling. The location is fantastic, being so close to Brionplein and Punda, making it convenient to explore the vibrant surroundings.The ambiance at Kura Botanica is truly special. It radiates charm and offers a tranquil atmosphere that made my stay even more enjoyable. The staff was welcoming and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience.I would highly recommend Kura Botanica to anyone looking for a cozy and well-maintained boutique hotel in Curacao. It's a gem that ensures a delightful stay in this beautiful destination.
    Whitney RedfieldWhitney Redfield
    16:59 22 Oct 23
    Amazing boutique adult only hotel. One suggestion ... full length mirrors. Excellent service. Kind staff. Free cappuccinos if you ask nicely. Very close to all of Willemstad. Many amazing restaurants near by. The retail shops had such great selections of clothing and souvenirs. Highly recommend!!
    Dennis YuDennis Yu
    04:37 06 Oct 23
    Great place for our networking event, Kolektivo Conference. Minister of Economic Development for Curacao showed up, too.Wish that the jacuzzi was warm.
    Bas SmitBas Smit
    17:10 26 Sep 23
    It is a beautiful hotel with a perfect manager..
    Jonathan MarquesJonathan Marques
    23:23 17 Sep 23
    Hotel with a beautiful garden, in the middle of a historic village. The service from the staff has always been friendly and multilingual. The room we stayed in was new and the bed was excellent!However, some problems were observed. They didn't replace the amenities for our last night, nor did they even collect a towel that was on the floor.The shower is also not separated from the rest of the bathroom, there is no curtain or shower stall which makes the bathroom wet. There was also a lack of support for soap and shampoo, which are on the floor.The parking lot is far away and you need to either walk with your bags or take your car close to the entrance and then return to the parking lot.But the worst thing for me was the breakfast. it is served in another hotel and there is no variety, it doesn't change between days, it is very simple and contained. You can just have a coffee and a juice and not repeat it. On the first day we were treated very poorly, even harshly, which made us not want to go back the next day.
    Andre AmmerlaanAndre Ammerlaan
    18:31 03 Sep 23
    It was wonderful, super beautiful location.The beds sleep wonderfully, we have completely relaxed.It is a piece of oasis in the middle of the city.So many beautiful things to see and do within walking distance.The staff was super friendly😀
    Marcelo FalkMarcelo Falk
    23:25 18 Aug 23
    Peter StephensonPeter Stephenson
    21:44 14 Aug 23
    Loving the hotel. Great location.
    Bart de JongBart de Jong
    22:03 21 Jul 23
    Great place to stay. Renovated only recently and rooms are excellent. Staff is very helpful and polite. Pool is a bit small but perfect to relax at the end of day. Or whenever you start your day later.Breakfast is in collaboration with a place 1min away and is taken good care off. Choices and taste are overall just good.They did tell Kura B is planning to build their own kitchen in the near future. But the 1min (literally) walk shouldn't trouble you.
    Travis AnthonyTravis Anthony
    17:43 02 Jul 23
    We are locals and wanted a relaxing escape from our usual routine. This place was extremely relaxing, with a beautiful pool surrounded by large trees to provide a great mix of shade and sun. The hotel is very well located with many great restaurants within a few minutes walk. The rooms are very well designed for an authentic Curacao experience. We would highly recommend a stay to both couples as to individuals visiting Curacao.
    naiomi sapphirenaiomi sapphire
    08:17 16 Jun 23
    I think this is best hotel in Curaçao!It is sweet and charming, the rooms are very clean and well kept. It is comprised of several buildings within the property. Vivid colours both inside and outside of the rooms. Lots of lush foliage and very serene, literally perfect for retreating from busyness and embracing relaxation.It’s tucked in Kura Hulanda village so there’s plenty to do and eat without walking more than 10 minutes but I recommend exploring nearby neighbourhoods like Otrabanda (where the hotel is), Punda and Pietermaai which are all walking distanceWhat’s most memorable is the keen hospitality of the KB team. I felt welcomed throughout the duration of my stay, not just upon arrival. They happily answered every question I had and was consistently kind and helpful.Janette, Teresa, Disney, Darrel, Rosalita, and the young lady w the cute headscarf that complimented my crocs - you guys are amazing!My only regret is leaving such a good review bc now I risk KB not being available when I return!
    Yannick Van Der MeirenYannick Van Der Meiren
    16:36 06 Jan 23
    What a great holiday we had here!Very new boutique hotel where nothing is too much to ask.A super service with people who do everything they can to make your holiday the best!Rooms are very nice, modern and spacious!Location is perfect to stay away from the hustle and bustle, but still be close to the center.The district is in full bloom and is very pleasant to be in. A drink, a snack in a quiet setting where most tourists have not yet found their way. A gem!Breakfast at Maira's kitchen was great!Thank you to all staff! You make the experience and trip even more beautiful.GreetingsKaren and Yannick
    Komplayt KinderopvangKomplayt Kinderopvang
    16:24 31 Dec 22
    We had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica! It just opened, everything is new, thought about and the service is nothing short of amazing!It is beautifully situated in the middle of Willemstad, close to the Pontjesbrug, in a neighborhood that exudes and exudes innovation. The people are fantastic, the breakfast at Maira delicious. We would like to come back soon!Amelia and Martin
    ma noma no
    21:48 02 Dec 22
    The staff was verry nice and gave good advice. and the hotel was verry nice and clean. Francien HenriettaRocio Disney Derrel and Jeanette, thanks for the all the service. See your all next year....... B13.....
    Lars de BrabanderLars de Brabander
    20:20 26 Oct 22
    This fully renewed boutique hotel is truly a beauty. Completely renovated, it lies in historic Willemstad on one minute walking distance of the Anna Bay and very close to some of the nicest beaches in Curacao
    Thays VidalThays Vidal
    23:08 11 Sep 22
    After the renovation, this luxury hotel is gonna be a huge success 🙌Friendly staff and nice location.
    Ingrid LanduytIngrid Landuyt
    18:20 08 Jan 24
    Dushi place to be!! ❤️❤️❤️
    lize huppeslize huppes
    01:00 04 Jan 24
    Had a very nice stay. Everything is clean and the place of the hotel is safe. Staff is very friendly & hospitable. Highly recommended!!
    Ximena Peña ortizXimena Peña ortiz
    10:39 22 Dec 23
    Very good hotel.. nice romanticthe staff is great. VeryAlways friendly and attentive. Good location. The cleaning people are very nice and everything is very clean.I would definitely return again.. thank you kura botanica and curaçao for a very good vacation.. in my heart ❤️
    Andrego StarmansAndrego Starmans
    15:33 04 Dec 23
    Jeroen SmeuldersJeroen Smeulders
    21:57 02 Dec 23
    Beautiful, nice and service-oriented boutique hotel in the heart of Willemstad.To be clear: If you book via Corendon: certainly not a 5* hotel (a good 4 is better). Missing some critical things. But they make up for it with great service!A quick summary of plus and minus pointsPlus:-Location. The heart of Willemstad. In the middle of restored Otrabanda. 15 minutes walk from Nieuwstraat. Nevertheless, very quiet.-Service: employees are super friendly and helpful.-Rooms. Rooms are clean and beds great. Nice shower. Are cleaned every day. And I mean really cleaned.-Nice poolside bar where there is a lot of chatting in the evening.-Adult only. Really nice.Minus:-No beach access. This is not something that you can blame the hotel for, but it is stated differently on the Corendon site. If you want to go to a beach, you will have to arrange that yourself. Otherwise they would have gotten 5 stars for location.-Swimming pool is quite small for 46 rooms. There are approximately 13 beds, so on busy check-out days: do the math.-Breakfast. They have outsourced breakfast to a restaurant nearby (Bario). Not a buffet but a la carte. During our stay we suffered from long waiting times. Kura management then took steps and things improved.-No gym.Extras:-If you stay here, it is wise to arrange a car for at least a few days.-Be informed by the hotel management about where to eat/be etc etc.
    Edward ErasmusEdward Erasmus
    14:10 06 Nov 23
    I had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica in Curacao. This boutique hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. The rooms were not only nice but also impeccably clean, which is always a priority for me when traveling. The location is fantastic, being so close to Brionplein and Punda, making it convenient to explore the vibrant surroundings.The ambiance at Kura Botanica is truly special. It radiates charm and offers a tranquil atmosphere that made my stay even more enjoyable. The staff was welcoming and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience.I would highly recommend Kura Botanica to anyone looking for a cozy and well-maintained boutique hotel in Curacao. It's a gem that ensures a delightful stay in this beautiful destination.
    Whitney RedfieldWhitney Redfield
    16:59 22 Oct 23
    Amazing boutique adult only hotel. One suggestion ... full length mirrors. Excellent service. Kind staff. Free cappuccinos if you ask nicely. Very close to all of Willemstad. Many amazing restaurants near by. The retail shops had such great selections of clothing and souvenirs. Highly recommend!!
    Dennis YuDennis Yu
    04:37 06 Oct 23
    Great place for our networking event, Kolektivo Conference. Minister of Economic Development for Curacao showed up, too.Wish that the jacuzzi was warm.
    Bas SmitBas Smit
    17:10 26 Sep 23
    It is a beautiful hotel with a perfect manager..
    Jonathan MarquesJonathan Marques
    23:23 17 Sep 23
    Hotel with a beautiful garden, in the middle of a historic village. The service from the staff has always been friendly and multilingual. The room we stayed in was new and the bed was excellent!However, some problems were observed. They didn't replace the amenities for our last night, nor did they even collect a towel that was on the floor.The shower is also not separated from the rest of the bathroom, there is no curtain or shower stall which makes the bathroom wet. There was also a lack of support for soap and shampoo, which are on the floor.The parking lot is far away and you need to either walk with your bags or take your car close to the entrance and then return to the parking lot.But the worst thing for me was the breakfast. it is served in another hotel and there is no variety, it doesn't change between days, it is very simple and contained. You can just have a coffee and a juice and not repeat it. On the first day we were treated very poorly, even harshly, which made us not want to go back the next day.
    Andre AmmerlaanAndre Ammerlaan
    18:31 03 Sep 23
    It was wonderful, super beautiful location.The beds sleep wonderfully, we have completely relaxed.It is a piece of oasis in the middle of the city.So many beautiful things to see and do within walking distance.The staff was super friendly😀
    Marcelo FalkMarcelo Falk
    23:25 18 Aug 23
    Peter StephensonPeter Stephenson
    21:44 14 Aug 23
    Loving the hotel. Great location.
    Bart de JongBart de Jong
    22:03 21 Jul 23
    Great place to stay. Renovated only recently and rooms are excellent. Staff is very helpful and polite. Pool is a bit small but perfect to relax at the end of day. Or whenever you start your day later.Breakfast is in collaboration with a place 1min away and is taken good care off. Choices and taste are overall just good.They did tell Kura B is planning to build their own kitchen in the near future. But the 1min (literally) walk shouldn't trouble you.
    Travis AnthonyTravis Anthony
    17:43 02 Jul 23
    We are locals and wanted a relaxing escape from our usual routine. This place was extremely relaxing, with a beautiful pool surrounded by large trees to provide a great mix of shade and sun. The hotel is very well located with many great restaurants within a few minutes walk. The rooms are very well designed for an authentic Curacao experience. We would highly recommend a stay to both couples as to individuals visiting Curacao.
    naiomi sapphirenaiomi sapphire
    08:17 16 Jun 23
    I think this is best hotel in Curaçao!It is sweet and charming, the rooms are very clean and well kept. It is comprised of several buildings within the property. Vivid colours both inside and outside of the rooms. Lots of lush foliage and very serene, literally perfect for retreating from busyness and embracing relaxation.It’s tucked in Kura Hulanda village so there’s plenty to do and eat without walking more than 10 minutes but I recommend exploring nearby neighbourhoods like Otrabanda (where the hotel is), Punda and Pietermaai which are all walking distanceWhat’s most memorable is the keen hospitality of the KB team. I felt welcomed throughout the duration of my stay, not just upon arrival. They happily answered every question I had and was consistently kind and helpful.Janette, Teresa, Disney, Darrel, Rosalita, and the young lady w the cute headscarf that complimented my crocs - you guys are amazing!My only regret is leaving such a good review bc now I risk KB not being available when I return!
    Yannick Van Der MeirenYannick Van Der Meiren
    16:36 06 Jan 23
    What a great holiday we had here!Very new boutique hotel where nothing is too much to ask.A super service with people who do everything they can to make your holiday the best!Rooms are very nice, modern and spacious!Location is perfect to stay away from the hustle and bustle, but still be close to the center.The district is in full bloom and is very pleasant to be in. A drink, a snack in a quiet setting where most tourists have not yet found their way. A gem!Breakfast at Maira's kitchen was great!Thank you to all staff! You make the experience and trip even more beautiful.GreetingsKaren and Yannick
    Komplayt KinderopvangKomplayt Kinderopvang
    16:24 31 Dec 22
    We had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica! It just opened, everything is new, thought about and the service is nothing short of amazing!It is beautifully situated in the middle of Willemstad, close to the Pontjesbrug, in a neighborhood that exudes and exudes innovation. The people are fantastic, the breakfast at Maira delicious. We would like to come back soon!Amelia and Martin
    ma noma no
    21:48 02 Dec 22
    The staff was verry nice and gave good advice. and the hotel was verry nice and clean. Francien HenriettaRocio Disney Derrel and Jeanette, thanks for the all the service. See your all next year....... B13.....
    Lars de BrabanderLars de Brabander
    20:20 26 Oct 22
    This fully renewed boutique hotel is truly a beauty. Completely renovated, it lies in historic Willemstad on one minute walking distance of the Anna Bay and very close to some of the nicest beaches in Curacao
    Thays VidalThays Vidal
    23:08 11 Sep 22
    After the renovation, this luxury hotel is gonna be a huge success 🙌Friendly staff and nice location.
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    Blue Curaçao liqueur conclusion

    So we can safely say that Blue Curaçao liqueur is not only incredibly versatile, but also has an ancient history. Today, this sweet citrus-flavored liqueur remains popular in bars around the world because of its ability to enhance the flavors of these best-known cocktails and add a Caribbean blue hue.

    With its distinct flavor profile and vibrant color, it is a hit at every party and happy hour. Whether you drink it straight or mix it with other drinks in tasty cocktails; chances are everyone will like it. So what are you waiting for? Try Blue Curacao today and let your imagination run wild!

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