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….
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.
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
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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