Ingredients
- .33 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
- .33 oz Melon Liqueur
- .33 oz Lime Juice
Instructions
Layered
- Layer the Ingredients: Carefully layer the blue curacao, followed by the melon liqueur, and then top with lime juice.
Non-Layered
- Shake: Add the blue curacao, melon liqueur, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake Well: Shake the mixture well to combine all the flavors.
- Strain and Serve: Strain into a shot glass and serve immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Like many brightly colored, sweet shots, the Blue Freezie Shot likely emerged from the casual bar scene of the late 20th or early 21st century. It is not a classic cocktail with a storied past, but rather a modern creation designed for flavor and visual appeal. This type of drink speaks to a crowd looking for something fun and uncomplicated rather than complex and contemplative.
This shot falls into the broad category of ‘candy shots’ or ‘dessert shots.’ It shares a spirit with drinks like the Jolly Rancher shot or the Green Tea Shot, using liqueurs and fruit juice to mimic popular sweet treats. Its distinctive blue hue and melon notes set it apart, giving it a unique profile within this family.
You would typically encounter a Blue Freezie Shot at a house party, a lively bar on a Friday night, or a summer barbecue. It is a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into a relaxed, social atmosphere where the drinks are part of the entertainment. It is not something you would usually find on a sophisticated cocktail menu.
What it tastes like
The Blue Freezie Shot hits you first with a wave of sweet, candied orange from the blue curacao, quickly followed by the distinct, juicy sweetness of melon liqueur. The finish is a sharp, refreshing tartness from the lime juice, cutting through the sweetness and leaving a clean, fruity aftertaste. It is a balanced sweet and sour profile, reminiscent of its namesake frozen treat.
With roughly 0.13 ounces of pure alcohol in a 1 ounce shot, the Blue Freezie Shot clocks in around 13.5% ABV. To put that in perspective, a standard 1.5 ounce shot of 80-proof spirit contains about 0.6 ounces of alcohol. This means the Blue Freezie Shot, while flavorful, delivers a moderate punch for its small volume, roughly equivalent to a small glass of wine. It is not as strong as a straight liquor shot, but it is certainly more potent than a typical beer.
The technique
Building a Blue Freezie Shot is straightforward. If you are layering, carefully pour the blue curacao first, then gently float the melon liqueur over the back of a spoon, and finish with the lime juice using the same technique. For a quicker, blended shot, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Give it a good, hard shake until well chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
The most important technique for the layered version is the slow pour. Using the back of a spoon or a layering tool allows each liquid to gently settle on top of the previous one without mixing. If you pour too quickly or directly, the different densities will blend, and you will lose that visual separation that makes the layered shot stand out.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Blue Curacao Liqueur
- Use
- Bols Blue Curacao, Senior & Co. Curacao. Look for a liqueur around 20-25% ABV for good flavor and color.
- Skip
- Blue food coloring with orange liqueur. You will get the color but miss the specific sweet orange profile and body of the liqueur.
- Why
- It provides the iconic blue color and a foundational sweet orange flavor that defines the “blue” aspect of the Freezie.
Melon Liqueur
- Use
- Midori Melon Liqueur is the classic choice, but other brands like Bols Melon or DeKuyper Melon also work. Aim for around 20% ABV.
- Skip
- Watermelon Pucker or similar schnapps. These are often much sweeter and less nuanced than a true melon liqueur, throwing off the balance.
- Why
- This ingredient delivers the sweet, juicy fruit flavor that makes the shot taste like a ‘Freezie’ and contributes to its vibrant character.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Green Freezie
- A color shift
- Swap the blue curacao for green apple schnapps or green curaçao for a different hue and tart apple twist.
Frozen Freezie
- Slushie style
- Blend all ingredients with crushed ice until smooth for a refreshing, icy version perfect for hot days.
Freezie Bomb
- Energy kick
- Drop the shot into a glass of lemon-lime soda or an energy drink for a longer, bubbly sip.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a different colored fruit liqueur like green apple schnapps or peach schnapps for a different ‘Freezie’ flavor and color.
Peach schnapps or even a coconut rum could offer a different fruity sweetness, though the melon profile will be lost.
Fresh lemon juice is a good substitute for acidity, but it will slightly change the citrus profile.
Any small glass will do, just adjust the pour to ensure it is a single serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Blue Freezie Shot?
The Blue Freezie Shot contains blue curacao liqueur, melon liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
Is the Blue Freezie Shot very strong?
It is a moderately strong shot, around 13.5% ABV. It has more alcohol than a beer but less than a standard neat pour of liquor.
Can I make a batch of Blue Freezie Shots?
Yes, you can multiply the recipe and shake a larger batch in a pitcher with ice, then strain into shot glasses for quick serving.
What does a Blue Freezie Shot taste like?
It tastes sweet and tangy, with prominent notes of candied orange and melon, finished with a bright citrus kick from the lime.
Why is it called a Blue Freezie Shot?
The name comes from its vibrant blue color and its sweet, fruity flavor profile, which is reminiscent of a frozen fruit pop or ‘freezie’.
Do I have to layer the shot?
No, layering is optional for presentation. You can simply shake all the ingredients together with ice for a quick and equally tasty shot.
What kind of occasions are best for a Blue Freezie Shot?
This shot is perfect for parties, barbecues, summer gatherings, or any casual event where you want a fun, colorful, and easy-drinking option.
Can I make this drink into a full-sized cocktail?
Yes, you can scale up the recipe, add a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda, and serve it over ice in a highball glass for a longer drink.
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