Ingredients
- 1 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
- .33 oz Creme De Cacao
- 2.5 oz Milk
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to cool your ingredients quickly.
- Add the Blue Curacao, Crème de Cacao, and milk to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This is a modern concoction, clearly a tribute to the Star Wars universe. Its exact creator is lost to the outer rim territories, but it emerged from the vast galaxy of fan-inspired drinks, likely gaining traction in home bars and themed parties. It’s a fun, whimsical creation, not a classic with a deep history.
The Jedi Cocktail sits comfortably in the family of creamy, dessert style drinks. Think of it as a distant cousin to a Grasshopper or a Brandy Alexander, offering a similar rich mouthfeel but with a distinct citrus and chocolate profile. The use of Blue Curacao sets it apart visually and flavor-wise from its more traditional relatives, giving it a unique, bright character.
You would typically find or serve this drink at a themed gathering, a casual home bar setting, or any spot catering to a sweeter palate. It’s less about a sophisticated cocktail lounge and more about a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere where a bit of fun is welcome.
What it tastes like
On the first sip, the Jedi Cocktail delivers a sweet, creamy wave of orange and chocolate. The Blue Curacao provides a bright, zesty citrus front, quickly followed by the mellow, rich cocoa notes from the Crème de Cacao. The milk smooths everything out, giving it a full, silky mouthfeel that carries through to a lingering, sweet, milky chocolate finish.
This drink lands around 7.2% ABV, putting it in the neighborhood of a strong craft beer. It’s far lighter than most standard shaken cocktails, which often range from 15-25% ABV. This makes it a good choice for a longer session or when you want something less potent without sacrificing flavor.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward. Start by filling your shaker with ice to ensure everything chills quickly. Combine the Blue Curacao, Crème de Cacao, and milk in the shaker. Seal it up and give it a good, hard shake until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Finally, strain the well-chilled mixture into your preferred glass, usually a coupe or a small rocks glass.
The most important technique here is a vigorous shake. With creamy ingredients like milk, a strong shake not only chills the drink properly but also helps emulsify the fat in the milk with the liqueurs. This prevents the drink from separating and ensures a smooth, consistent texture from start to finish. A weak shake will leave you with a watery, disjointed drink.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Blue Curacao Liqueur
- Use
- Look for brands like Bols, Senior & Co, or Giffard. These offer a good balance of orange flavor and vibrant color without being overly syrupy. Aim for a product with actual citrus character, not just blue dye.
- Skip
- Avoid the cheapest, most artificial tasting brands that deliver little more than sugar and color. Also, skip non-alcoholic blue syrups unless you are making a mocktail; they won’t provide the necessary alcoholic backbone or flavor depth.
- Why
- Blue Curacao is load-bearing for both the visual appeal and the flavor profile. It provides the signature blue color and a crucial sweet, zesty orange note that brightens the drink and complements the chocolate.
Creme De Cacao
- Use
- Bols, Tempus Fugit, or Marie Brizard are solid choices. While both white and dark Crème de Cacao exist, white is preferred here to maintain the drink’s signature blue color. Ensure it has a genuine cocoa flavor.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with chocolate syrup. It lacks the alcoholic component, has a different viscosity, and often a less refined chocolate flavor, which will significantly alter the drink’s balance and texture.
- Why
- Crème de Cacao is essential for the drink’s chocolate backbone. It provides a rich, sweet cocoa flavor that harmonizes with the orange of the Blue Curacao and adds depth to the overall creamy profile.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Minty Jedi
- A refreshing, mint chocolate twist
- Add a small amount of green Crème de Menthe to the shaker for a cool, minty chocolate flavor and a slightly greener hue.
Dark Side Jedi
- For those who prefer a deeper cocoa note
- Substitute white Crème de Cacao with dark Crème de Cacao, which will give the drink a richer chocolate flavor and a darker, more mysterious appearance.
Jedi Dream
- Add a touch of vanilla sweetness
- Introduce a splash of vanilla liqueur or a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the dessert-like qualities and add another layer of sweet complexity.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
You can use Triple Sec for the orange flavor, but you will lose the signature blue color unless you add a drop of blue food coloring. The flavor profile will remain similar.
A good quality chocolate liqueur or even a rich chocolate syrup can work, but be mindful of the sweetness and adjust accordingly, as syrups lack the alcohol content.
Heavy cream or half-and-half will create an even richer, thicker drink. For a dairy-free option, oat milk or almond milk can be used, though the texture will be slightly different.
A sealed jar with a tight-fitting lid, like a mason jar, or a protein shaker bottle can serve as an adequate substitute for mixing and chilling the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Jedi Cocktail?
A Jedi Cocktail contains Blue Curacao Liqueur, Crème de Cacao, and milk.
Is the Jedi Cocktail alcoholic?
Yes, the Jedi Cocktail is alcoholic, though it is on the lighter side compared to many standard cocktails.
What does a Jedi Cocktail taste like?
It tastes sweet, creamy, and features a pleasant combination of orange citrus and chocolate flavors.
Why is it called a Jedi Cocktail?
It’s a modern, themed drink named after the Jedi Order from Star Wars, likely inspired by the blue color of Blue Curacao and the drink’s smooth, balanced character.
Can I make the Jedi Cocktail non-alcoholic?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by substituting Blue Curacao with blue curaçao syrup and Crème de Cacao with chocolate syrup, then mixing with milk.
What glass should I use for a Jedi Cocktail?
A coupe glass or a small rocks glass is typically used to serve a Jedi Cocktail.
Is the Jedi Cocktail a strong drink?
No, the Jedi Cocktail is a relatively light drink, with an ABV comparable to a strong beer.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, whole milk provides the richest texture, but 2% milk works fine. You can also experiment with dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk for different dietary needs, though the texture will vary.
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