Blue coconut lemonade is the drink that makes people stop scrolling. It is pale glacier blue, loaded with ice and tastes like a beach vacation: fresh lemon, light coconut and just a hint of honey.
The color comes from a small amount of food grade blue spirulina, a natural pigment that adds color without changing the flavor when you use it sparingly. Everything comes together in five minutes.
Why you'll love this Blue Coconut Lemonade
Naturally blue with no artificial dye
Light coconut flavor and bright lemon
Ready in 5 minutes
Beautiful for parties and summer brunch
What makes it blue?
Blue spirulina is an extract of spirulina that contains phycocyanin, a vivid blue pigment. Unlike green spirulina, it has almost no taste in small amounts.
Start with a tiny pinch and add more slowly. A pale icy blue looks the most natural and keeps the lemon and coconut in the spotlight.
Ingredients for Blue Coconut Lemonade
- 1½ cups chilled coconut water
- ½ cup cold water
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon food grade blue spirulina powder, or per package
- 1½ cups ice
- 2 thin lemon slices
- Fresh mint, optional
Full steps are in the recipe card below.
How to make Blue Coconut Lemonade
- 1
Combine
Pour the coconut water and cold water into a pitcher.
- 2
Add citrus
Stir in the lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- 3
Add color
Sprinkle in a small amount of blue spirulina and stir until fully dissolved and evenly blue.
- 4
Adjust
Taste and add more sweetener or lemon if needed.
- 5
Serve
Fill two glasses with plenty of ice, pour in the lemonade and garnish with lemon slices and mint.
Tips for the best Blue Coconut Lemonade
- Chill every ingredient so the ice melts slowly.
- Taste before sweetening since coconut water varies.
- Blend with extra ice for a frozen slushy version.
Easy variations
Sparkling
Replace the cold water with chilled sparkling water added right at the end.
Frozen
Blend the lemonade with ice until slushy.
Tropical
Swap some of the water for pineapple juice. The color shifts toward green.
Butterfly pea version
Use cooled butterfly pea tea instead of spirulina for a color changing drink.
How to store Blue Coconut Lemonade
- Keep the lemonade covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Stir before serving and add ice right before drinking.
Blue Coconut Lemonade
Make icy blue coconut lemonade in 5 minutes with coconut water, fresh lemon and a pinch of blue spirulina. Naturally colored and refreshing.
Ingredients
Equipment: Pitcher or large jar, long spoon, 2 tall clear glasses
Instructions
- CombinePour the coconut water and cold water into a pitcher.
- Add citrusStir in the lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- Add colorSprinkle in a small amount of blue spirulina and stir until fully dissolved and evenly blue.
- AdjustTaste and add more sweetener or lemon if needed.
- ServeFill two glasses with plenty of ice, pour in the lemonade and garnish with lemon slices and mint.
Notes
- Add the spirulina gradually. A little goes a long way.
- Use clear glasses to show off the color.
Yield: 2 servings. Nutrition is an estimate of about 55 calories per serving and will vary with your ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Does it taste like spirulina?
Not when you use a small amount. Lemon and coconut lead the flavor.
Can I make it without coconut water?
Yes. Use extra cold water, though you lose the coconut flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate covered and add ice just before serving.
Explore more in Drinks or browse Caribbean Inspired drinks.
