Share this post

Learn how to make a stunning red white and blue layered cocktail to sip this summer.

It’s week 4 of the summer cocktail series.  If this is your first week, be sure to check out the previous weeks below, there are some tasty drink recipes to try. 

This week I made a patriotic red white and blue layered cocktail that is perfect for the Fourth of July.  Watch and learn how to make this pretty drink that will wow your guests.  It tastes pretty good too! 

This post contains affiliate links, view my full disclosure policy here. 

A summer cocktail should be easy to sip and nice and cold to enjoy on a hot day. This layered cocktail tics both of those boxes, plus the layers really make it stand out.

There is definitely an art to layered a drink. Before tackling all three layers in this drink, you may want to start with two. Try one of these lovely layered drinks first.

How to create a layered cocktail

Layering a drink starts with understanding the density of the liquids you are using. Essentially the liquid with the highest sugar content will sink to the bottom. The lighter the sugar content, the more the layer will float.

So for this red white and blue layered cocktail the grenadine, the red layer, is the densest with the highest sugar content.

Next up is the white-ish layer which, when poured correctly, will sit nicely on top of the red layer. This is a mixture of vodka and lemonade shaken with ice and strained into the glass.

Finally, the blue layer will float on top as the final layer in this festive drink.

Knowing the density of each layer is important, next you need to know how to pour the layers.

Watch the video and learn how to make a red white and blue layered cocktail

To make this drink, have all the ingredients and tools on hand. You’ll want to make and serve this drink quickly. After a few minutes, the layers will start to blend together.

Start with grenadine at the bottom, just pour it in, then fill the glass with ice. This has the highest sugar content and will sink to the bottom of any drink. By adding it first you are able to get a distinct layer between the red and white.

When making a tequila sunrise, which has a blurred line between the layers, you pour the grenadine down the side of the drink. For this cocktail, we want a crisp division of colors.

Next, shake lemonade and vodka in a shaker like this one to make the white layer.  The key to getting the white layer to sit on top of the red layer is to gently pour the mixture over the back of a spoon. This layer is a little yellow from the lemonade but it looks more white when you add the blue on top.

Dumping the white layer into the glass will mix it with the red creating a pink drink. Delicious but not the look we’re going for.

This technique of pouring liquid over the back of a spoon takes practice, go easy on yourself and take your time. It probably won’t look great the first time.

Use the same spoon pouring technique to add blue curacao for the final layer.  It’s helpful to use a measuring cup with a spout instead of a shot glass to pour the liquid.  Some of the blue will mix with this white, but you will get a nice defined layer that will last a few minutes

The layers last just long enough to show off your mixology skills, then they blend together to create a delicious drink.

This red white and blue layered cocktail is a nice mix of sweet and tart and will look amazing at your summer party.  

View a quick overview here and learn how to make a layered cocktail

If you want to try a few other summer cocktails take a look at these creations

Red, White and Blue Layered Cocktail from Creative Ramblings • Pina Colada Shots from Weekend Craft • Blueberry Lemonade with Vodka from A Turtle’s Life for Me • Boozy Orange Creamsicle Floats from Happy Go Lucky • Coconut White Russian from Daily DIY Life • Frozen Mojito from Create & Babble • Mango Bellini from Family Around the Table Frozen Citrus Berry Rum Cocktail

Thanks for visiting!

Share this post