The Water Hazard drink is hands down my favorite blue cocktail for summer entertaining. This bright blue drink combines vodka, blue Gatorade, fresh lemonade, and Sprite to create a refreshing cocktail that’s impossible to resist.
What Makes this Cocktail Special
The Water Hazard drink gets its name from golf’s most notorious obstacle, but this blue cocktail is the kind of hazard you actually want to encounter. Unlike its golf course namesake, this cocktail brings nothing but good vibes to your summer parties.
This blue drink recipe couldn’t be simpler—just four ingredients that come together to create something magical. The blue Gatorade gives this summer cocktail its stunning electric color, while the vodka provides the perfect kick. The lemonade adds that essential tartness, and the Sprite brings the fizz that makes this Water Hazard drink so refreshing.
I’ve served this blue cocktail at countless pool parties, backyard barbecues, and casual get-togethers, and it never fails to be the star of the show. People always ask about “that amazing blue drink,” and when I tell them it’s called a Water Hazard cocktail, they’re usually surprised by how easy it is to make.
How to Make the Perfect Water Hazard Drink
Making this blue cocktail is refreshingly simple. The beauty of the Water Hazard drink lies in its straightforward recipe—no complicated techniques or expensive ingredients required.
For a single cocktail, you’ll need:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 5 oz blue Gatorade (Glacier Freeze works best for that perfect blue color)
- 1.5 oz fresh lemonade
- 2 oz Sprite
- Ice
- Optional garnish: lemon wedge or cherry
Simply fill a glass with ice, add the vodka and blue Gatorade, then top with lemonade and Sprite. Give it a gentle stir, and your Water Hazard drink is ready to serve. The result is a blue cocktail that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Making a Water Hazard Drink Pitcher for Parties
When I’m hosting a party, I always make a big batch of this blue cocktail. The Water Hazard drink pitcher recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and saves me from mixing individual cocktails all night long.
For a pitcher of Water Hazard cocktails:
- 2 cups vodka
- 4 cups blue Gatorade
- 1 cup fresh lemonade
- 2 cups Sprite
- Plenty of ice
Mix the vodka, blue Gatorade, and lemonade in a large pitcher. Add the Sprite just before serving to maintain the fizz. This Water Hazard drink recipe serves about 8-10 people and disappears faster than you’d expect—trust me, make two pitchers if you’re hosting more than a few friends.
Water Hazard Mocktail: The Alcohol-Free Blue Drink
Not everyone wants alcohol in their summer cocktail, and that’s where the Water Hazard mocktail shines. This non-alcoholic version of the blue drink is perfect for family gatherings, kids’ parties, or anyone who wants to enjoy this refreshing blue cocktail without the buzz.
The Water Hazard mocktail uses the same base ingredients as the original blue cocktail, minus the vodka:
- Blue Gatorade
- Fresh lemonade
- Sprite
- Ice
- Fun garnishes
This alcohol-free blue drink tastes just as refreshing as the original Water Hazard cocktail. Kids especially love the bright blue color, and adults appreciate having a festive summer cocktail option that won’t leave them feeling tipsy.
Why the Water Hazard Is the Best Blue Cocktail for Summer
I’ve tried dozens of blue cocktail recipes over the years, but the Water Hazard drink consistently ranks as my top choice for summer entertaining. Here’s why this blue drink works so well:
The color is absolutely stunning—that electric blue immediately catches everyone’s attention and makes any gathering feel more festive. Unlike some blue cocktails that rely on artificial-tasting blue curaçao, the Water Hazard drink gets its color from Gatorade, which adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the tartness of the lemonade.
This summer cocktail is also incredibly easy to scale up. Whether you’re making one Water Hazard drink or a pitcher for twenty people, the recipe stays perfectly balanced. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making this blue cocktail accessible for any budget.
Perfect Occasions for the Water Hazard Cocktail
The Water Hazard drink is incredibly versatile and works for almost any summer occasion. I’ve served this blue cocktail at:
- Pool parties (it matches the water!)
- Golf-themed events (the name is perfect)
- Fourth of July celebrations
- Backyard barbecues
- Beach house gatherings
- Casual Friday night hangouts
This summer cocktail has a way of turning ordinary moments into celebrations. There’s something about sipping a bright blue drink that automatically puts people in a good mood.
More Blue Cocktails to Try
If you love the Water Hazard drink, you’ll probably enjoy these other blue cocktail recipes:
AMF Drink: How to Make This 5-Ingredient Cocktail
Patron Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Recipe
These blue drinks all work great alongside the Water Hazard cocktail when you want to offer variety at your next gathering.
Tips for the Best Water Hazard Drink
After making countless Water Hazard cocktails, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this blue drink even better:
Use Glacier Freeze Gatorade for the most vibrant blue color in your Water Hazard drink. Other blue Gatorade flavors work, but this one gives you that perfect electric blue that makes this cocktail so photogenic.
Always add the Sprite last to preserve the fizz. Nothing ruins a good Water Hazard cocktail like flat soda.
Chill all your ingredients beforehand. A cold Water Hazard drink is infinitely more refreshing than one served at room temperature.
Don’t skip the garnish—a simple lemon wedge or cherry makes this blue cocktail look professional and adds a nice finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I make this drink non-alcoholic for designated drivers or kids?
Absolutely! Simply omit the vodka and increase the lemonade to 3 oz per drink, or add a splash of lemon-lime soda for extra fizz. You’ll still get that gorgeous blue color and refreshing taste that makes this drink so special. Kids especially love the fun color and the novelty of drinking something that looks like it came from a golf course water hazard! You could even call it a “Sand Trap Splash” for the younger crowd.
What if I can’t find blue Gatorade? Are there other options?
Blue Gatorade can sometimes be tricky to find, but don’t worry! Blue Powerade works perfectly and is often more readily available. You can also use blue sports drinks from other brands – just taste as you go since sweetness levels vary. In a pinch, you could even use blue Hawaiian Punch mixed with a bit of water to tone down the sweetness, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. The key is getting that beautiful blue color that makes this drink so visually striking.
This drink seems quite sweet. Can I make it less sugary?
You definitely can! The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is to your taste preferences. Try using sugar-free or low-sugar versions of the Gatorade and lemonade, or reduce the lemonade to 1 oz and add a splash of fresh lime juice for tartness. You could also use diet Sprite or club soda instead of regular Sprite. Some people love adding a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up and cut through the sweetness. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking!
Can I make this with different alcohol besides vodka?
While vodka is traditional and works beautifully because of its clean, neutral flavor, you can definitely experiment! White rum gives it a more tropical vibe (perfect for those golf resort feels), and some people love it with silver tequila for a completely different twist. Gin can work too, though it will add herbal notes that change the character of the drink significantly. If you’re feeling adventurous, coconut rum is absolutely divine and adds a subtle tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the blue color theme.
For more amazing recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Jane’s Homemade Magic on Facebook, and don’t forget to share your cooking results in the comments below!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Water Hazard Golf Drink, but it totally surprised me — crisp, cool, and just the right kick. It’s become one of my go-to drinks for relaxing weekends or when I want something fun and different.
Water Hazard Golf Drink
Equipment
- Tall glass (highball or Collins)
- Bar spoon or regular spoon
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
Ingredients
Main Drink
- 1.5 oz vodka smooth or premium brand recommended
- 5 oz blue Gatorade or other blue sports drink
- 1.5 oz lemonade
- 2 oz Sprite or lemon-lime soda
Garnish
- 1 wedge lemon for garnish
- 1 cocktail umbrella optional
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes until about 3/4 full.
- Pour vodka over the ice.
- Slowly add blue Gatorade, followed by the lemonade.
- Top off with Sprite, leaving a little room to stir.
- Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lemon wedge and optional cocktail umbrella.