Get ready to tee off with the most refreshing golf-themed cocktail that’s taking patios and clubhouses by storm! This brilliant blue Water Hazard drink is the perfect mix of fun and refreshing – with just enough kick to celebrate those birdies (or forget about those bogeys!). Trust me, one sip of this vibrant, bubbly concoction and you’ll feel like you’re relaxing at the 19th hole, even if you’re just in your backyard!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Eye-Catching Color – That gorgeous blue hue makes this drink an instant conversation starter at any gathering!
- Perfectly Balanced – Sweet, tart, and bubbly with just the right amount of vodka to keep things interesting.
- Golf Course Vibes – Brings that fun clubhouse atmosphere right to your home bar or patio.
- Party Perfect – Easy to make in large batches for tournaments, tailgates, or summer get-togethers.
Ingredients
Vodka – The smooth, clean base that gives our drink its refreshing kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Blue Gatorade – The star ingredient that gives us that stunning water hazard blue color and adds electrolytes for those hot summer days.
Lemonade – Provides the perfect tart and sweet balance that makes this drink so refreshing and drinkable.
Sprite – Adds that delightful fizz and extra sweetness that makes every sip feel celebratory.
Lemon Wedge – A classic garnish that adds a fresh citrus aroma and looks beautiful against the blue.
Cocktail Umbrella – Optional but oh-so-fun! Perfect for channeling those tropical golf resort vibes.
How to Make Water Hazard Golf Drink
- Prep Your Glass – Fill a tall glass (highball or Collins glass works perfectly) with ice cubes. The more ice, the better – we want this drink ice-cold and refreshing!
- Build Your Base – Pour the vodka over the ice first. I like to use a quality vodka here since it’s such a key component, but any smooth vodka will work beautifully.
- Add the Blue Magic – Slowly pour in that gorgeous blue Gatorade. Watch as it creates beautiful swirls with the vodka – it’s like watching the perfect golf course pond!
- Brighten It Up – Add your lemonade next. This is where the drink really comes alive with that perfect sweet-tart balance that makes it so addictive.
- Top and Sparkle – Finish by topping with Sprite, leaving just enough room at the top so it doesn’t overflow when you stir. The bubbles add such a festive touch!
- Garnish Like a Pro – Give it a gentle stir to combine all those delicious flavors, then garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim. If you’re feeling fun (and I hope you are!), add that cocktail umbrella for the full effect.
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.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Ice is Everything – Use plenty of fresh, cold ice. As it melts slightly, it helps blend all the flavors together perfectly.
- Layering for Show – For a more dramatic presentation, pour each ingredient slowly over the back of a spoon to create distinct layers before stirring.
- Gatorade Alternatives – Blue Powerade works just as well if you can’t find blue Gatorade. Some people even love it with blue sports drinks for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Batch It Up – Making these for a crowd? Mix everything except the Sprite in a large pitcher, then top each individual glass with Sprite to maintain the fizz.
How to Serve
This Water Hazard is perfect for so many occasions:
- Sipping on the golf course (where allowed) or at the clubhouse after your round
- Pool parties and summer barbecues where the blue color really pops
- Golf-themed parties, tournaments, or charity events
- Casual patio gatherings when you want something fun and different
- Game day celebrations, especially if your team colors include blue
For the ultimate presentation, serve in chilled glasses with extra lemon wedges on the side. If you’re hosting a golf tournament or themed party, consider adding golf ball ice cubes or stirrers shaped like golf clubs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
You can pre-mix the vodka, Gatorade, and lemonade portions up to 4 hours ahead and keep chilled in the refrigerator. Just add ice and Sprite when ready to serve to maintain the carbonation and prevent dilution.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh! The carbonation from the Sprite will fade over time, and the ice will dilute the flavors. If you have leftover pre-mixed base (without Sprite), it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Batch Recipe
For a pitcher serving 6-8 people: 9 oz vodka, 30 oz blue Gatorade, 9 oz lemonade. Mix in pitcher, serve over ice, and top each glass individually with Sprite.
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.