You stick around in this business long enough, and you start to realize something—people drink with their eyes first. A good cocktail needs to taste great, sure, but if it doesn’t catch attention from across the bar, you’re missing half the magic.
I first put this one together on a quiet winter night, staring at a nearly empty bottle of blue curaçao while the snow piled up outside.
Something about that deep blue color against the white backdrop stuck with me. I wanted to make a drink that looked like an Arctic frost but had the warmth of a rich dessert.
The vanilla, coconut, and white chocolate gave it that creamy indulgence, while the curaçao kept it from being too heavy. The first sip confirmed it—I had a winner.
Flavor Profile
This one’s for the folks who like their drinks smooth and sweet but not overpowering.
Taste: Creamy, lightly citrusy, with a subtle coconut finish
Texture: Velvety and rich
Sweetness: Medium-high, balanced by a hint of citrus
Food Pairings
I always say, if you’re sipping something this creamy, you need a little contrast to keep things interesting. Here’s what I’d serve it with:
Salty snacks: A little sea salt on dark chocolate or some candied nuts work wonders against the creaminess.
Light pastries: Think almond croissants or white chocolate biscotti—nothing too heavy, just enough to complement the drink.
Fresh berries: Blueberries or raspberries add a tart pop that cuts through the sweetness.
Similar Drinks
If you like this, I’ve got a few other cocktails you might want to try:
Blueberry Cheesecake Martini – A creamy, dessert-like cocktail with blueberry and vanilla flavors.
Coconut Blue Russian – A tropical twist on the classic White Russian with coconut cream and blue curaçao.
Blue Velvet Colada – A deep blue frozen colada with pineapple, coconut, and a splash of curaçao.
Frostbite Martini – A white chocolate and peppermint-infused winter cocktail.
Skyline Dream – A layered drink with creamy vanilla and citrus flavors.
Winter Blue Brandy Flip – A brandy-based blue cocktail with eggnog-like richness.
Frozen Blue Angel – A slushy, creamy blue drink with a tropical bite.
Arctic Cream Dream
The Arctic Cream Dream is a smooth, velvety cocktail with a frosty blue hue that makes you think of icy landscapes and crisp winter air. It’s a mix of rich cream, vanilla, and coconut flavors, balanced by a citrusy kick from blue curaçao.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 1 oz heavy cream
- ½ oz white chocolate liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vanilla vodka, blue curaçao, coconut cream, heavy cream, and white chocolate liqueur.
- Shake until well chilled and smooth.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with white chocolate shavings or a light dusting of coconut flakes.
Is this drink overly sweet?
No, but it leans on the sweeter side. The citrus from the curaçao keeps it from being cloying.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a good-quality almond milk, and you’ll still get that smooth texture.
What’s the best glass for serving?
I like it in a coupe glass—it gives it a classy feel. But a martini glass works too if you want a more traditional look.
Can I blend this into a frozen drink?
You sure can. Just toss everything in a blender with ice, and you’ll get a smooth, frozen version.