I’ve been mixing drinks at backyard parties for years now, and nothing gets a better reaction than a tray of electric-blue Papa Smurfs making the rounds by the pool. These fun, fruity cocktails always take me right back to carefree summer days – the sweet-tart flavor, that unmistakable blue, and the general sense that everyone’s about to have a really good time.
The Papa Smurf itself has a bit of a retro vibe. It really took off in the 1980s, when those little blue cartoon characters were everywhere. Bartenders made the connection – blue curaçao plus cartoon nostalgia – and suddenly the Papa Smurf was popping up on cocktail menus all over the place. Honestly, I think the color alone guarantees it a spot at any party.
Strength & Profile
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What I love about this drink is how it balances sweet and tangy. Blue curaçao brings its citrusy, orange flavor (despite being so blue), pineapple juice adds tropical sweetness, and vodka gives it a little extra punch. Top it off with lemon-lime soda and you’re good to go. Be warned: these are dangerously easy to sip on a hot afternoon, especially when you’re just hanging around with friends.
My friends practically demand these at barbecues. They’re photogenic, fun to make, and somehow just holding one puts everyone in a good mood. Plus, you can mix up a pitcher in minutes for a crowd.
Ingredients & Equipment
- 1 ounce (30 ml) blue curaçao
- 1 ounce (30 ml) vodka
- 2 ounces (60 ml) pineapple juice
- 4 ounces (120 ml) lemon-lime soda
- Ice
- Highball or Collins glass
- Cherry or orange slice (or both!) for garnish
How to Make a Papa Smurf
- Fill a highball glass with ice (I like big cubes – they melt slower).
- Pour in the blue curaçao and vodka.
- Add the pineapple juice.
- Top with the lemon-lime soda. Pour slowly to keep those bubbles.
- Give everything a gentle stir – just enough to mix without going flat.
- Garnish with a cherry or an orange slice. Sometimes I double up just for the extra splash of color.
If you’ve got kiddos or non-drinkers in the mix, you can easily turn this into a mocktail: just substitute a blue sports drink and a squeeze of lemon for the alcohol and blue curaçao. They get the fun color without the booze.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit this drink is on the sweet side – between the soda and the juice, it adds up. If you want to dial it back, use diet lemon-lime soda and unsweetened pineapple juice. You’ll still get that iconic flavor, just less sugar.
A friendly tip: Papa Smurfs go down dangerously easily. The sweetness hides the booze pretty well, so it’s worth pacing yourself – especially if you’re outside in the sun.
Surprisingly, these pair really well with spicy foods. Buffalo wings, spicy tacos, even jalapeño poppers – the sweet, cool drink is the perfect foil for hot, savory snacks. They’re also great with a platter of tropical fruits or a simple cheese and cracker spread.
I’ve had fun experimenting over the years. Swapping vodka for coconut rum makes what my friends call a “Smurfette” – it’s like the vacation version. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use gin and squeeze in some fresh lime – the gin’s botanicals play nicely with the blue curaçao.
For parties I sometimes rim glasses with colored sugar. Blue is classic, but pink sugar gives a cool contrast and makes that blue pop even more.
Whether you’re throwing a throwback cartoon party or just want to make your next BBQ a little more memorable, Papa Smurfs are always a hit. There’s just something about a bright blue drink that brings out everyone’s inner kid – even when we’re all very much adults.
