I’ve been mixing drinks for nearly a decade, and some of my favorite recipes are the ones that take a bit of inspiration from art and artists. The “Van Gogh” cocktail isn’t a staple at every bar, but ever since I stumbled upon it at a gallery opening in Amsterdam a few years ago, I’ve loved making it at home. The bartender that night described it as “drinking a painting” – and honestly, with those swirls of color and citrusy aroma, he wasn’t exaggerating.
This isn’t a cocktail with a storied pedigree like the Negroni or Old Fashioned; you won’t find century-old tales tracing its origins. But at art events and smaller galleries in Europe, it’s become an understated signature – colorful, a little whimsical, and just the right balance of tangy and sweet.
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Here’s how I make it these days:
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz (45ml) vodka
- ½ oz (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz (15ml) triple sec
- ½ oz (15ml) simple syrup
- ¼ oz (7.5ml) blue curaçao
- Club soda, to top
- Lemon twist, for garnish
I usually reach for a chilled martini glass (or a coupe if I’m feeling a bit retro).
Instructions:
- Fill your shaker about three-quarters full with ice.
- Add vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker turns frosty.
- Strain into your chilled martini glass.
- Slowly pour the blue curaçao along the inside of the glass. It creates a beautiful blue and pale yellow gradient – so much so that I messed up the first time by putting the curaçao in the shaker. Lesson learned: add it after!
- Top with a splash of club soda for a little fizz.
- Curl a lemon twist on top for garnish.
Sometimes friends ask for a booze-free version. It’s not quite the same, obviously, but a mocktail with lemonade, a splash of orange extract, a little blue syrup (like for sodas), and soda water does the trick – especially for the color alone.
Pairings are where you can have some fun. The last time I had friends over for a painting night, I served these with a cheese plate heavy on Gouda (couldn’t resist the Dutch nod), olives, and some simple smoked salmon bites. The citrus cuts perfectly through fatty cheeses and seafood, but honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.
Tinker with the recipe! Swap the vodka for gin and suddenly the drink is a bit more herbal. Split the lemon juice with lime for a sharper, more tropical edge. And if you’re feeling bold, a drop or two of lavender bitters brings a floral touch that reminds me of Van Gogh’s famous Provençal landscapes.
For me, what makes this drink great isn’t just the look – it’s how the initial bright citrus smacks your palate, then softens into that orangey sweetness and subtle blue curaçao complexity that lingers. It’s sort of a “slow reveal,” just like looking longer at a painting and noticing new details.
If you want something with artistry, flavor, and plenty of color, the Van Gogh cocktail is a solid bet. Don’t be too surprised if your friends start asking you for the recipe – or a refill – before the night’s over.
