Rainbow Paradise Mocktail Recipe

This rainbow paradise mocktail recipe is just so much fun to make and drink! All of the liquids in this drink have different densities and when layered just right, they create the most stunning and delicious rainbow of colors.

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The flavor of this mocktail resembles the taste of an a Orange Julius or It can also be made with pineapple juice and then it tastes a little like a dole whip. Both versions are delicious.

The orange juice version is what I have featured here and the one I have experimented most with. It also tends to bring on some more vibrant colors because of the brightness and saturated color of the orange juice.

How is this drink made?

Density.

The science behind this drink has to do with density. Everything in this drink is liquid so if you added it all together it would normally just mix and create a greyish, blueish brown color. The secret is that we layer different liquids with different densities to create this rainbow effect.

The three liquids used are grenadine syrup, orange juice, blue curacao syrup and water or you can use pineapple juice in place of the orange juice. This process of layering densities in drinks is usually seen with alcoholic drinks. Alcohol has a different density than water, syrups and juice, so since we are not using alcohol we will have different densities in this non-alcoholic or virgin version.

Ice.

The secret to having this drink be a success besides the density, is ice! You can’t make this recipe without crushed ice, let me repeat that, you have to have crushed ice to make this drink, no way around it. Also important is the order you add the ice to the cup, you will need to add more ice after each layer, this will result in how well the layers stay separated and bleed into each other to form a rainbow.

Because this drink is layered, it is best when you stir the drink before drinking it. I know that takes away some of the fun but your taste buds will thank you, especially if using a straw so you don’t get a sip full of syrup to start. This is a sweet drink, but should also be balanced by the acidity of the orange or pineapple drink.

What glass or cups should I use?

I have this drink featured here in a champagne glass that is roughly 8 ounces. I also have it in a plastic dinner glass that is also roughly 8 ounces. Obviously a glass or see through cup will work the best so you can see those beautiful layers.

I have written this recipe for a roughly 6 ounce drink, with ice, an 8 ounce cup should be sufficient.

So festive and fun!

How fun would this drink be for St. Patrick’s day, in the spring time or at a luau? I know my kids, family and friends would love this drink on any day. In fact, after making this recipe for my website, my daughter has asked for or tried to make for herself, this recipe every day. We even lost 2 glass cups along the way.

What is blue curacao and what does it taste like?

Blue curacao is a citrus flavored syrup or liqueur that is made in the Caribbean from an orange plant. It’s bright, citrusy and tastes like oranges.

What is grenadine?

Grenadine is a sweet syrup with a hint of citrus to it. It is what gives this mocktail the orange julius undertone as opposed to just straight orange flavor. It’s bright red in color.

Where can you find these ingredients?

I love the Torani brand of blue curacao syrup, on their website they have a tool that you can use to search which store by you sells a certain type of syrup so you can easily track it down or you can order directly off their website as well. Amazon also sells it.

You can find grenadine at most grocery stores, like Walmart in their cocktail making section. It is also available on amazon.

What you need to make this Rainbow Paradise Mocktail: (printable recipe card is below)

Makes roughly 6 ounces

• Crushed ice
• 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1/2 tablespoon blue curacao syrup
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Fill a glass about 2 inches full of crushed ice.
2. Add the grenadine syrup.
3. Add another 3-4 inches of crushed ice to the cup, it will almost be to the top.
4. Add the orange juice slowly.
5. Add more ice all the way up to the top of the glass.
6. In another cup or bowl, mix together the blue curacao syrup and the water together.
7. Slowly add the mixture over the ice until the cup is full or the mixture is all in the glass.
8. Admire your rainbow, stir if desired and enjoy.

Here are a few other mocktail recipes you may also enjoy:

Mango Chili Lime Margarita Mocktail

Blackberry Mojito Mocktail

Rhubarb Lemon Sour Mocktail

Blueberry and Basil Mocktail

Elderflower White Sangria