First off—thank you for being here. If you’re someone who gets as excited as I do about cocktails that are just as pretty as they are delicious, you’re in for a treat. This drink is sunshine in a glass with just enough island attitude to make you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re sipping it from your kitchen.

Say hello to the Tropical Tidal Wave—a gorgeous, fruit-forward cocktail made with coconut rum, blue curaçao, peach schnapps, vanilla vodka, and pineapple juice. Oh, and a splash of Sprite for a fizzy finish.

It’s sweet. It’s colorful. It’s dangerously smooth. And yes—it looks like a tropical ocean in a glass. Let’s dive in!

The Tropical Tidal Wave is a vibrant, Caribbean-inspired cocktail layered with tropical fruit flavors and a burst of blue. It blends coconut rum, peach schnapps, vanilla vodka, and blue curaçao with pineapple juice and a splash of Sprite. The result? A sweet, fizzy, and stunning drink perfect for beach days, girls’ night in, or any moment that deserves a splash of fun.

Contents show

Ingredients

1 oz blue curaçao
1 oz coconut rum
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz vanilla vodka
Pineapple juice (to fill the glass)
1 splash Sprite (for fizz)
Ice cubes
Garnish: Pineapple wedge, cherry, or edible flower (optional but SO cute!)

Instructions

1. Fill Your Glass

Add ice to a tall cocktail glass (Collins or hurricane glass work best!).

2. Build the Base

Pour in the blue curaçao, coconut rum, peach schnapps, and vanilla vodka directly over the ice.

3. Add the Juice

Top with pineapple juice—fill to just below the rim.

4. Finish with Fizz

Add a splash of Sprite for a fizzy, sweet finish.

5. Garnish & Serve

Garnish with a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, or a fun cocktail umbrella. Serve with a straw and enjoy immediately!

Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Drinks
Method: Built
Cuisine: Tropical / American
Diet: Gluten-Free
Keywords: tropical cocktail, blue drink, pineapple rum drink, peach schnapps cocktail, beach drinks, summer party cocktails

Equipment

Tall cocktail glass (Collins, hurricane, or tiki glass)
Jigger or measuring spoons
Bar spoon (optional for gentle stirring)
Ice
Straw (because it’s just more fun that way!)

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 250
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 12mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Helpful Tips

Chill your glass ahead of time for the coldest, most refreshing sip.
Want to make it stronger? Add an extra ½ oz of vanilla vodka or coconut rum.
For a layered effect, pour the blue curaçao last over the back of a spoon to create a slow-sinking swirl.

Conservation and Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed freshly made, but you can pre-mix the spirits (vodka, rum, schnapps, curaçao) in a sealed bottle ahead of time and refrigerate. Just add pineapple juice, Sprite, and ice when ready to serve!

Substitutions and Variations

Make it a slushy: Blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen version!
Swap Sprite for club soda if you prefer less sweetness.
No vanilla vodka? Use regular vodka + 1 drop of vanilla extract.
Make it a mocktail: Use blue sports drink, pineapple juice, peach nectar, and Sprite—still fun, still fruity!

Storage Instructions

Spirit mix: Combine vodka, rum, schnapps, and curaçao in advance; store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do not pre-mix with juice or Sprite to preserve fizz and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this cocktail taste like?
It’s sweet, smooth, and tropical. The coconut and pineapple give it vacation vibes, while the blue curaçao and peach schnapps add a citrusy-fruity balance. The vanilla vodka brings in a subtle creaminess that ties it all together.

Can I make this for a group?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredient amounts and build it in a large pitcher (except the Sprite). Pour over ice and add Sprite right before serving.

What’s the best occasion to serve this?
Beach parties, summer BBQs, poolside lounging, birthday bashes, or even a themed tropical dinner night.

Can I use another juice besides pineapple?
Pineapple is key to the tropical flavor, but you could try mango or passionfruit for a twist.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cocktail that brings the party and the paradise, the Tropical Tidal Wave is IT. It’s easy, colorful, and full of fruity flavor—and it just might be the prettiest drink you’ll make all summer. So grab your favorite glass, queue up your beach playlist, and sip your way to a mini getaway.

Want more tropical cocktail inspo? Don’t miss my Blue Woo! and Love in the Sky—two other bold beauties you’ll definitely want on your summer drinks list.