Angelo Azzurro: The Italian Blue Angel Cocktail

Get ready for the neon ride of Italian cocktail culture. This bright-blue wonder mixes sweetness with a punch of tangy citrus, a surprisingly strong kick-all loved by fun-looking drinkers. That striking color alone will hook you even before you taste it. Sip it slow, feel the citrus, and let it take you into the night-warm, carefree.

Angelo Azzurro: The Italian Blue Angel Cocktail

This is a cocktail that shines like a piece of the sky turned into liquid and poured into a glass, gaining attention wherever it would sit. Sweet, refreshing, and for sure not shy about its alcohol content, this is made with Gin, Triple Sec, and Blue Curaçao for that signature bright colour. Each sip balances soft orange flavours with a crisp punch in such a playful, yet somehow unexpectedly potent, way.

Texturally, it will be silky smooth, which can be quite deceiving for any newcomer; there's a bit more bite in here than one might think from such a pretty drink. Because it mixes multiple spirits, the overall taste hints at floral juniper, bold citrus, and light sweetness mingling in harmony. It's served chilled, usually in a Martini glass, which makes the color pop even more.

For garnish, either a single citrus twist can add a little flair, or forget it for those who like a simple look. Adding ice directly to the glass does water down the vivid shade and brings forth some unwanted bitterness, so many bartenders just shake it with ice then strain. Whether you’re basking in the sun at a summer party or enjoying a night in with friends, this cocktail’s vibrant presence never fails to spark conversations and curious glances. Some folks like it as a cheeky aperitif, while others save it for an after-dinner surprise. Either way, it’s a guaranteed conversation starter that celebrates fun, colour, and a laid-back vibe.

A bold, neon-hued showstopper with a lively citrus spark and a smooth yet spirited finish.

Did you know that Angelo Azzurro...

Did you know that Angelo Azzurro was famously thriving during the 1980s, wowing night owls in Italy with its radiant tint and bold flavours?

Who invented this cocktail

... gained popularity in the 1970s across trendy Italian bars, but the exact originator remains a mystery.

The origin and history of "Angelo Azzurro"

Its road to fame weaves through the tastes of Italy's nightlife in evolution. While disco lit up the dance floors, bartenders sought out drinks to match in flash and music. In came this bright cocktail, with an offer to cut a deep alternative to the moodier classic on tap.

While it never quite stole the global spotlight from heavier hitters, magazines in the early 1980s would occasionally feature a bright blue concoction that was taking local bar menus by storm. In coastal hotspots, holidaymakers and locals alike gravitated toward that irresistible color and citrusy aroma. As time passed, new spirits and liqueurs hit the market, so bartenders began to experiment, fiddling with ratios and occasionally swapping out ingredients. Yet, at its core, this drink-the luminous look and lively citrus backbone-remained the same.

With increased travel and media, these playful drinks soon poured over the borders of their Mediterranean home. Tourists transported stories of a dazzling blue mystery back to their hometowns, raising curiosity far and wide. If not the most famous Italian export, the abiding love for a colourful, easy-to-enjoy drink endured. Today, it speaks of a breezier, more carefree chapter in Italian bar culture, when glow-in-the-dark dance floors and flashy cocktails were all the rage.

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Bartender Tips for making the perfect "Angelo Azzurro"

To make the perfect Angelo Azzurro, try these tips:
  • Chill your glass thoroughly before pouring to keep the drink extra refreshing.
  • Give it a vigorous shake with ice, then strain to keep that lively colour front and centre.
  • Use a single citrus zest for garnish—it highlights the orange tones without overcrowding the look.
  • Serve with minimal fuss. This cocktail already brings the ‘wow’ factor on its own.

Angelo Azzurro recipe

Prep: 3 minTotal: 5 min

Ingredients

  • 60 ml DRY GIN
  • 15 ml BLUE CURACAO
  • 15 ml TRIPLE SEC
  • 2 oz DRY GIN
  • ½ oz BLUE CURACAO
  • ½ oz TRIPLE SEC

Garnish

  • LEMON TWIST

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice
  2. Shake well until it feels cold
  3. Strain into a chilled glass
  4. Add garnish

Nutritional Info

  • Calories:200 kcal
  • Alcohol units:3.3 units
  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume)~37%

Dietary Info

VeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-free
Country of origin: Italy

"Angelo Azzurro" Variations

  • Swap Gin for Vodka to mellow out the botanical element.
  • Add a small splash of Limoncello for a tangy, lemon-forward twist.
  • Try a dash of Coconut Rum for a breezy, tropical vibe.
  • Top it off with a touch of Prosecco if you fancy a bubbly finish.

Bright, playful, and unforgettable, this drink stands out among its peers for good reason. Whether you’re indulging for the first time or revisiting an old favourite, it’s that irresistible blend of colour, sweetness, and a little punch that keeps you coming back.

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Current Comments: 2

Benjamin T.
Jun 5, 2024
The combination of blue curaçao and triple sec is perfect. It’s visually stunning too!
Sophia G.
May 29, 2024
Lovely blue color and refreshing taste. The lemon twist adds a nice citrus aroma.