Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Recipe

The Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Recipe is going viral on TikTok and Instagram right now. That bright blue color looks so pretty in photos, and people love how eye-catching it is.

It’s one of the most talked-about drinks from Applebee’s, and many fans want to try it at home. Now I’m sharing how to make this Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Recipe at Home.

This copycat recipe has become super popular because the real version from Applebee’s costs money, but you can make it yourself with simple ingredients. The drink tastes amazing too – it’s sweet, tart, and refreshing all at once.

I’ll walk you through the simple steps to create your own version. You’ll need just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.

Why You Will Love This Copycat Drink

You and I both want a drink that looks great and tastes good without hard steps. This one is simple, bright, and easy to mix at home.

1. Bright Color Appeal – You will love the bold blue color. It looks eye-catching in any glass and adds a cool vibe to your drink time at home.
2. Easy To Mix – I find this recipe very simple. You only need a few ingredients, and you can shake it together in minutes without any stress.
3. Sweet And Tangy Balance – You get a nice mix of sweet and tart flavors. It feels fresh, light, and smooth with every sip you take.
4. Great For Sharing – You can serve this drink to friends. It looks nice and feels special, even though it is easy to prepare at home.

How Strong Is the Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop

This cocktail sits in a moderate strength range. With 1.25 oz of raspberry vodka and 0.75 oz of blue curaçao, the total alcohol content is about 2 oz of spirits per serving. Vodka typically runs around 40% ABV, while blue curaçao is lighter at around 15–25% ABV.

That puts this drink somewhere between a light and medium-strength cocktail – not too heavy, but definitely not a soft drink.

Best Way to Rim a Martini Glass for This Cocktail

Getting a clean, even sugar rim takes just a little technique, and it’s totally a nice extra touch. I like to use plain white granulated sugar because it gives a clean sparkle that shows off against the blue cocktail.

First, I run a fresh lemon wedge around the very outer edge of the rim – just the outside, not the inside – so the sugar only coats where your lips touch.

Then I dip the glass straight down into a shallow plate of sugar and give it one slow twist. That’s it.

A pro tip that makes a big difference: don’t press too hard. Light pressure gives you a thin, even coat that looks polished. Heavy pressing causes clumping and uneven patches.

You can also mix a tiny bit of lemon zest into your sugar for a citrusy scented rim that adds even more flavor.

For colored sugar rims, blue or purple sanding sugar looks absolutely stunning against this cocktail and makes it look like it came straight from a professional bar.

Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Ingredients

1.25 oz Raspberry Vodka – This is the base of the whole drink. Raspberry vodka gives the cocktail its fruity backbone and that subtle berry sweetness. Brands like Smirnoff Raspberry or Absolut Raspberri work perfectly.

Substitution: Plain vodka with a splash of raspberry syrup or a few drops of raspberry extract works as a swap.

0.75 oz Blue Curaçao – This bright blue orange-flavored liqueur gives the drink its bold color. It adds a sweet citrus note that lifts the whole cocktail. DeKuyper Blue Curaçao is a popular and budget-friendly choice.

Substitution: Triple sec or Cointreau with a drop of blue food coloring can mimic both flavor and color.

1 oz Simple Syrup – Simple syrup helps balance the tart lemon juice and adds just the right sweetness. It is made by mixing equal parts sugar and water.

Substitution: Honey syrup, agave nectar, or store-bought simple syrup all work well.

2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, tangy flavor that makes the drink refreshing. Fresh is always best, but bottled can work if needed.

Substitution: Use fresh lime juice with a tiny splash of lemon extract if lemons are not available.

Sugar (for the rim) – A sugar rim adds a sweet crunch to every sip and makes the drink look more fun and polished. Regular white sugar works great.

Substitution: Colored sugar or a lemon-sugar mix (sugar with lemon zest) for extra flavor.

A Lemon Slice (for garnish) – A fresh lemon slice on the rim finishes the drink and adds a nice pop of color against the bright blue cocktail.

Equipment & Tools You Need

1. Cocktail shaker – for mixing
2. Jigger – measure liquids
3. Strainer – smooth pour
4. Martini glass – classic look
5. Small plate – sugar rim
6. Knife – cut lemon
7. Ice cubes – chill drink

How to Make Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop

Step 1 | Prepare Your Glass

Pour a little sugar onto a flat plate. Take a lemon wedge and rub it around the rim of your martini glass to make it wet. Then gently press the rim into the sugar and twist it so it coats evenly. Set the glass aside.

Step 2 | Juice the Lemon

Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze out about 2 oz of juice. You can use a juicer or just your hands. Make sure to remove any seeds. Fresh lemon juice gives the drink a bright and fresh taste.

Step 3 | Add Ingredients to the Shaker

Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in the raspberry vodka, blue curaçao, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Make sure everything goes into the shaker before closing it.

Step 4 | Shake It Well

Seal the shaker tightly and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds. The drink should get very cold and a little frothy. When the outside of the shaker feels icy, it’s ready.

Step 5 | Strain Into the Glass

Place a strainer on top of the shaker and slowly pour the drink into your prepared glass. Pour gently so the sugar rim stays nice and clean.

Step 6 | Add the Garnish & Serve

Cut a fresh lemon slice and make a small slit in it. Place it on the rim of the glass. Serve right away and enjoy that bright blue color.

Bartender Tips for the Best Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop

• Chill Your Glass First: Place your glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before making the drink. A cold glass keeps your cocktail nice and chilled for longer and makes it feel more refreshing.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives a bright, clean taste that really makes this drink pop. Bottled juice can taste dull and slightly bitter, so I always go fresh for the best flavor.
• Double Strain for a Smooth Drink: If you want a smoother texture, pour the drink through a fine mesh strainer along with your shaker strainer. This removes tiny ice bits and gives a clean, silky finish.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Before you pour, taste your drink. If it feels too tart, add a little more simple syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a splash more lemon juice. This helps you get the flavor just right.

What to Serve With Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop

At Applebee’s, this cocktail is often served as a standalone sip – usually arriving in a chilled martini glass with that sugar rim and a bright lemon garnish on the side. It’s meant to be sipped slowly and admired for its vivid blue look.

At home, I love pairing it with light appetizers and finger foods. Spinach artichoke dip, mozzarella sticks, or a fresh shrimp cocktail go really well with the sweet-tart flavor of this drink.

You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken sliders or a citrusy salad. The bold blue color looks stunning on a party table, so it works great as your signature cocktail for get-togethers.

Popular Variations of the Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop

1. Frozen Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop — Blend all ingredients with a full cup of ice instead of shaking for a slushy, frozen version that’s perfect on a hot day.
2. Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Mocktail — Swap the vodka for sparkling water and use blue raspberry lemonade in place of blue curaçao for a totally alcohol-free version.
3. Spicy Blue Lemon Drop — Add two thin slices of fresh jalapeño to the shaker for a sweet-heat kick that adds a surprising twist to every sip.
4. Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Spritz — Top the finished drink with a splash of lemon-lime soda or club soda for a lighter, fizzier version with lower alcohol content.
5. Tropical Blue Lemon Drop — Add 0.5 oz of coconut rum along with the raspberry vodka to give the cocktail a breezy, island-inspired twist.

Storage Tips

This cocktail is best made fresh and served right away. That said, you can mix the liquid base ahead of time.

Combine the raspberry vodka, blue curaçao, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a sealed jar or bottle and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When ready to serve, shake it with ice and strain into a prepared glass. Do not sugar the rim ahead of time – it will dissolve and get soggy. Always rim and garnish just before serving for the best look and texture.

Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Recipe FAQs

1. How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce the amount of simple syrup or add more lemon juice. This helps balance the flavor and gives a more tangy taste. Adjust slowly so the drink does not become too sour.

2. Why is my drink not bright blue?

This may happen when less blue curaçao is used or too much lemon juice is added. Adjust the amount of blue curaçao to get a stronger color. A small drop of food color can also help.

3. Can I make this into a punch?

Yes, this recipe works great as a punch. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix everything except the ice in a large punch bowl. Add a big block of ice to keep it cold. Serve in small glasses with a lemon slice on top for a pretty look.

4. How can I make the color more vibrant?

Use the right amount of blue curaçao and avoid adding too much lemon juice, as it can lighten the color. A tiny drop of blue food coloring can also help boost the look. Always mix well so the color spreads evenly in the drink.

I hope you try this Applebee’s Blue Raspberry Lemon Drop Recipe at home. It is a simple way to add that cool, blue style to your table.

Save this recipe for later, share it with a friend who loves cocktails, or try one of the fun variations to make it your own.