Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic31.8% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 6 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Seafood, Seafood Dinner, Aperitif
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierGarnish
- 1 1/2 ozGinBase
- 1/2 ozTriple SecModifier
- 1/2 ozBlue CuracaoModifier
- 2 dashesBittersModifier
- 1Maraschino CherryGarnish
- 1 twist ofLemon PeelGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirStrain
- In a mixing glass half-filled with crushed ice, combine the gin, triple sec, Curacao, and bitters.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Stir well.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with the lemon twist and the cherry.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.BittersAromatic bitters (like Angostura) add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters are brighter and more citrus-forward. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral. Swapping between them changes the top-note character — use the same quantity and taste, adjusting by drops.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Bluebird?
- The Bluebird is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 31.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 207 calories.
- What does a Bluebird taste like?
- Bluebird has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Orange, Sweet, Herbal. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Bluebird?
- Bluebird pairs well with Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Bluebird?
- The Bluebird has an ABV of approximately 31.8%. That's approximately 1.54 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 207 calories, 11.2g sugar, 13.8g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Bluebird typically served?
- Bluebird is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Aperitif. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Bluebird?
- If you enjoy Bluebird, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Bluebird at home?
- Yes. The Bluebird uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Bluebird with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.