Enjoy a refreshing and fun Ocean Water Drink by the pool this summer.
When my parents first moved into the house they’ve lived in for the past twenty-some-odd years, my siblings and I would always carpool together from New York City a few hours west into Pennsylvania to visit. On the way there, the place we always stopped at was a Sonic Drive-In. Sometimes we were hungry enough for burgers and fries, but most times we’d just grab a few munchies and some drinks, usually of the slush variety.
When it was summer, I would treat myself to their famous Ocean Water drink, a coconut and lemon-lime flavored carbonated mixture served over crushed ice. I remember those hot, humid nights, sitting in the car as we drove the last stretch to our mom and dad’s house, sipping on the tropical, fizzy, and refreshing Ocean Water through a straw, wistfully looking forward to doing the same thing while sitting poolside.
Tonight’s recipe brings me right back to those days, almost two decades ago. Taking its inspiration from Sonic’s popular kid-friendly sipper, this Ocean Water recreates that effervescent, sapphire-colored tropical treat. Out here in Los Angeles, the closest Sonic we have is in Duarte or Anaheim. Not exactly a quick drive when you factor in our infamous traffic. But now, when I crave some Ocean Water, I can make my own at home.
What is the best alcohol to use in an Ocean Water Drink?
Since this is a recreation of a non-alcoholic concoction, you won’t need any spirits to craft it. Just grab some Sprite, 7UP, or any lemon-lime soda you like, a little water, sugar, blue food coloring, and some coconut extract for those island-friendly notes, follow our instructions to prep, then pour over ice and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 2 drops blue food coloring
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
- 1 can Sprite or 7UP
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the water and sugar. Microwave on high for about 30 seconds. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the coconut extract and blue food coloring and stir well. This is your syrup base.
- Fill a hurricane glass with crushed ice or ice cubes and add the blue syrup.
- Pour your can of Sprite (or 7UP) into the glass. Top with a cherry and serve with a straw.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Fill a hurricane glass with ice to hold your Ocean Water in, then garnish with a maraschino cherry and pop a straw in for your sipping pleasure.
Is there a cocktail version of this drink?
Yes, there is, in fact, an adult-friendly drink known as the Ocean Water. That recipe mixes coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut water together for a grown-up beverage that is also perfect for summertime imbibing.
Other alcohol-free drinks worth trying
If you’re searching for other “vacation-ready” but alcohol-free recipes to make at home for yourself and the whole family, check out the collection that we have here at Twist & Toast. The handful below should get you started, but be sure to explore the site for even more ideas.
- Blue Lagoon Mocktail – Here’s another azure-looking refresher that’ll cool you down.
- Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri – Relax in the shade with this smooth and fruity reward.
- Arnold Palmer – Iced tea and lemonade combine in this legendary thirst-quencher.
- Roy Rogers – Grenadine and dark cola offer up a sweet and fizzy soft drink.
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