This copycat Sonic Ocean Water recipe is just perfect for hot summer days. This coconut-flavored drink will transport you straight to a beachy paradise without even having to leave your kitchen!
My family and I are huge fans of Sonic’s fun, bright blue drink. And it is super easy to make this delicious and oh-so-refreshing drink right at home.
You can make enough to serve you and a friend, or make enough for an entire pitcher and serve a party punch with blue coconut flavor. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound mixology skills!
This blog post will cover all the essential steps and ingredients to recreate this iconic Sonic beverage. We’ll also touch on some fun variations and tips to make this delightful drink truly unique.
Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Omgsh how fun was this to drink! It was such a hit that I’m definitely going to make it for our 4th of July themed BBQ this weekend. We’re going to do floats with white vanilla ice cream and red cherries for a red, white, and BLUE effect.
— Sharon
🥥Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Water
- Sugar
- Coconut extract
- Lemon lime soda: Like Sprite or 7 Up
- Blue food coloring
Are you looking for more fun drinks? Try my homemade lemonade, blackberry limeade, prickly pear lemonade, or dirty diet coke for refreshing summer drinks.
🥤How to Make Sonic Ocean Water
- Prepare the simple syrup: Combine water and sugar in a small bowl, and microwave it for 30 seconds. Give it a good stir to make sure all the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool.
- Combine ingredients: Once your sugar mixture has cooled, it’s time to pour it into a pitcher. Add your blue food coloring (start with just a few drops) and coconut extract, and stir everything together. When you’re satisfied with the color, gradually pour the lemon-lime soda over the top and watch the bubbles fizz up.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve it over ice to keep it refreshingly cold, especially on those hot summer days.
🐟Serving Ideas
Jazz It Up with Garnishes
One fun way to make it more festive is by adding garnishes. Here are a few ideas to spruce up your Sonic Ocean Water:
- Lemon or lime wedges: A citrusy touch can brighten up the flavor of your drink and add a pop of color.
- Fresh mint leaves: For a refreshing twist, add a few mint sprigs to your glass.
- Colorful straws or umbrellas: Sometimes, it’s all about presentation. Brightly colored straws and cocktail umbrellas can make your Sonic Ocean Water feel like a tropical vacation.
Serving Sonic Ocean Water at Parties
When it comes to parties, I’m all about easy and fuss-free recipes, and Ocean Water fits the bill. Here’s how you can serve it at your next gathering:
- Make a large batch: Multiply the recipe to cater to the number of guests you expect.
- Set up a self-serve station: Place your big batch of Sonic Ocean Water in a beverage dispenser or punch bowl, and let guests serve themselves.
- Offer a variety of garnishes: Set out an assortment of garnishes like lemon wedges, mint leaves, and fun straws, so your guests can customize their drinks.
💭How to Store
Keep any leftover drink from sitting out too long since it is best enjoyed cold. The carbonated soda will start to go flat, but refrigeration can help extend the carbonation.
For best results, store the blue sugar syrup for a few days and add the soda as you serve the drink. Pour the sugar syrup into a pitcher or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
🧊Crushed Ice vs. Cubed Ice
When making this copycat recipe at home, you might wonder whether to use crushed ice or cubed ice. I’ve experimented with both, and here’s what I found:
- Crushed ice: This creates a more authentic Sonic experience, as it closely resembles the texture of the ice used in their drinks. However, it can also dilute the flavor faster as it melts more quickly.
- Cubed ice: While not as true to the original, using cubed ice keeps the blue coconut drink cold without watering it down as much.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you have on hand. I usually use cubed ice because that’s what my freezer makes, but feel free to use crushed ice if you’re feeling fancy!
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Feel free to double or triple the recipe if you’re making this drink for a party or gathering. Just make sure you have a big enough pitcher!
- Try garnishing your Sonic Ocean Water with a slice of pineapple or maraschino cherry for an extra tropical touch.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your food coloring. If you want to add a drop or two of green for a sea green color or make it a different color altogether, go for it.
- Adjust the amount of coconut flavoring, depending on your preference. Start with the suggested amounts in the recipe, but add more or less depending on how sweet or tropical you want your drink to be. Taste testing is half the fun!
- Make it a Slushie! Blend the drink with some ice until it reaches your desired consistency for a blended slush drink. It’s a fun twist on the original that’s perfect for cooling down in the heat.
📝FAQ
There’s no exact science to this, as it mostly depends on your preference. I like to add enough to achieve that eye-catching blue hue without going overboard. Start with a few drops and add until you reach your desired color. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
You can find it in the baking section of most grocery stores, near the vanilla extract. You can also buy it online at Amazon or other retailers.
Although Ocean Water is typically a non-alcoholic beverage, you can add a splash of your favorite spirit to make it a grown-up treat. I recommend adding either vodka or coconut rum for a spiked drink with a tropical twist. Remember that adding alcohol will change the flavor, and enjoy it responsibly!
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Sonic Ocean Water Recipe
Ingredients
For two:
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 24 ounces lemon-lime soda 2 cans
- Blue food coloring
For five:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut extract
- 2 liters lemon-lime soda
- Blue food coloring
Instructions
- Mix the water and sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for 30 seconds and stir to dissolve all the sugar to make a simple syrup. Let it cool.1 cup water, 1 cup sugar
- Pour the sugar and water mixture into a pitcher. Add the food coloring and coconut extract. Stir well. Then pour the sprite over the top.2 tablespoons coconut extract, Blue food coloring
- Serve over ice.2 liters lemon-lime soda
Notes
- Feel free to double or triple the recipe if you’re making this drink for a party or gathering. Just make sure you have a big enough pitcher or a punch bowl.
- Try garnishing your Sonic Ocean Water with a slice of pineapple or maraschino cherry for an extra tropical touch.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your food coloring. If you want to add a drop or two of green for a sea green color or make it a different color altogether, go for it.
- Adjust the amount of coconut flavoring, depending on your preference.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
This is so perfect for kid’s parties because they love the blue color. It pretty and refreshing!
Looks really refreshing. I am going to try it out tonight. I just had one question. Can I use coconut water in place of coconut extract? Love the electric blue colour. My teen will love this.
Coconut water will work, but it won’t be as coconuty!
So refreshing, and a great way to re-create the Sonic experience at home! Thank you!
Omgsh how fun was this to drink! It was such a hit that I’m definitely going to make it for our 4th of July themed BBQ this weekend. We’re going to do floats with white vanilla ice cream and red cherries for a red, white, and BLUE effect.
I loved making this at home. Thanks for a great recipe. Also, thanks for the idea of adding some rum! Yum!
This is such a fun drink for summer! It was a hit at our weekend pool party.
Never did I think a Sonic drink would be my drink of choice for a birthday party, but I’m planning an Island theme fiesta and will make this! It’s the perfect mix of refreshing and tropical. Planning to 6x the recipe and serve pitchers. Thanks!
Love that blue color. And it was so refreshing.