I went to town on the blue beverages this month. NDAM is an important month for us diabetics; it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease, engage folks in taking action in one way or another, and celebrating our successes, however small. The timing wasn’t ideal for fundraising due to Covid, so I did my small part by staying the fuck home and concocting celebratory beverages for everyone. I know, I know – I’m the true T1D hero here.

There’s actually a host of tasty options for turning your average beverage blue, but by far the easiest, cheapest and least limiting option is Blue Curacao. It goes with a whole lot of flavors… you just have to be careful how much you use because it packs a decent amount of sugar and carbs (5 g sugar; 7 g carbs per 1 oz). I got around this my usual way… I just cut the amount I used to 0.5 oz to keep things manageable but maintain the flavor.

Here are 3 recipes for blue beverages – enjoy & happy NDAM.

BLUE HAWAIIAN – 4 CARBS

Ingredients:

• 2 oz silver rum
• 0.5 oz Blue Curaçao
• 0.75 oz sugar free pineapple syrup (I like the Torani brand)
• 1 tbsp coconut milk
• 3 oz water
• Crushed ice

Directions:

• Put all ingredients into cocktail shaker, add ice and shake well.
• Pour into glass over ice.
• Enjoy on the rocks or blended (preferably on a beach).

BLUE TONIC – 7 CARBS

A twist on the traditional gin & tonic – gave Empress Gin (also blue) a try with this one. Ingredients (makes one drink):

• 1.5 oz Empress Gin
• 0.5 oz Blue Curacao
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
• Dash Angostura bitters
• Fresh slice of lime
• Sparkling water
• Dash liquid Stevia
• Large ice cube

Directions:

• Add all ingredients except sparkling water in whiskey glass & stir.
• Test flavor to one’s personal liking, then add sparkling water in desired amount and mix again.

TEQUILA BLUE – 3.5 CARBS

Ingredients:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 0.5 oz Blue Curacao
• 0.5 oz SF Peach syrup
• Fresh slice of lime
• Sparkling water
• Dash liquid Stevia

Directions:

• Add all ingredients except sparkling water in medium size glass & stir.
• Test flavor to your personal liking, then add sparkling water in desired amount and mix again.
• Add ice if you want it on the rocks.
• Garnish rim of glass with salt, if desired.