If Sonic’s Ocean Water grew up, got a chic pitcher, and started hanging out at dinner parties — this would be it. Our Copycat Sonic Ocean Water is a coconut-lime mocktail that looks neon-bright and tastes like a vacation in a glass. It’s lighthearted enough for a toddler’s birthday, but pour in a little rum and suddenly you’ve got a grown-up apéro moment. Dinner party energy, zero drive-thru vibes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mocktail or cocktail: Leave it booze-free or spike it with rum. Your call.
- 5-minute prep: Stir, pour, sip — no fancy bar tools needed.
- Dinner-party glow-up: Served in a glass pitcher with lime wheels, it looks chic on the table.
- Toddler-friendly option: Skip the food coloring and call it “blue lagoon juice.”
- Shelf-stable meets fresh: Lemon-lime soda and cream of coconut do the heavy lifting; lime juice keeps it punchy.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
Cream of coconut (like Coco López) is what gives this drink its lush texture. Don’t sub in coconut milk — you’ll lose the silky, tropical body that makes it work. If you want to prep ahead, mix everything except the soda, then top it off with bubbles right before serving.
Feeling bold? Swap the soda for sparkling water to cut the sweetness. Or lean into party mode with coconut rum or even a splash of gin. Garnish with maraschino cherries for retro kitsch or keep it minimal with just lime wheels.
Serving & Pairings
This mocktail loves salty snacks: spiced nuts, potato chips with dip, or even a platter of sushi-adjacent bites (looking at you, crispy rice). Think bar-snack energy but with tropical flair.
FAQ
Can I make Copycat Sonic Ocean Water ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the coconut water, cream of coconut, and lime juice a few hours in advance. Add soda just before serving so it stays fizzy.
What alcohol works best if I want it spiked?
White rum or coconut rum keeps the tropical profile. Vodka works too if you want something more neutral.
Do I have to use blue food coloring?
No — it’s purely for the Sonic vibe. The drink tastes just as good without it.
Copycat Sonic Ocean Water
Ingredients
Main
- 3 cups lemon-lime soda chilled
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 –2 drops blue food coloring
- Crushed ice
- Lime wheels for serving
Optional (Spiked)
- 4 ounces white rum or coconut rum
Instructions
- Fill a pitcher with crushed ice.
- Add the lemon-lime soda, coconut water, simple syrup, coconut extract, and lime juice.
- Stir gently to combine without losing carbonation.
- Add blue food coloring one drop at a time until desired shade is reached.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, lime, or coconut flavors as needed.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with lime wheels.