You Have to Try the Amazing Turtle Cocktail at Playa Forte Restaurant in Curacao

Suppose you’re a cocktail enthusiast or someone who loves exploring unique flavors. In that case, the Turtle Cocktail from Playa Forte Restaurant in Curacao is a must-try. With its enticing blue and green hues, this vibrant drink combines vodka, blue and green curaçao, lemon juice, and ginger ale, offering a refreshing twist perfect for a tropical setting.

Playa Forte Restaurant is known for its scenic beachside location and menu that captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine. Inspired by the island’s love for sea turtles, the Turtle Cocktail has become a signature drink. Its name and vibrant color pay homage to the beautiful marine life that thrives around Curacao.

This cocktail brings the beach to you. Even if you can’t be on a tropical island, you can feel like you are with every sip of this refreshing drink. You can quickly whip up this cocktail at home with just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for pool parties, BBQs, or a relaxing patio evening.

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The Turtle Ingredients

1. Vodka
2. Blue Curacao
3. Green Curacao (I substituted Midori)
4. Ginger Ale
5. Lemon Juice
6. Slice of Pineapple and Cherry for Garnish

Tips

With all of the Vodkas on the market, I use Stoli, Absolut, Ketel One, or Grey Goose to make cocktails. Use good quality spirits. The better the ingredients, the better your cocktail will taste.

While in Curacao, we visited the Distillery known for producing the iconic blue liqueur the island is known for: Blue Curacao. The rounded shape of the bottle represents the Valencia orange, and the neck represents its stem. Apparently, if you buy Curacao liqueur and the bottle is in a different shape, it is not a genuine article! Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find ‘the original’.

When in Curacao, I only bought a bottle of ‘blue’ and not ‘green,’ so I’ve substituted Midori Liqueur for Green Curacao. It adds a touch of fruitiness to the cocktail. The Midori is also heavier than the Curacao and settles to the bottom of the glass.

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Bar Tools

Here are awesome products to help YOU make the most incredible drinks. Impress your family and friends and be the BEST Cocktail Barista in your neighborhood.

Need a great Cocktail Shaker but don’t know which one to buy? Look no further.

Martini or cocktail, a good shake makes all the difference in the world so buying a cocktail shaker can seriously step up your at-home drink game. Think about it: no more settling for boring mixed drinks when you can whip up bar-quality cocktails in your kitchen. It’s not just about the fancy presentation (although that’s a fun bonus) but also about how it makes mixing drinks easier and more fun. 

I have at least a dozen shakers, but one favorite. The shaker doesn’t leak; you won’t have to hit the shaker against the sink to get the top off, and the cap will measure from 1/2 to 1.5 ounces with clearly marked labels. Measure the perfect amount every time. And it is dishwasher safe!

Plus, once you get the hang of shaking, you’ll feel like a total pro, impressing your friends and yourself with your newfound bartending skills. So why not add a little shake, shake, shake to your life and upgrade your happy hour?

Another handy bar tool is the citrus juicer. Unless you free pour and don’t measure, this citrus juicer makes measuring citrus juices like limes and lemons, a breeze. Measure the perfect amount every time.

Pairing with Playa Forte’s Menu

The Turtle Cocktail pairs wonderfully with Playa Forte’s seafood offerings. Try it with their grilled shrimp or ceviche to enhance the tropical flavors of the dish. The cocktail’s refreshing qualities also make it an excellent match for lighter fare like salads or fruit platters, allowing the natural flavors of the food to shine through.

How to Make a Turtle

Fill a tall glass with ice. I’m using Waterford Highball glasses, but acrylic glasses are great if you’re headed out by the pool.

Add the lemon juice, Ginger Ale, Vodka and Blue Curacao to the glass and stir gently.

Slowly pour the Green Curacao onto the top of the ice. If using a substitute, like Midori Liqueur, the Midori will sink to the bottom of the glass, reversing the colors, and the green will be on the bottom instead of the top.

Garnish with a slice of pineapple and cherry.

Visiting Curacao is an adventure; trying the local cuisine and beverages is vital to that experience. The Turtle Cocktail at Playa Forte Restaurant tastes the island’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. Whether relaxing on the beach, enjoying a sunset dinner, or simply looking for a unique drink, the Turtle Cocktail will surely leave a lasting impression.

Next time you visit Curacao, visit Playa Forte Restaurant and indulge in the Turtle Cocktail. Its unique blend of flavors and stunning presentation make it more than just a drink—it’s an experience. Cheers to discovering new tastes and creating unforgettable memories in the beautiful Caribbean!

Discover more lush flavors of exotic tropical cocktails that will transport your taste buds to a sun-kissed island escape: Curacao Cocktails.

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