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When I say this bomb pop cocktail is my new favorite summer drink, I mean it. It’s fun, colorful, and tastes like a grown-up version of those nostalgic red white and blue rocket popsicles we all loved as kids. Every layer is fruity, refreshing, and easy to sip, and it’s just plain fun to look at. Whether you’re hosting a big Fourth of July party or just hanging out on the patio soaking up the sun, this summer cocktail brings the festive vibes every single time.

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make but always gets people talking. It has that layered look that makes it feel special without requiring any fancy bartending tricks. You don’t need a cocktail shaker or a long list of ingredients. Just pour, mix, layer, and serve. The flavors balance each other perfectly too, sweet grenadine on the bottom, tart lemonade in the middle, and fruity blueberry vodka on top. It’s like sipping summer in a glass.

This bomb pop cocktail is a go-to for hot days, BBQs, fireworks shows, or any time you want something a little playful and a lot refreshing.

Ingredients for this Summer Cocktail

For each bomb pop cocktail, you’ll need:

1 ounce grenadine: This goes on the bottom of the glass and gives that classic red layer with sweet cherry flavor.
1 ½ ounces vodka: Mixed with the lemonade to form the white layer. The neutral flavor gives the drink a kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
¼ cup lemonade: When combined with the plain vodka, it creates a tart and citrusy middle layer that balances the sweetness from the grenadine.
2 ounces blueberry vodka: This makes up the top layer. On its own, blueberry vodka is clear, so to get that bright blue color…
1 drop blue food coloring: This is essential for the signature blue top layer. Without it, the blueberry vodka layer will look colorless.

How to Make a Bomb Pop Cocktail

Fill a glass with ice.
Pour the grenadine into the bottom of your glass — about 1 ounce.
Mix the lemonade and plain vodka together in a small measuring cup or bowl. Slowly pour this mixture over the back of a spoon into the glass, letting it float gently on top of the grenadine.
Combine the blueberry vodka and blue food coloring. Stir until the color is evenly mixed, then slowly layer this mixture on top using the spoon trick again.
Serve immediately. You can add a straw or a bomb pop, but keep it layered if you want the full bomb pop effect.

FAQs

How can I change up this recipe or make different versions?
There are so many fun ways to remix this cocktail. You can swap the blueberry vodka for blue curaçao if you want a slightly citrusy twist, or use flavored lemonade like pink or sparkling lemonade in the middle layer. If you want it a bit sweeter, add a splash of simple syrup or top it with whipped cream. You could even add a popsicle right into the glass for a super fun touch.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Yes! It’s really easy to do. Start with grenadine for the red layer. For the white layer, use regular lemonade. Then add a blue drink (like blue Gatorade or Kool-aid) for the top. Layer everything the same way and you’ll have a super fun, kid-friendly summer cocktail that looks just as festive.

Why do I need blue food coloring if I’m using blueberry vodka?
Great question. Even though it’s called blueberry vodka, most brands are actually clear or very faintly tinted. To get that bold blue top layer, you absolutely need to add blue food coloring. It really makes the whole drink pop.

How do I keep the layers from blending together?
The secret is pouring slowly over the back of a spoon. That helps each layer sit gently on top of the last one without mixing. Start with the heaviest ingredient (grenadine), then build up from there. Also, chilled ingredients help keep the layers sharp and defined.

Can I make a big batch for a party?
This cocktail is best made one at a time to keep the layered look, but you can mix up a batch of the lemonade and plain vodka combo ahead of time and store it in the fridge. That way when you’re ready to serve, you just layer the ingredients in each glass and you’re good to go.

This bomb pop cocktail is everything I want in a summer cocktail — refreshing, festive, and just a little nostalgic. Whether you’re serving it for the Fourth or just sipping on a sunny afternoon, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Let me know if you try it — I’d love to see how yours turn out!