Some days you just need to sit back and relax. Take some time to process things. Don’t rush to judgement. Give ’em a second chance to make a first impression. That’s what I’m trying to do, so let’s escape together. Join me now as we chill and make the Swimming Pool. 

Doesn’t that sound good right now? Just relaxing by the pool. The smell of chlorine and the coconut scent of Hawaiian Tropic drifting on the breeze. Going for a swim to cool off and then laying in the sun to warm back up. Remember to flip from time to time before rebasting with tanning oil. Apply this whole scenario liberally and often. This drink is reminiscent of that kind of day. Despite its too true blue hotel bar appearance, this was actually created by one of the godfather’s of the modern cocktail scene, Charles Schumann, who wrote American Bar and kicked off the modern cocktail renaissance. 

Grab your tins and pop in 3/4 of an ounce of vodka, I used that stuff in the crystal monkey head; 3/4 of an ounce of light rum, I went with Cane Run 12, since it was handy; 2 ounces of pineapple juice, 3/4 of an ounce of coconut cream and 3/4 of an ounce of heavy cream. Add ice and shake well, to the beat of “We’re Not Gonna Take It“ cause some days call for Twisted Sister, too much mascara and shoulder pads. Grab something tall and pretty, not me, the glass, and strain the creamy white liquid into said vessel. Pack with crushed ice, we went the Sonic Pebble ice route, cause that just works. Add a reusable straw and top with 1/4 ounce of blue curaçao, a little more ice and wait. The whole point of this presentation is letting the blue stuff do its thing as it slowly sinks through the creamy beverage. 

You want to do some learning? Cool, I’ve been a teacher most of the day. All those cool blue shapes you are witnessing as the curaçao makes its way thought the drink are the result of Brownian Motion. This is a fascinating phenomenon, which is basically just the activity of molecules in the drink bouncing off of other molecules, directed by variables such as temperature differential, current influenced by the pour, specific gravity of the two liquids, etc. This is why your cream swirls in your coffee in an always changing pattern, this is why storm clouds do their thing. We know how it works, we know why it works, because science is awesome. But, here is the coolest part, we cannot predict it. Even with all this knowledge and all the supercomputers in the world, we cannot accurately predict what shape this blue curaçao is going to take as it blends with the drink. It is a good reminder that there are things we just can’t know. That can be frustrating, but it is also a bit humbling and a great reminder that no matter how much we learn, the universe still holds mystery. 

There is no mystery about the drink, though. It tastes great. A big blue brownian piña colada with a kick. It is cool and creamy, the color has pool written all over it and that coconut makes me want to oil up. I should’ve played with the garnish, maybe thrown a bright cherry or a lego shark on top, but with that color, who needs it. Ok, a pineapple wedge would have been cool too. So, when you make it, be better than I was. 

Obviously, the blue curaçao makes this one work, visually. Did you know that blue curaçao is nothing special? It doesn’t bring some extra exotic flavor, it is just standard orange curaçao with a dye job. Yep, same great orange flavor with an added element of “look at me!” Still, it is fun to play with. There was even a chance to learn some math while making the drink. I had Liam read the ingredients out loud, but I made him convert all the decimals to fractions. See, there is always an opportunity for teachable moments and education is never a waste. 

I feel like we have learned a lot today and I am learning to hold my tongue and my judgement. Well, I am trying to anyway. Take a break, relax by the swimming pool with a Swimming Pool in your paw as you let your cares drift away into the blue dyed twilight. You’ll feel better for it and we are gonna need our strength. After all, tomorrow is another day. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.