Thank you so much for stopping by. If you’ve been searching for a party-perfect cocktail that’s as whimsical as it is delicious, I’ve got just the thing for you. I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce one of the most playful, eye-catching drinks to ever hit the punch bowl table—the Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail.

This bright blue beauty blends citrusy vodka and Blue Curaçao with fizzy soda, tangy lime, and a fluffy topping of whipped cream that looks just like bubbly bath foam. And the cherry on top? A little rubber ducky floating in your drink. Yes, it’s real. Yes, it’s adorable. And yes, you absolutely need to try it.

The Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a moment. A conversation starter. A mood-lifter. A burst of color and charm that your guests won’t stop talking about. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, bridal shower, beachy brunch, or themed night with friends, this cocktail will instantly set the tone for fun.

What Is the Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail?

The Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail is a citrus-forward, slightly sweet and bubbly cocktail, styled to look like a mini bathtub full of sudsy bubbles. It’s typically served in a clear bowl or novelty bathtub-style serving vessel, with lemon slices lining the bottom, crushed ice filling the space, and the brilliant blue mixture poured over the top.

The whipped cream topping mimics bath bubbles, and a clean rubber ducky floats on the surface, making this cocktail an absolute showpiece. It’s a lighthearted drink with a tangy-sweet flavor profile that will surprise you with just how good it tastes.

The vibrant blue color comes from Blue Curaçao, while lemonade and lemon-lime soda offer a zesty balance. Vodka brings a neutral kick, and fresh lime juice ties everything together with brightness. Despite its party look, the flavor is totally grown-up, refreshing, and dangerously drinkable.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this cocktail will become your go-to for festive occasions. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Visually spectacular: The bright blue color, topped with fluffy whipped cream and garnished with a tiny rubber ducky, creates an unforgettable visual experience.
Easy to make in batches: It’s effortless to scale this drink up for large parties or events. Just multiply the ingredients and serve in a larger bowl or punch container.
Delightfully fun: The floating duck and bubbly appearance will make your guests smile before they even take a sip.
Light and citrusy flavor: It’s refreshing and zesty without being overly sweet.
Customizable: You can tweak the base spirits or switch up the presentation for different party themes.

What Does It Taste Like?

If you’re imagining something too sweet or gimmicky—think again. The Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail strikes a lovely balance between tart citrus and light sweetness. The Blue Curaçao adds orange notes and vibrant color, the vodka gives it that kick without overpowering the citrus, and the lemonade and lime juice bring tang and brightness.

The addition of lemon-lime soda adds gentle bubbles, and the whipped cream on top lends a creamy texture contrast that somehow works beautifully with the zingy cocktail base. It’s sweet enough to be fun but far from cloying. Think poolside punch meets childhood nostalgia—with a decidedly grown-up twist.

Benefits of This Recipe

Perfect for themed parties: From baby showers to Barbie-themed birthdays, this cocktail fits right in.
Ideal for sharing: The presentation is designed for group settings, making it a party planner’s dream.
Minimal prep and effort: No special tools, shaking, or blending needed.
Visually customizable: You can switch the ducky for other toppers or change up the color scheme.
Instagram-worthy: This drink is practically begging for a photo shoot.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

½ cup Blue Curaçao
½ cup vodka (citrus-flavored or plain)
¾ cup lemonade (fresh or store-bought)
1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh is best)
1 cup lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7-Up), chilled
2 cups crushed ice
Lemon slices, for garnish
Lime zest (optional, for extra color and fragrance)
Whipped cream (to simulate bath bubbles)
1 small rubber ducky (clean and food-safe; not edible)

Tools You’ll Need

Large clear punch bowl or bathtub-style novelty bowl
Cocktail shaker or large pitcher for mixing
Long spoon or stir stick
Measuring cups
Ice crusher or sturdy blender
Whisk or piping bag for the whipped cream (optional, but adds finesse)

Possible Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

There are endless ways to riff on this playful recipe depending on your preferences, ingredients on hand, or party theme.

Vodka: Swap with white rum, coconut rum, or silver tequila for different flavor notes.
Blue Curaçao: If alcohol isn’t needed, you can replace it with a splash of blue raspberry syrup or blue sports drink for a mocktail.
Lemonade: Try using pink lemonade or limeade for a color and flavor twist.
Lemon-lime soda: If you want to reduce sweetness, try soda water or tonic with a splash of lemon juice.
Whipped cream: For a longer-lasting “bubble bath,” use stabilized whipped cream or even a whipped coconut topping.
Rubber ducky: Can be swapped for cocktail umbrellas, tiny flamingo floaties, or edible floating candies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Serving Bowl

Start by choosing a serving vessel that fits the theme. A large clear punch bowl or even a novelty bathtub-shaped bowl adds major visual appeal. Line the inside with thin lemon slices to create a fresh, citrusy base and a beautiful border.

2. Mix the Cocktail Base

In a large pitcher or shaker, combine the vodka, Blue Curaçao, lemonade, and lime juice. Stir or shake until well mixed. The color should be a vibrant blue, and the aroma should be citrus-forward and slightly floral.

3. Fill the Bowl with Ice

Add your crushed ice to the serving bowl. Crushed ice is ideal because it keeps everything colder longer and creates a slushy effect that mimics real bath water.

4. Pour in the Cocktail Mix

Carefully pour the cocktail base over the crushed ice in the bowl. Use a long spoon to stir slightly, helping the mix filter through the ice and chill evenly.

5. Add the Fizz

Top off the bowl with lemon-lime soda, pouring slowly to preserve the carbonation. This will give the drink that refreshing fizz and finish the illusion of bathwater.

6. Add the Bubbles

Dollop whipped cream on top of the cocktail to mimic a sudsy bath. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative look. A little goes a long way, and it adds a creamy contrast to the tart cocktail.

7. Float the Duck

Place your clean, dry rubber ducky gently on top of the whipped cream or directly on the soda surface. Be sure it’s BPA-free and labeled food-safe, and remember—it’s not edible!

What to Serve with the Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail

This drink is the life of the party all by itself, but it pairs beautifully with fresh, bright, and citrus-themed snacks and dishes.

Here are some great pairings:

Mini lemon tarts or citrus cupcakes
Tropical fruit skewers with pineapple, mango, and kiwi
Shrimp cocktail or ceviche
Light flatbreads with goat cheese and arugula
Sparkling water with lime slices for a hydrating companion

Tips for Success

Chill all the ingredients ahead of time, including the spirits and mixers.
Use crushed or pebble ice instead of cubed for better texture and presentation.
Don’t add the whipped cream or rubber ducky until right before serving.
If using canned whipped cream, give it a gentle shake and apply carefully to maintain the bubble look.
Serve with a ladle or a long straw and spoon combo to help guests scoop or sip their portions.

Storage Instructions

This cocktail is best served fresh, but you can mix the alcohol, lemonade, and lime juice in advance and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just wait to add the soda, ice, whipped cream, and duck until you’re ready to serve.

If you do have leftovers (unlikely!), strain out the ice and store the remaining liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should hold its flavor for about a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
You can mix the base ingredients (vodka, Blue Curaçao, lemonade, lime juice) ahead of time and refrigerate. Wait to add soda, ice, and whipped cream until just before serving.

Is the rubber duck safe to use in drinks?
As long as it’s clean, BPA-free, and labeled food-safe, yes. Wash thoroughly with soap and hot water before floating in the drink. It’s for decoration only and should never be ingested.

Can I make a mocktail version of this drink?
Absolutely! Replace the vodka and Blue Curaçao with a splash of blue raspberry syrup and more lemonade. Top with soda and finish the same way.

How can I serve this to a larger crowd?
Simply multiply the ingredients as needed and serve in a larger bowl or beverage dispenser. Prepare all the garnishes and add-ons just before guests arrive for maximum freshness.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

The Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail isn’t just another blue drink—it’s a party statement, a mood-booster, and a ridiculously fun way to make your guests feel special. It looks like a work of art and tastes like pure sunshine. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the kind of cocktail you can whip up for birthdays, brunches, showers, and yes—even just because it’s Friday.

Once you’ve made it, you’ll start thinking of excuses to serve it again. And honestly? You don’t need one.

More Recipes Like This One

If you’re into cocktails with flair and flavor, check out these other festive drinks you’ll love just as much:

Barbiecore Boozy Bubble Cocktail – A pink and sparkly drink that shares the same playful spirit and whipped topping
Tropical Margarita with Mango & Pineapple – A sunny, fruity escape in every sip
Key Lime Pie Mojito – Creamy, tart, and totally refreshing

Share Your Bathtub Cocktail Creations

Did you make this drink? I would absolutely love to see it! Snap a photo and tag it with #MmmrecipesDuckyCocktail on Pinterest or leave a comment and review below. Your feedback makes all the bubble-making worth it.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 180–200
Sugar: 16g
Carbohydrates: 18–22g
Alcohol: ~1.5 oz per serving
Fat: 2g (from whipped cream)

Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail – A Boozy Bubble Bath in a Bowl

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Rubber Ducky Bathtub Cocktail is the ultimate party drink—bright blue, citrusy, fizzy, and topped with whipped cream “bubbles” and a floating rubber ducky. It’s fun, photo-ready, and surprisingly refreshing. Perfect for themed nights, birthdays, and brunches with flair!

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup Blue Curaçao
½ cup vodka (citrus-flavored or plain)
¾ cup lemonade (fresh or store-bought)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 cup lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7-Up), chilled
2 cups crushed ice
Lemon slices, for garnish
Lime zest (optional)
Whipped cream (for “bath bubbles”)
1 small rubber ducky (clean and food-safe, not edible)

Instructions

Prepare your serving bowl:
Use a clear punch bowl or novelty bathtub-style bowl. Line the inside with lemon slices for extra flair.
Mix the base cocktail:
In a large pitcher or shaker, combine vodka, Blue Curaçao, lemonade, and lime juice. Stir or shake until well blended.
Add the crushed ice:
Fill your serving bowl with crushed ice to keep everything nice and chilled.
Pour in the cocktail mix:
Slowly pour your blue cocktail mixture over the ice.
Top with soda:
Gently pour the lemon-lime soda over the mix to add fizz and sparkle.
Create the bubbles:
Spoon or pipe whipped cream across the surface to mimic bath bubbles. Sprinkle lime zest if desired.
Float the rubber ducky:
Carefully place a clean rubber ducky on top for that signature bathtub look.
Serve and enjoy:
Scoop into cups or glasses and let guests sip (and snap pics!) of this playful cocktail.

Notes

For a kid-friendly version, replace alcohol with blue raspberry syrup and extra lemonade.
Always use a clean, BPA-free rubber ducky marked food-safe—just for floating, not for nibbling!
Want longer-lasting “bubbles”? Use stabilized whipped cream or whipped topping.
Make the base cocktail up to 1 day in advance. Add soda, whipped cream, and ducky just before serving for best fizz and presentation.

Crushed ice works best for a slushy, chilled texture and bathwater effect.