Some of us were parents when Barney the Dinosaur was on TV, and some of us were kids. We're going to guess that the two groups have very different memories and associations with the purple and green dino, but one thing we can all agree on is this: the Barney drink is probably way better than anything else purple and green that ever came out of the Barney the dino universe.
How to Make a Barney Drink
Those of us who were parents of young kids during the Barney years probably wished we had this purple and green drink to sip on back when the dino was appointment TV for our littles.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces coconut rum
- 1½ ounce + ½ ounce blue curaçao
- 1½ ounces orange juice
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1½ ounces peach liqueur
- 1½ ounces cranberry juice
- 3 cups ice
Instructions
- In a blender, add half the ice along with the coconut rum, 1½ ounces of blue curaçao, and orange juice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a poco grande glass.
- In a cleaned blender, add the remaining ice along with the vodka, peach liqueur, and cranberry juice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into cocktail glass, creating a second layer.
- Top off with the remaining ½ ounce of blue curaçao.
Related: Refreshing Miami Vice Cocktail That Brings the Heat
Barney Drink Variations and Substitutions
The Barney cocktail needs that signature green and purple, but you can certainly play around with the flavors you use.
- For the purple layer, consider using grape vodka with grape liqueur.
- Instead of plain vodka, consider using vanilla, whipped cream, or even lemon vodka.
- You can easily use pineapple juice instead of orange juice.
- Swap the cranberry juice for cherry juice.
- Consider using tequila instead of coconut rum or vodka.
Garnishes for the Barney Cocktail
There's no garnish aside from a blue curaçao float, but don't let that stop you from tossing on a garnish or two.
- Give your drink a sugary garnish by rubbing the rim with a citrus wedge and dipping it into either green or purple sugar.
- Keep it simple with a lime wheel, wedge, or slice.
- Drop a cherry on top or pierce the cherry with a cocktail skewer along with a lime garnish of your choice.
The Famous Purple Dinosaur
Embrace the work it takes to make a slushie drink, and your reward is not just a visually stunning and amusing cocktail, but one that tastes like a frozen and delicious punch. Pair the Barney drink with a few other 90s cocktails, or allow him to be the star of your gathering. Go ahead. This is your sign to once again hang out with Barney and friends.
