Easy Sonic Ocean Water® Copycat Recipe (So Refreshing!)
If you’ve ever pulled into Sonic on a hot day, there’s a good chance you’ve ordered their bright blue, coconut-kissed Ocean Water®. It’s icy, sweet, and just a little bit tropical—kind of like a mini beach vacation in a styrofoam cup. In this post, I’ll show you how to make a super simple Sonic Ocean Water® copycat recipe at home using just a few ingredients you can find at almost any grocery store. No fancy tools, no complicated steps—just a fun, family-friendly drink you can whip up in minutes.A Quick Note About Sonic Drive-In & Ocean Water®
Sonic Drive-In is a classic American drive-in restaurant known for its roller-skating carhops (in some locations), huge drink menu, and comfort food. If you grew up in the USA, there’s a good chance Sonic is part of your summer memories—windows rolled down, ice clinking in the cup, and sweet drinks in every color of the rainbow. Ocean Water® is one of Sonic’s most iconic drinks. It’s:- Bright blue and eye-catching
- Sweet but with a light, clean taste
- Coconut-flavored with a gentle tropical vibe
- Cold and fizzy thanks to lemon-lime soda
Homemade Sonic Ocean Water® Copycat Recipe
This version keeps things easy and uses common ingredients. You don’t need any special syrups—just a few pantry staples and some ice.Serving Size & Yield
- Yield: About 4 servings
- Serving Size: 1 (about 12-ounce) glass
Ingredients
- 4 cups cold lemon-lime soda (like Sprite, 7UP, or your favorite brand)
- 3 tablespoons coconut syrup or cream of coconut*
- 1–2 tablespoons simple syrup or granulated sugar (optional, to taste)
- 4–6 drops blue food coloring (adjust for color)
- 2–3 cups ice (crushed ice if you want that Sonic-style texture)
- Lime wedges or maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time & Total Time
- Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
- Total Time: 5–10 minutes
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| This easy Sonic Ocean Water copycat recipe is bright blue, fizzy, and lightly coconut-flavored—just like the drive-thru favorite, made at home in minutes |
Since this is a no-cook drink, there’s no cooking temperature to worry about, but keep ingredients chilled and handle everything with clean hands and tools for food safety.
Step 1: Chill Everything
- Place your lemon-lime soda in the fridge until very cold.
- If you’re using glasses instead of plastic cups, you can pop them in the fridge or freezer for 10–15 minutes so they frost up nicely.
Step 2: Mix the Coconut Base
- In a medium pitcher, add the coconut syrup (or cream of coconut).
- If you like your drinks sweeter, stir in the simple syrup or sugar.
- Whisk or stir until the coconut and sweetener are fully combined. If using granulated sugar, make sure it dissolves.
Step 3: Add the Soda
- Slowly pour in the cold lemon-lime soda.
- Gently stir to combine. Go light on stirring—you don’t want to lose all the bubbles.
Step 4: Turn It That Signature Blue
- Add 4–6 drops of blue food coloring to the pitcher.
- Stir gently until the color is even.
- If you want a deeper ocean-blue, add another drop or two. It’s easier to add more than to fix it if it’s too dark.
Step 5: Fill Your Glasses
- Fill each glass about 3/4 full with ice. Crushed ice works best for that authentic Sonic feel.
- Pour the blue soda mixture over the ice, leaving a little room at the top.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Top each glass with a lime wedge or a cherry, if you like.
- Serve immediately while it’s ice-cold and fizzy.
Approximate Nutrition (Per 12 oz Serving)
These numbers are estimates and will change based on the brands you use.- Calories: ~150–180
- Carbohydrates: ~40–45 g
- Sugars: ~40–45 g
- Fat: 0–2 g (slightly higher if using cream of coconut)
- Protein: 0 g
- Sodium: ~30–60 mg
Super-Simple Version (Pantry & Dollar-Store Friendly)
Need an even easier route? Maybe for a party, pool day, or when you don’t want to fuss? Try this stripped-down version:- 4 cups lemon-lime soda
- 2–3 teaspoons coconut extract
- 2–4 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- A few drops blue food coloring
- Ice
- Stir the sugar and coconut extract into a small amount of soda until dissolved.
- Pour into a pitcher, add the rest of the soda, then stir in the blue food coloring.
- Serve over ice.
Fun Variations & Party Ideas
Want to dress it up a bit? Here are some easy twists:- “Shark” Ocean Water: Drop in a few gummy sharks for a kid’s ocean-themed party.
- Frozen Slush: Blend the finished drink with ice until slushy. Serve immediately.
- Lower-Sugar Version: Use diet lemon-lime soda and a sugar-free coconut syrup.
- Ocean Punch Bowl: Double or triple the recipe, pour into a big clear bowl, and add floating lemon or lime slices.
Allergy & Dietary Modifications
Even though this drink is pretty simple, here are some common questions and adjustments.Gluten-Free
Most lemon-lime sodas and coconut syrups are naturally gluten-free, but:- Always check the label for “gluten-free” or hidden ingredients you’re unsure about.
- Food coloring is usually gluten-free but confirm if you’re highly sensitive.
Dairy-Free & Vegan
- Dairy-free: Choose coconut syrup or a dairy-free cream of coconut (many are naturally dairy-free, but always check).
- Vegan: Use a lemon-lime soda and coconut syrup that do not contain animal-derived ingredients; some red-dyed garnishes or certain food colorings may not be vegan, so check labels.
Lower Sugar Options
- Use diet or zero-sugar lemon-lime soda.
- Swap regular coconut syrup for a sugar-free coconut flavoring syrup.
- Skip the extra sugar/simple syrup or use a sugar-free sweetener (start with a small amount and taste).
Paleo / “Cleaner” Treat Version
This won’t taste exactly the same, but you can get a similar tropical, refreshing vibe:- Use sparkling water instead of soda.
- Add a little unsweetened coconut water and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Use a natural blue coloring made from spirulina or butterfly pea flower, if desired.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Best served fresh: The fizz is strongest right after mixing.
- Short-term storage: You can mix the coconut + sweetener + coloring ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Add the soda just before serving.
- Ice last: Don’t add ice to the pitcher ahead of time or it will water the drink down.
Why This Sonic Ocean Water® Copycat Works
This recipe focuses on three things Sonic fans love:- Color: That bright blue “ocean” look that makes you smile before you even taste it.
- Flavor: Simple combo of lemon-lime soda plus coconut—sweet, crisp, and tropical.
- Texture: Ice-cold and bubbly, especially with crushed ice.
Let’s Chat! Did You Try It?
If you make this Sonic Ocean Water® copycat recipe, I’d love to hear how it went:- Did you use coconut syrup or cream of coconut?
- Did you change the sweetness or color?
- Did your kids (or friends) recognize it?
Disclaimers
This recipe is a homemade copycat created for educational and entertainment purposes. Ocean Water® is a registered trademark of Sonic Corp. We are not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with Sonic Drive-In in any way, and we do not claim to know or use their actual proprietary recipe or methods.
Simply Copycat Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
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