Want a delicious Sonic drink without having to leave the house? Then you’ll love this Sonic ocean water copycat recipe! You can make this tasty, refreshing, non-alcoholic drink just like the drive-in restaurant’s version right at home with just a few ingredients.
What is a Sonic Ocean Water?
A Sonic Ocean Water is a refreshing, non-alcoholic soda drink sold at Sonic Drive-In restaurants, known for its vibrant blue color and tropical flavor.
Despite the name, it doesn’t actually contain anything from the ocean—it’s made with lemon lime soda (like Sprite) and a blue coconut simple syrup, then usually topped with a cherry. The name just comes from the blue color!
It’s a fan favorite because of its sweet, citrusy, coconut taste that feels like summer in a cup. It’s especially popular on hot days if you want a fun, tropical-flavored drink without caffeine or booze.
My favorite part is that you can recreate it at home with just a few ingredients, so you can enjoy one anytime – no car required!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients List
- 12 ounces Sprite
- ½ ounce coconut syrup (or to taste)
- 1 drop blue food coloring
- Crushed ice
- Maraschino cherry (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- While Sprite is traditional for this recipe, you can swap in another lemon-lime soda like 7-Up or Starry instead
- I use Torani coconut syrup, but you can use other brands like Monin or DaVinci. Feel free to use sugar-free as well if you want to lower the sugar. You can also make your own homemade coconut syrup by using ¼ cup water, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tsp coconut extract, then microwave or heat on the stove until the sugar dissolves completely
- The food coloring can be adjusted to preference (add more blue to make it darker). I use regular liquid drops, as I feel they work better in drinks (compared to gel options)
- Sonic uses a signature pebble ice but since I don’t have a fancy ice machine at home, I just use crushed ice for a similar effect!
Step By Step Instructions
- Fill a pint glass (or similar) with crushed ice
- Add the coconut syrup, food coloring, and then Sprite into the glass
- Stir to combine, then top with maraschino cherry if desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Classic Drive-In Pairings
- Chili Cheese Dog – The sweetness of Ocean Water balances out the savory, spicy flavors. Try my Sonic-style Air Fryer Chili Cheese Dog for the perfect option!
- Tater Tots or Fries – A salty crunch is a great contrast to the drink’s light sweetness. Air Fryer Sonic Tater Tots make it an easy choice!
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich – Especially good with a little spicy mayo to play against the coconut notes!
Burger Favorites
- Bacon Cheeseburger – The coconut-citrus combo cuts through the richness of bacon and cheese. Try Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger Biscuit Bombs for the perfect handheld option!
- Sliders – Mini burgers make great party bites to go with a round of Ocean Water mocktails
Snack & Party Foods
- Mozzarella Sticks – The tropical drink lightens up this heavier, cheesy snack!
- Popcorn Chicken or Nuggets – Especially with sweet and sour or honey mustard dipping sauces. Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken makes it easy!
- Corn Dogs or Mini Corn Dogs – A nostalgic combo that screams summertime fun. Air Fryer Frozen Mini Corn Dogs come out crispy and delicious!
Dessert Pairings
- Coconut Cupcakes or Lime Bars – Complement the flavor profile of the drink
- Fruit Skewers – With pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries for color and tropical flair
- Blue Raspberry Jello – For a matching visual and flavor theme. Try my Pool Party Jello Shots for a boozy twist!
Recipe FAQs
Is This An Alcoholic Drink?
No, Sonic Ocean Water is a non-alcoholic, family-friendly drink. It’s a sweet and refreshing soda-based beverage with coconut and citrus flavors, often tinted blue for a fun, tropical look.
If you did want to add a boozy twist, Malibu coconut rum, tequila, or vodka would be good choices.
Is Sonic Ocean Water The Same As Blue Coconut?
Not exactly. Blue Coconut is one of the flavor ingredients in Ocean Water, but on its own, it’s just the coconut flavoring with blue coloring. Ocean Water includes that flavor mixed with lemon-lime soda and ice.
Does Ocean Water Have Soda In It?
Yes! Sonic Ocean Water is typically made with Sprite, but you can use other lemon-lime sodas like 7UP as the base, to give it a fizzy and refreshing quality.
Can You Get An Ocean Water With Sprite Zero?
Yes, you can! Many Sonic locations will let you customize your drink, so you can request Ocean Water made with Sprite Zero for a lower-calorie version.
However, the blue coconut is not available sugar-free at Sonic, so if you want that sugar free as well, you’ll need to make it at home (like this copycat version)!
Tips For the Best Sonic Ocean Water
- You can definitely adjust the proportions of this drink – that’s the benefit of making it at home! Add more or less coconut flavor, change the tint, and modify the amount of soda based on glass size. You could even experiment with different sodas (though the color will change) – that’s why I love copycat recipes!
Serving and Make Ahead
Serving Tips
- Use Fun Garnishes: Add a slice of lime, a maraschino cherry, a signature red straw, or a paper umbrella for a festive tropical look. Blue gummy sharks or Swedish Fish also make a fun addition, especially for kids’ parties!
- Glassware: Show off the bright blue color by serving it in clear glasses. Pint glasses, mason jars, highball glasses, or even clear plastic party cups are all great options!
- For Parties: Serve in a drink dispenser with a ladle or spout, and add floating lime slices or fruit for presentation!
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the Base Ahead of Time: You can mix the coconut syrup and food coloring together in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the soda just before serving to keep it fizzy!
- Store Without Ice: Avoid adding ice until serving time so the drink doesn’t get diluted
- Batch It: Multiply the recipe for a crowd, and keep the soda chilled separately. Add the soda and ice to the serving container just before guests arrive!
More Sonic Drinks
- Sonic S’mores Shake
- Sonic Cake Batter Shake
- Sonic Strawberry Cheesecake Shake
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a Sonic ocean water drink at home, then you’ll love this copycat recipe! With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy one anytime – no leaving the house required.
It’s a perfect refreshing drink for summer, with tropical vibes thanks to the lemon, lime, and coconut flavor profile, all with a fun blue color that will leave you dreaming of the beach.
I love to serve them at cookouts and pool parties too – since the drink is non-alcoholic it’s perfect for the kiddos (but the adults can always add a boozy twist too)!
Sonic Ocean Water (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
- Pint glass (or similar)
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Sprite
- ½ ounce coconut syrup
- 1 drop blue food coloring
- Crushed ice
- Maraschino cherry (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a pint glass (or similar) with crushed iceCrushed ice
- Add the coconut syrup, food coloring, and then Sprite into the glass12 ounces Sprite, ½ ounce coconut syrup, 1 drop blue food coloring
- Stir to combine, then top with maraschino cherry if desired. Enjoy!Maraschino cherry
Notes
- While Sprite is traditional for this recipe, you can swap in another lemon-lime soda like 7-Up or Starry instead
- I use Torani coconut syrup, but you can use other brands like Monin or DaVinci. Feel free to use sugar-free as well if you want to lower the sugar. You can also make your own homemade coconut syrup by using ¼ cup water, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tsp coconut extract, then microwave or heat on the stove until the sugar dissolves completely
- The food coloring can be adjusted to preference (add more blue to make it darker). I use regular liquid drops, as I feel they work better in drinks (compared to gel options)
- Sonic uses a signature pebble ice, but unless you have a special ice maker, just use crushed ice for a similar effect!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, size of glass, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
