How to Make Navy Blue Royal Icing

You know how I always say there’s more than one way to mix a color?  We’ve talked about navy blue icing before but I’m going to touch on it again.  I’ve got yet another formula to share and I also wanted to clarify my mixing technique.

Grab some popcorn and make yourself comfortable and I’ll try not to confuse anyone.

Denim Pocket CookieThere is no right or wrong way to mix icing.  My preference is to create colors using ratios.  Remember ratios from elementary school math?  Ratios are a way to compare two or more values.  When applied to color it’s a fancy way of saying, “yellow plus blue makes green”.

Seems pretty simple, but complex colors are a little more tricky.  Yellow and blue make green, but they also make colors like Tiffany blue…when mixed in the proper amounts.

That’s where ratios come in.  It’s an easy way to quickly duplicate colors.  Even if your drops aren’t the same size as mine, these basic formulas will get you into the ballpark, then you can adjust the intensity by adding color or icing until you’ve reached the desired shade.

Now for the fun part.  To make navy blue royal icing begin with approximately half a cup of royal icing and add:

  • 3 drops royal blue
  • 3 drops violet
  • 1 very small drop of black

Navy Blue Royal IcingWhen the icing is first mixed, it may look grainy and lack depth.  Keep in mind, the color will develop over time.  If it’s too dark add a bit of white icing.  Too light?  Add more color.

How to Make Navy Blue Royal IcingKeep in mind, you don’t have to add all the color every time.  Divide the formula in half or thirds if you only want to darken it a bit.

You can also play with hue by adjusting the ratios.  Add a little more violet and less blue, or vice versa.

Icing color is only as difficult as you allow it to be.  Don’t be afraid, you may very well be one drop away from your favorite color!

In other news, if you have a chance, be sure to pick up The Cookie Countess’s new bandana stencil.  You won’t be disappointed.  These are the easiest bandana cookies I’ve ever made.

Easy Bandana CookiesIcing color does not have to be complicated, with a few helpful tips and a little practice you can master the art of color mixing.

Bandana and Blue Jeans CookiesFor more helpful links, check out the following posts: