Simple Blue Moon Cocktail Recipe

Hey folks, I’m excited to share one of my favorite classic cocktails – the Blue Moon! This drink has a cool name and makes for a gorgeous pale blue color that’s just perfect for a relaxing evening.

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While you may have tried a Blue Moon before, there’s more than one way to enjoy this drink. There are two versions of the Blue Moon that I just love – a classic gin-based version with a crisp lemon flavor, and a frozen Blue moon vodka cocktail that’s sweet and creamy.

Blue Moon Gin Cocktail

Alright friends, let’s get started with the recipe for the classic Blue Moon cocktail. This one uses gin as the base spirit, which I think pairs perfectly with the other flavors.

Taste and Color

The Blue Moon cocktail boasts a complex yet balanced flavor profile. Gin provides the dry, botanical base, while creme de violette adds a delicate floral sweetness. Lemon juice brings a crucial tartness, balancing the sweetness and dryness.

The overall taste is refreshing and citrusy, with a subtle floral undertone. It’s not overly sweet, making it a perfect choice for enjoying on a warm evening.

The vibrant color of this cocktail primarily comes from creme de violette, a floral liqueur made from violets. It contributes a subtle purple hue that, when mixed with the gin and lemon juice, creates the characteristic blue.

The exact shade can vary slightly depending on the brand of creme de violette and the amount of lemon juice used.

Using more creme de violette will result in a deeper purple color, while adding more lemon juice will create a lighter purple or blue hue. You may confuse it with Purple moon cocktail, but both are different.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed for this Blue Moon Gin Cocktail are:

• 2 oz (60 ml) Gin
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) Creme de Violette
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Gin

The gin is really what gives this drink its lovely floral aroma. Gin is distilled from grains or fruit and infused with botanicals like juniper, coriander, citrus peels and more.

These botanicals impart gin with its very recognizable juniper-forward flavor. For this cocktail, I recommend using a nice dry or a classic London Dry Gin like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Bombay Sapphire for the best taste This will allow the other ingredients to shine through.

Substitute: If you don’t have gin or prefer a milder drink, vodka works too. But remember, vodka lacks the unique botanical flavors of gin.

Crème de Violette

This delicate liqueur is what provides the beautiful sky blue hue to our cocktail. Crème de violette is made by steeping violets in a neutral spirit like grain or cane alcohol.

This process extracts the vivid purple pigments from the flowers, resulting in a pale lavender or sky blue liqueur. Just a 1/2 ounce is enough to tint our drink a lovely robin’s egg blue. The flavor is subtly floral and herbal.

Substitute: Don’t worry if you can’t find creme de violette! You can use equal parts lavender syrup or violet liqueur instead. Both offer a similar floral touch. For the color, you can even use a splash of blue butterfly pea tea infusion, but it won’t have the same floral flavor.

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is essential for adding brightness and balancing out the other ingredients. Lemon juice brings tartness and acidity that cuts through the subtle sweetness of crème de violette and botanicals from the gin.

I like to use half an ounce, which is just the right amount in my opinion. Go ahead and roll up your sleeves to juice that lemon – it’s worth the effort!

Substitute: If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is always best for both taste and aroma. If you’re not a fan of citrus, you can try lime juice, but it will be tangier.

Garnish

I mostly use lemon twist as garnish for this cocktail. It adds a decorative touch and a burst of fresh citrus aroma to your Blue Moon. It’s the perfect finishing flourish.

Substitute: If you don’t have lemons, a lime twist can do the trick. For something different, try a sprig of fresh lavender or a maraschino cherry.

Remember: While substitutions can help you recreate the Blue Moon, using the original ingredients will give you the best flavor. So, if you can, try to grab the key players for the ultimate celestial sip!

Customization tips for this recipe

The classic Blue Moon is a delightful cocktail, but who says you can’t add your own celestial twist? Here are some ways to customize your Blue Moon recipe:

Deepen the purple: Add a touch more creme de violette for a richer, more vibrant purple hue like a Purple Rain Cocktail.

Citrusy zing: Opt for grapefruit or lime juice instead of lemon for a sharper citrus punch.

Fruity twist: Muddle fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries in the shaker for a subtle fruitiness.

Herbal infusion: Add a few sprigs of lavender or rosemary for a floral or herbaceous touch.

Spicy kick: Muddle a jalapeno slice for a hint of heat, or add a dash of chili powder for a smoky depth.

Salted rim: Rim the glass with sugar and a sprinkle of lavender salt for a sweet and savory surprise.

Sparkling twist: Top your Blue Moon with some sparkling wine or club soda for a bubbly delight.

Garnish galore: Get creative with garnishes! Try edible flowers, rosemary sprigs, a lemon twist, or even a blueberry skewer.

Calories and other nutrition in Blue Moon Gin Cocktail

The calorie and nutritional facts for a Blue Moon cocktail depend on the specific recipe and the brands of alcohol you use. However, based on our discussed recipe and average alcohol brands, here’s what you can expect:

Nutrition per serving (approximately):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	35 kcal
Fat	0 g
Carbohydrates	14 g
Sugars	13 g
Fiber	0 g
Protein	0 g

The Blue Moon cocktail is considered moderately high in sugar due to the creme de violette. It is free of fat and protein.

If you are watching your calorie intake, you can adjust the recipe by using a lower-calorie gin or creme de violette, or by reducing the amount of creme de violette used.

Alcohol content in Blue Moon Gin Cocktail

Like calories and sugars content, alcohol content in Blue moon cocktail depends on recipe variations and specific alcohol brand used.

However, based on our discussed recipe and average alcohol brands, here’s an estimate:

Estimated Alcohol Content in one serving of Classic Blue Moon Cocktail is 14 grams(0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol.

Here is breakdown for your understanding:

• Gin (2 oz at ~40% ABV): ~12 grams of pure alcohol
• Creme de Violette (1/2 oz at ~20% ABV): ~1 gram of pure alcohol

This translates to roughly 1 standard drink, considering one standard drink contains around 14 grams of alcohol.

Can it get you drunk?:

Yes, the Blue Moon, with its moderate alcohol content, can definitely get you drunk if consumed in excess. This depends on various factors, including your body weight, gender, metabolism, and tolerance.

One drink might leave you feeling slightly buzzed, while two or more might lead to intoxication. The key is to drink mindfully and be aware of your personal limits.

Other dietary considerations

Gin and creme de violette are typically gluten-free. However, always check the labels of your chosen brands for clarification, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

You must be aware of certain Allergies and sensitivities like:

• Nuts and peanuts: Some brands of creme de violette may contain trace amounts of nuts or peanuts. Check the ingredient list and choose a brand that is safe for you if you have any allergies.
• Sulfites: Some gins and creme de violette brands may contain sulfites, which can trigger reactions in individuals with sensitivities. Check the labels for warnings.
• Citrus allergies: The lemon juice in the Blue Moon can be problematic for individuals with citrus allergies. Consider omitting it or opting for a different citrus juice that you tolerate better.

The classic Blue Moon recipe, using gin, creme de violette, and lemon juice, is considered vegan-friendly. None of the ingredients contain animal products or byproducts.

Keto: The Blue Moon presents some hurdles for a keto diet due to its sugar content.

• Creme de violette: This liqueur typically packs around 12 grams of sugar per ounce, posing a significant carb spike within the keto range.
• Lemon juice: While containing minimal sugar, depending on your daily carb allowance, even the small amount in lemon juice might need consideration.

Serving tips for Blue moon cocktails

Here are some serving tips for Blue Moon cocktails with headings:

Chill Everything

Alright friends, as we all know, presentation is so important when hosting friends. For these beautiful blue drinks, make sure to chill your glasses thoroughly before building your cocktails. Nothing ruins that frosty look quite like beads of condensation forming right away!

Choose the Right Glassware

When serving the classic shaken Blue Moon, a chilled coupe or martini glass really allows those vibrant hues to shine. For the frozen version, opt for a chilled collins or margarita glass to keep it from melting too fast. Cheers!

Garnish Strategically

Garnishes add extra color and flavor pop. For the classic, a lemon twist is classic. For frozen, I like fresh orange and cherry on the rim. Get creative but keep garnishes to 1-2 max so they don’t detract from the stars of the show.

Presentation Platter

For parties, assemble all the finished drinks on a festive platter or tray with crushed ice. Include any bar tools needed like swizzle sticks or straws. It really elevates the whole experience!

Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time

When entertaining friends, take some of the pressure off by pre-mixing your ingredients. Have your juices, syrups, and spirits measured out beforehand in the fridge so you’re just assembling during the party. Makes it much more relaxed!

Offer Non-Alcoholic Options

As the designated driver or for anyone not drinking, I always like having things like flavored seltzers, fresh juice spritzers, seasonal sodas, and specialty non-alcoholic “cocktails” available too. Variety is key to keeping everyone happy.

What to Serve with These Blue Moon Cocktails

The classic blue moon cocktail goes great with veggies and dip. The herbs and citrus in the drink complement the fresh flavors of the crudités. I especially like how carrot and celery crunch pairs with its subtle floral notes.

Cheese and meat are always a perfect match for cocktails. The rich cheeses like brie and camembert balance the tart lemon in the blue moon. And the salami adds a savory flavor that mixes well.

How to make Blue moon mocktails

Blue Moon mocktails can be just as refreshing and flavorful as their alcoholic counterparts, minus the buzz! Here are some ways to turn those classic and frozen Blue Moon vibes into non-alcoholic delights:

Classic Blue Moon Mocktail

Swap the Gin: Opt for a non-alcoholic gin alternative like Seedlip Garden 108 for a similar botanical bite.

Citrusy Swap: Replace the lemon juice with grapefruit juice or sparkling citrus water for a tangy twist.

Sweetness Control: Use simple syrup or flavored syrups like lavender or elderflower to customize the sweetness.

Fizzy Fun: Top it off with club soda or tonic water for a bubbly finish.

Can I Store Blue Moon Cocktails for Later?

Let[s first talking about storing our classic blue moon cocktail. Due to the nature of its ingredients, storing this Classic Blue Moon cocktail for later isn’t the best idea. Here’s why

• Citrus juice: Fresh lemon juice starts to oxidize and lose its vibrant flavor and vitamin C over time.
• Creme de Violette: While this liqueur is relatively shelf-stable, it can still lose some delicate floral notes in the fridge.
• Dilution: Storing with ice will inevitably melt, diluting the drink and altering its balance.

Short-term options:

Up to 30 minutes: If you absolutely must delay consumption, store the undiluted cocktail in a tightly sealed container (glass jar, stainless steel shaker) in the refrigerator. However, even within this short period, you might notice some flavor and texture changes.

Conclusion

Whether you crave a cool, sophisticated sip or a frosty escape, these Blue Moon cocktail recipes have you covered.

The classic with its delicate floral notes and vibrant citrus is a timeless treat, while the frozen blend promises a tropical-infused punch of refreshment. Both are easy to whip up and perfect for celebrating any occasion.

Please let me know if you decide to give either recipe a go! I’d love to hear if you made any fun customizations too. And don’t be shy – I’m always around if more questions pop up along the way.