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.

While you may have tried a Blue Moon before, there’s more than one way to enjoy this drink. I’ll tell you about 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.

Jump to Recipe

1. 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.

2. Frozen Blue Moon Curaçao Vodka Cocktail

I’m so excited to tell you about this gorgeous frozen Blue Moon cocktail I came across.

This is our second Blue Moon cocktail recipe that I think you’ll really enjoy on a hot summer day, or anytime you want!

Taste and color

It’s absolutely refreshing from the ice blended smooth and the tart yet sweet notes of orange and vanilla front and center. The color alone is just stunning – a pale sky blue that reminds me of a tropical beach lagoon.

Blue Curaçao: This is the main color player. The more Blue Curaçao you use, the deeper and richer the blue will become. Blue cocktails are so pretty, aren’t they? If you love blue colored cocktails, also try Blue Hawaiian cocktail.

But be careful, too much can make the drink super sweet. Stick with 1 tablespoon unless you like it extra sweet and extra blue.

The texture is ultra-smooth from blending ice into a velvety mixture. Each sip offers cool bursts of citrus cutting through the creamy undertones.

What makes this cocktail particularly enjoyable, in my opinion, is that it combines the fruity flavors of orange and blue curacao liqueur with soothing creaminess from vanilla vodka but without added dairy. Blending the ingredients incorporates air for a light, fluffy foam topping.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for two servings of cocktail:

• 1/4 cup crushed ice
• vanilla vodka (1 oz or 30 ml)
• Blue curaçao (1 oz or 30 ml)
• Whipping cream (1 oz or 30 ml)
• orange-flavored liqueur (1 oz or 30 ml)
• fresh orange juice (1 oz or 30 ml)
• Garnish: An orange slice and a cherry

Crushed Ice

Alright friends, to get started we need 1/4 cup of crushed ice for this drink, which is about 60ml. The ice is key to keeping our cocktail chilled as we sip. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down depending on your preference for thickness. You know I always love my drinks to be properly frosty.

Vanilla Vodka

Next, we use 30 ml of vanilla vodka. At 30 ml, it adds lovely creamy flavors without heaviness from dairy. I think vanilla vodka pairs especially well here but regular vodka is fine too if that’s what you have on hand. Just add a few drops of vanilla extract to keep the sweetness flowing.

Blue Curaçao

One tablespoon (30 ml) of blue curaçao is included to give our drink its beautiful light blue color. Blue curaçao is also responsible for vibrant purple color in Purple Gatorade shot.

If for some reason you can’t find blue curacao, don’t fret – blueberry or black raspberry liqueurs would suit the part just as well in pinch and still look oh so pretty in the glass.

You can also swap it out for some butterfly pea tea for a natural blue with an earthy twist – remember, it won’t be as sweet though.

Orange Liqueur

Moving right along, we have 1 tbsp (30 ml) of orange liqueur contributing bright citrus essence. Cointreau is the classic choice, like the star player on the team, but feel free to mix it up!

Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or even orange juice concentrate (a bit less punchy) can be used as substitutes, because both have complementary fruity orange flavors.

Fresh Orange Juice

Next, we squeeze in 1 tbsp (30 ml) of fresh orange juice. Not only does it lend tart zing but also moisture to cut the alcohol intensity a bit. Nothing beats the real thing but bottled is fine in a jam.

Whipping Cream

Last but not least is 1 tbsp (30 ml) of whipping cream which provides lush richness without heaviness. For those avoiding dairy, both almond milk and coconut milk would substitute nicely here for a creamy mouthfeel.

Garnishes

An orange slice and a cherry add a pop of color and a sweet-tart bite to the final sip. Think of them as the confetti on your icy masterpiece!

If you’re feeling fancy, go for a pineapple wedge or a sprig of rosemary for that extra tropical feel – the possibilities are endless!

Recommended: Simple Purple Haze Cocktail recipe

Steps to make Frozen Blue Moon Cocktail

Here are the steps to make the frozen Blue Moon cocktail:

1. Throw all the ingredients except the garnishes into your trusty blender. Blend the ingredients on high speed until smooth and frothy. This usually takes about 30 seconds.

2. Use a spatula or spoon to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure everything is well blended.

3. Check the consistency. The mixture should be thick and frothy but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more ice or juice.

4. Pour into a chilled margarita or collins glass. This helps the drink stay frozen longer. Garnish with fruit like orange slices and maraschino cherries. The cherry adds a pop of color.

Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy! The creaminess is best enjoyed while still very cold.

For multiple servings, individual portions can be stored in the freezer in sealed mason jars up to a week. Stir before serving to remix.

Tip: If your ice isn’t crushed enough, your drink might be a bit chunky. Don’t hesitate to crush it further for a smoother experience.

Customization tips for this recipe

This Frozen Blue Moon is a delicious summer treat, but why not make it your own? Let’s explore some easy ways to customize this icy masterpiece:

Adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your taste preferences. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more curacao or orange juice. Prefer it more tart? Increase the orange liqueur or juice.

Citrusy Zing: Double the orange juice for a tangy punch. Or, swap the orange juice for grapefruit juice for a sharper taste.

Tropical Escape: Swap the orange liqueur for pineapple juice or coconut cream for a tropical beach vibe.

Extra Creamy Treat: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the blender for an even richer and thicker texture.

Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Green Goddess: Substitute butterfly pea tea for the blue curaçao for a natural blue color with a subtle earthy taste. I recommend you to try Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail Recipe.

Pink Paradise: Use raspberry liqueur instead of orange liqueur for a vibrant pink drink.

Spice it up with extracts like vanilla, mint or almond. Even a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice is tasty.

Garnish with fruit wheel options like orange, lime, lemon or berries for visual appeal. Cherries or grapes also make cute toppers.

Consider rimming the glass with sugar, cinnamon sugar or citrus zest before serving for an extra special presentation.

Calories and other nutrition in Frozen Blue Moon Cocktail

One serving of the Frozen Blue Moon, made with the ingredients I used, packs approximately 300-350 calories. This can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Frozen Blue Moon Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Nutrient	Amount	Additional Information
Calories	300-350	Includes calories from alcohol (approximately 1-2 standard drinks)
Fat	15-20 g	Includes saturated fat (5-7g), trans fat (0g), and cholesterol (30mg)
Sodium	40-60 mg
Carbohydrates	30-40 g	Includes sugars (20-25g), some of which are natural from fruits and some are added sugars from liqueur or other ingredients
– Sugar	20-25 g	Approximate range, may vary depending on ingredients
– Fiber	1-2 g
Protein	<1 g

Alcohol content in Frozen Blue Moon Cocktail

The alcohol content in a Frozen Blue Moon Cocktail can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and proof of the vodka and orange-flavored liqueur you use. However, as a general estimate, one serving ( for ingredients that I used) will contain approximately:

A Frozen Blue Moon packs about half a standard drink, or roughly 7-10 milliliters of pure alcohol, gracias to the vodka and orange liqueur. That’s less than a small wine glass!

Other dietary considerations

Gluten-Free:

Good news! All the typical ingredients in a Frozen Blue Moon (vanilla vodka, blue curaçao, whipping cream, orange-flavored liqueur, orange juice) are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels of specific brands you use to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources.

Vegan:

Challenges arise with the whipping cream and potentially the orange-flavored liqueur.

Here’s what you can do:

• Use plant-based alternatives like coconut cream, cashew cream, or unsweetened almond milk for a vegan-friendly twist.
• Choose vegan-friendly orange-flavored liqueurs like Cointreau Agrio or Grand Marnier Vegan to keep the orangey element.

Keto:

Sugar content is the main barrier for a keto-friendly Frozen Blue Moon. The orange juice, liqueurs, and even some curaçaos can be high in sugar and carbs.

Here’s what you can do:

• Swap orange juice for sugar-free alternatives like stevia-sweetened orange extract or diluted unsweetened orange concentrate.
• Choose sugar-free orange-flavored liqueurs like Bols Orange Curaçao Sugar-Free or DeKuyper Orange Liqueur Sugar-Free.
• Use fat-heavy options like full-fat coconut cream instead of whipping cream for added richness without carbs.

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.

For the frozen blue moon, I enjoy how the sweet vanilla and orange flavors sing with fruit. Berries like strawberries and blueberries happily accompany its tropical taste. Citrus fruits,especially wedges of orange and lime, accentuate the curaçao.

Seafood also mixes nicely. The tomatoey, herby bruschetta highlights the drink’s botanical gin character. And bites of grilled shrimp partner beautifully with its subtly creamy texture from the liqueurs. Also check out Blue Baby Shower Punch Recipe.

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.

Frozen Blue Moon Mocktail

Skip the Liqueur: Omit the orange liqueur and rely on the orange juice for your citrusy fix.

Fruity Twists: Experiment with frozen berries, mango, or pineapple for a tropical splash. Remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly.

Creamy Dream: Instead of whipping cream, use unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or even frozen bananas for a lighter and healthier texture.

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for a touch of warmth and complexity.

Some Spicy cocktails to try

• Spicy Ranch water
• Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita

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.

Similarly, Storing Frozen Blue Moon Cocktails is Not ideal: Unfortunately, due to the mix of ingredients, storing these for later isn’t the best idea. 

The ice will melt, diluting the drink and making it less fun. Plus, the combination of fruit juices and cream can shorten the shelf life and introduce the risk of bacteria growth.

Short-term option: If you absolutely must, the absolute max I’d recommend is storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. Even then, be prepared for some texture and flavor changes. The ice will still melt, and the cream might separate.

Best practice: Aim to enjoy them fresh! These beauties are meant to be savored while still frosty and flavorful. You’ll get the perfect balance of textures and tastes, plus, no worries about spoilage.

Alternatives to storing cocktails:

• Prepare individual servings: Instead of making a big batch, mix individual cocktails just before serving. This way, you’ll have fresh enjoyment every time.
• Pre-portion ingredients: If you really want to be prepared, pre-measure the ingredients (except the ice!) and store them separately. Then, when you’re ready, just blend and enjoy!

Let’s talk about History of Blue moon cocktail

The Blue Moon cocktail, with its mesmerizing blue hue and refreshing taste, has been captivating palates for generations. But where did this celestial libation come from?

The Blue Moon has two potential origins – both outside America. The classic version with gin and creme de violette is traced back to New York City bars in the early 1920s, influenced by European cocktail trends.

The frozen Blue Moon with vanilla vodka and blue curaçao seems to have gained popularity later, likely in the 1970s and 80s, and doesn’t have a clear geographic origin but is more frequently seen in tropical settings.

Another story takes us to the legendary Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in the 1940s, where master mixologist Oscar Tschirky might have crafted his own Blue Moon. His recipe likely included gin, blue curaçao, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice, creating a more turquoise tint.

Ingredients: While the ingredients are common around the world, they don’t directly point to American cuisine. Gin and vodka are spirits with European roots, creme de violette originates in France, and the frozen version uses tropical-themed components like pineapple and orange juice.

Around the 1970s, a new, tropical take on the Blue Moon arose. This version, popular in beachy settings, blended vanilla vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple or orange juice, and whipped cream, offering a cool and sweet alternative to the classic gin-based drink.

Try some of our favorite Buffalo Wild Wings drinks Recipes at home!

• Buffalo Wild Wings Bourbon Pineapple Punch Recipe
• Buffalo Wild Wings Henny Hustle Drink Recipe

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.