Blue Moon Cocktail

The Blue Moon Cocktail is a sophisticated and aromatic pre-Prohibition classic featuring gin, fresh lemon juice, and the floral notes of crème de violette. Its beautiful, hazy lavender color is what gives the drink its evocative name. It is a refined sour that highlights the botanical qualities of the gin against a backdrop of citrus and violets. Often seen as a simpler precursor to the Aviation, it omits maraschino liqueur for a purer, more direct flavor profile.
Blue Moon Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Blue Moon is classified as a classic cocktail, belonging to the sour family of drinks. Its history dates back to the pre-Prohibition era, cementing its place among historical recipes. It serves well as an aperitif due to its tart and refreshing nature.

Serving

The Blue Moon is served straight up in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass to maintain its cold temperature. It is a moderately strong cocktail with a beautiful, ethereal color.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

The drink's exact origin is debated, but it is believed to have first appeared in the early 20th century. Credit is often given to Oscar Tschirky of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, who published a recipe in his 1914 book "The Cocktail Book". The Blue Moon is a quintessential example of the early gin sours that were popular before Prohibition swept across the United States.
Origin
United States, circa early 1900s. The recipe was popularized by Oscar Tschirky of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York in the 1910s, though its precise invention date is unknown.

Blue Moon Cocktail

The drink is almost exclusively known as the Blue Moon Cocktail, sometimes shortened simply to Blue Moon. There are no other widely recognized alternative names for this classic recipe.
Original name
Blue Moon Cocktail
Alternative name
Blue Moon

Characteristics overview

The Blue Moon has a prominent floral and citrus aroma, with a taste that beautifully balances the tartness of lemon with the botanical notes of gin and the unique sweetness of violet. Its smooth, light-bodied texture and clean finish make it a crisp and refreshing choice.
Flavor
Floral, Citrusy, Tart, Botanical, Slightly sweet
Aroma
Violet, Juniper, Lemon, Botanical
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Floral, Crisp
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, Lavender, Pale violet, Opaque
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, Spring, Summer

Flavor intensity & Experience

This cocktail leads with a pronounced sourness from the lemon, which is balanced by a moderate floral sweetness and the botanical strength of the gin. It is a flavor-forward but not overpowering drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple cocktail requires only three key ingredients: a good quality London Dry Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the essential floral liqueur, crème de violette. The quality of each component directly impacts the final drink.
  • London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A classic London Dry Gin with a strong juniper backbone works best to stand up to the floral notes.
  • Crème de Violette15 ml / 0.5 oz
    This is the key ingredient for the color and floral flavor. Quality matters.
  • Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to chill and dilute the ingredients, a jigger for accurate measurements, and both a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer for a clean, ice-free pour.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Fine mesh strainer

Instructions

The method is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake vigorously until well-chilled, and double-strain into the prepared glass before garnishing.
1. Place your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice and water to chill it.
2. Add the gin, crème de violette, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Empty the chilling ice from your glass. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
6. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink and drop it in as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils, is the classic garnish. This adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's flavors perfectly.
  • Lemon twist

Dietary Information

This classic cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is a suitable choice for those following vegan or vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively light cocktail in terms of calories and carbohydrates. Nearly all of its sugar content comes from the crème de violette liqueur.
Calories
Approximately 175 kcal / 732 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 7 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 7 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a sophisticated drink perfect for elegant gatherings, cocktail parties, or as a refreshing aperitif before a meal. Its floral notes make it particularly well-suited for spring or summer evenings. It's a great choice when you want to serve something unique and visually appealing.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Elegant Evening
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Spring Celebration

Pairing suggestions

The Blue Moon's tart and floral profile pairs wonderfully with light, fresh foods. Consider serving it with delicate seafood like oysters or ceviche, creamy goat cheese, or crisp salads with a simple vinaigrette. The drink's acidity cuts through richness and complements subtle flavors.
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Fresh oysters
  • Lightly dressed green salads
  • Ceviche

The Blue Moon Cocktail: A Sip of Violet-Hued History

The Blue Moon Cocktail is a visually stunning and historically significant gin sour that deserves more recognition. Its simple three-ingredient recipe belies a complex flavor profile, balancing the botanical structure of gin with tart lemon and the unique floral sweetness of crème de violette. Often overshadowed by its more famous relative, the Aviation, the Blue Moon offers a purer, more direct experience of these flavors. It is an elegant, refreshing, and sophisticated choice for any cocktail enthusiast looking to explore the classics from the golden age of cocktails.

Similar Cocktails

Aviation

Adds maraschino liqueur to the gin, lemon, and violette, introducing a complex cherry-almond note. It is the most famous relative of the Blue Moon.

Moonlight Cocktail

A similar but distinct classic that uses lime juice instead of lemon and adds Cointreau (or other triple sec) for a layer of orange sweetness.

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