Moonlight Cocktail

The Moonlight Cocktail is an elegant and aromatic drink that offers a softer, more floral alternative to its famous cousin, the Aviation. It combines the botanical crispness of gin with the sweet orange of Cointreau, the unique floral character of crème de violette, and the sharp tang of fresh lime juice. The result is a beautifully balanced, sophisticated, and visually stunning cocktail with a subtle, mystical hue.
Moonlight Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Moonlight Cocktail is a classic cocktail from the pre-Prohibition era. It falls into the sour category due to its use of citrus juice, balancing the sweetness of the liqueurs and the botanical notes of the gin.

Serving

This cocktail is served straight up, ice-cold, in a chilled coupe glass to maintain its temperature and showcase its delicate color. It's a moderately strong drink with a refined presentation.
Serving size
Approximately 105 ml / 3.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail dates back to the early 20th century, first appearing in Hugo Ensslin's 1917 publication, "Recipes for Mixed Drinks." Like the Aviation, it fell into obscurity for many decades due to the unavailability of its key floral ingredient, crème de violette. With the revival of classic spirits and liqueurs, the Moonlight Cocktail has been rediscovered by bartenders and enthusiasts seeking a taste of cocktail history.
Origin
United States, circa 1910s. The recipe was popularized just before Prohibition began, capturing the essence of early American cocktail culture.

Moonlight Cocktail

The drink is consistently known as the Moonlight Cocktail. While a "Moonlight Cooler" exists, it is typically a long drink variation made with soda water and is not a direct alternative name for the classic shaken cocktail.
Original name
Moonlight Cocktail
Alternative name
Moonlight Cooler

Characteristics overview

The Moonlight Cocktail offers a delightful sensory experience with a primary floral and citrus flavor profile, balanced by the gin's botanicals. Its aroma is a fragrant bouquet of violet and lime, leading to a clean, smooth texture and a refreshing finish.
Flavor
Floral, Citrusy, Botanical, Crisp, Lightly Sweet
Aroma
Violet, Juniper, Lime, Orange Peel
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet, Botanical
Aftertaste
Clean, Floral, Lingering citrus
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale, Ethereal, Very light lavender or sky-blue hue
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, Spring, Summer

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by a pleasant sourness from the lime, balanced by light sweetness and fruity notes from the liqueurs. It has a moderate alcohol presence and no carbonation, resulting in a smooth sip.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is built on a base of London Dry Gin, modified with Cointreau, Crème de Violette, and fresh lime juice. All four ingredients are essential to achieve its classic floral and citrus profile.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A classic London Dry style works best to let the other flavors shine.
  • Cointreau22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Triple Sec can be used as a substitute, but Cointreau is preferred for its balanced profile.
  • Crème de Violette7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    This liqueur provides the signature floral notes and pale color. Use sparingly as it can be overpowering.
  • Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor and balance.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking.

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and strainers for a clean pour. A citrus juicer is also recommended for the fresh lime juice.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and dilute the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer (for double straining).

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: chill the glass, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and double-strain into the prepared glass before garnishing.
1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add the gin, Cointreau, crème de violette, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Discard the ice from your chilled coupe glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to remove any small ice chips.
5. Garnish with a lime twist or an edible flower and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lime twist is the classic garnish, adding a burst of citrus aroma that complements the drink. An optional edible flower can be used to enhance its floral theme.
  • Lime twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils and then dropped in or placed on the rim.
  • Edible violet flower (optional), floated on the surface for an elegant visual touch.

Dietary Information

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

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low, coming from the Cointreau, crème de violette and lime juice.
Calories
Averagely 190-210 kcal / 795-880 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-14 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11-13 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

Its elegant and refreshing character makes the Moonlight Cocktail perfect for sophisticated gatherings, cocktail parties, or as an aperitif before a fine meal. It's particularly well-suited for spring and summer evenings.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Spring Evening
  • Elegant Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Moonlight Cocktail's crisp and floral profile pairs well with light and fresh foods. It complements seafood, soft cheeses, and dishes with herbal or citrus notes, acting as a palate cleanser without overpowering the food.
  • Light appetizers
  • Seafood dishes like oysters or shrimp cocktail
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Lemon-herb chicken

The Moonlight Cocktail: An Ethereal Classic Reborn

The Moonlight Cocktail is a forgotten gem from the golden age of cocktails, offering a unique and sophisticated flavor experience. It masterfully balances the botanicals of gin with bright lime, sweet orange, and the distinctive floral notes of crème de violette. Less common than its sibling, the Aviation, it provides a delightful journey for the adventurous palate. Easy to make yet complex in taste, it's a perfect choice for anyone looking to explore the elegant world of classic gin sours.

Similar Cocktails

Aviation

The Aviation is the most famous relative, using lemon juice instead of lime and adding Maraschino liqueur, which imparts a complex cherry-almond note.

Blue Moon Cocktail

A simpler classic from the same era, typically made with only gin, crème de violette (or Crème Yvette), and lemon juice, making it very floral and tart.

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