Roaring out of the past, the Blue Moon cocktail will kick your next party into the stratosphere.
Imagine you’re in pre-Prohibition New York City, wandering around Times Square and looking at all the lights, avoiding those new-fangled automobiles and contemplating taking in a Broadway show. But first, you’re thinking about finding a little, out of the way spot to have a nice, quiet drink. Walking through the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, you run across a place called Jay’s Bar. Looks like a decent spot to have that relaxing cocktail.
Upon entering Jay’s you’re met with a mixture of laughter, smoke and loud, boisterous music coming from a corner piano. Everyone is dancing, shouting and toasting. Was there something you missed? Is today a holiday you had forgotten about? Maneuvering through the crowd, you try to make your way to the bar… that thirst you have won’t go away.
The barkeep leans forward as you approach. “What’ll you have?”
Looking around, you notice all the happy patrons enjoying what seems to be the same bright blue drink. “What’s the occasion?”, you ask. The bartender smiles. “This place is filled with actors, writers, musicians… It’s like this every night. They’re celebrating life!” You take another quick gander at the room and the party being thrown for partying’s sake. “I’ll have what they’re having”, you declare.
The bartender winks and gets to work. “Our house cocktail, the Blue Moon. Coming right up!” And soon, this almost glowing concoction is in your hand. You sip the sweet, gin-based violet tasting tipple. Your worries wash away, and before you know it, you’re on your second (or was this the third?) Blue Moon and have taken to entertaining your fellow patrons by dancing atop the piano.
What is Crème de Violette?
The original Blue Moon cocktail served at Jay’s Bar (which was a real place) includes a liqueur called Crème Yvette. Made from violet petals, raspberries, strawberries and other sweet infusions, this product stopped being made in the 1960s. Crème de Violette, a floral liqueur reminiscent of violet candies, is a perfect substitute for the Yvette. As luck would have it, in 2009, Crème Yvette was revived and back on the marketplace. Either ingredient works wonderfully in your Blue Moon, so give both a try.
What is the Best Gin to Use in a Blue Moon Cocktail?
When making cocktails that have some history to them, I always try to go for the ingredients that will closely match the original. For the Blue Moon, I suggest going for a bottle of an Old Tom-style gin, as this is what more than likely would have been used as the base spirit. A little sweeter and not as dry as most other gins, the Old Tom will meld beautifully with the floral flavored liqueur.
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- 2 ounces high-quality gin
- 1/2 ounce crème de violette
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of crème de violette and squeeze in 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice.
- Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Chill your most sophisticated looking coupe in the freezer for about fifteen minutes before pouring, and top with a lemon twist.
This particular drink, I would suggest not saving big batches ahead of time and storing in the fridge. Shake, serve and drink for the freshest flavors and textures this cocktail has to offer.
At 187 calories, the Blue Moon won’t weigh you down too much. Just be careful of having one too many… gravity might become an issue.
Well, yeah, there is a beer called Blue Moon, and a very good one I might add. Just remember to ask your bartender for the cocktail to avoid confusion.
No. That drink is a shaken mixture of whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup topped with Blue Moon beer.
Similar Cocktails to the Blue Moon
In the mood for more timeless tipples? Twist & Toast will keep the Wayback Machine charged up to get you some of the most delicious and historically significant drinks in our cocktail culture. Try some of these out and imagine yourself traveling through time… but if you find yourself actually doing that, you’ve had a few too many.
Aviation – This classic cocktail, a close relative to the Blue Moon, brings maraschino liqueur to the party.
Gin Rickey – Fans of the Great Gatsby will love the kick they get out of the Gin Rickey.
Gin Martini – It doesn’t get more timeless then a perfectly dry Gin Martini. Shaken or stirred, your night will be perfect with a few of these in hand.
Sazerac – Claimed to be the very first cocktail ever created, the Sazerac will bring the vibes of New Orleans anywhere you have one.
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