Blue Moon Cocktail Recipe

I love making cocktails that are simple but still feel special. The Blue Moon cocktail is one of my favorites because it’s got this smooth balance of gin, citrus, and just a hint of something floral.

It’s honestly so easy to make at home—all you need are a few ingredients and some basic bar tools. When I first tried it, I was surprised at how refreshing it tasted without coming off as too sweet.

The soft purple color? It’s a real showstopper on the table. If you like light, crisp drinks with a little bit of elegance, you might want to give this one a shot.

Blue Moon Cocktail Recipe

I usually make this drink when I’m craving something colorful but not overly complicated. It’s just dry gin, lemon juice, and blue curaçao—citrusy, smooth, and super easy to throw together.

The color is so bright that it doesn’t really need any fancy garnish.

Equipment

I stick to just a few basic tools for this cocktail. Makes mixing easier and keeps things cold and balanced.

• Cocktail shaker – for mixing and chilling
• Jigger – to measure things out
• Strainer – keeps the ice out of your glass
• Martini or coupe glass – looks nice for serving
• Bar spoon – optional, if you want to stir
• Ice – enough to fill the shaker halfway

Honestly, chilling the glass in the freezer for a few minutes is worth it. It keeps the drink cold longer and you don’t have to add extra ice to the glass.

Ingredients

There aren’t many ingredients, but each one really matters for the taste and color. I try to measure pretty carefully so the flavors don’t get out of whack.

• 2 oz dry gin – this is the backbone
• 0.5 oz blue curaçao – brings the sweetness, orange flavor, and that wild blue color
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice – gives it a bright, tart kick
• Ice – for shaking and chilling

I always go for fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. It just tastes cleaner and blends better with the gin and liqueur.

Instructions

Here’s how I put it all together:

• Fill your shaker halfway with ice.
• Add the gin, blue curaçao, and lemon juice.
• Pop the lid on and shake hard for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
• Serve right away. No garnish is needed, but if you’re feeling fancy, a thin lemon wheel looks nice.

Shaking long enough matters—a good 15 seconds chills it down and smooths out the flavors.

Notes

Honestly, using a good dry gin makes a noticeable difference. I like one with light citrus and floral notes.

Blue curaçao is basically an orange-flavored liqueur, even though it’s super blue. The taste is a lot like triple sec. I try not to overdo it, or the drink just gets too sweet.

If you’re a visual learner, there are plenty of quick recipe videos online. Sometimes I’ll watch one just to check my shaking technique or timing.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip of the Blue Moon cocktail, there’s this soft floral aroma from the crème de violette. It’s gentle—just enough scent, not overwhelming.

The taste opens up with a touch of sweetness. Then, the gin’s herbal notes start to peek through.

The citrus from the lemon juice really steps in and keeps things from getting cloying. So, it’s not too sweet, honestly.

I notice a smooth texture as it hits my tongue. The drink feels crisp and clean, which, let’s be real, is pretty refreshing.

Here’s what stands out to me in every sip:

• Aroma: light violet, a little citrus sneaking in
• Flavor: floral, a bit sweet, and that tart lemon keeping it in check
• Finish: dry, refreshing, with just a whisper of herbs at the end

The pale lavender color? It looks as delicate as it tastes. I tend to sip this one slowly, just to catch every part of its flavor.