Blue Moon
An ethereal and enigmatic pre-Prohibition cocktail, a poetic study in floral elegance and citrusy verve. This beautifully balanced gin sour showcases the unique characteristics of violet liqueur.
25%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Blue Moon's origins trace to pre-Prohibition America, with the earliest known printed recipe appearing in Hugo Ensslin's 1917 "Recipes for Mixed Drinks." The cocktail was likely the house drink at Joel's Green Room, a legendary Manhattan bohemian haunt popular from the early 1900s until 1925. The modern gin sour version emerged post-Prohibition as a refinement of the original complex Martini-style recipe. Its revival during the craft cocktail renaissance was aided by the reintroduction of violet liqueurs to the American market.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes
Squeeze fresh lemon juice, ensuring no seeds enter the shaker
Combine gin, Crème de Violette, and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker two-thirds full with high-quality ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker is frosted
Double strain through a Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh sieve into the chilled coupe
Express oils from a lemon twist over the surface and drop into the cocktail
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe glass
Garnish
Express oils over drink surface, rub around rim, then drop in
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Chill everything - glass, gin, and shaker for maximum effect
Double straining is essential for the silky-smooth texture
Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable - bottled juice will ruin the drink
Don't over-pour the Crème de Violette or it becomes perfume-like
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Blue Moon.
4:1:1 Ratio
More gin-forward version with 2 oz gin to 1/2 oz each of liqueur and juice.
Changes
Egg White Version
Add 1/2 oz fresh egg white for richer texture and foamy head.
Changes
With Crème Yvette
Using the original violet liqueur creates a more complex, fruit-forward profile with deeper color.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Violette Casino
A sophisticated modern classic that bridges the gap between the Casino and Aviation cocktails, combining Old Tom gin, maraschino liqueur, and a whisper of crème de violette for elegant complexity.
Aviation
Hugo Ensslin's sky-hued gin sour of gin, maraschino and crème de violette—lost for decades until the cocktail renaissance brought it soaring back.
Casino
An elegant gin sour with maraschino and lemon—bright, botanical, and subtly cherry-kissed.