Russian Blue Moon Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about a Russian Blue Moon cocktail—the way the violet hue shimmers over ice, the crisp citrus mingling with floral notes, and that icy-cold sip that dances across your tongue. It’s elegant, unexpected, and just the right kind of mysterious for your next dinner party or cozy night in.

this Recipe

The first time I tried this drink was at a tucked-away lounge in downtown Seattle. It looked like a drink from a fairytale, and one sip had me hooked. Now, it’s my go-to signature cocktail whenever I want to impress without spending all evening behind the bar.

Whether you're hosting friends, planning a date night, or just craving something special, this cocktail brings the perfect blend of beauty and flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Russian Blue Moon a standout choice.

Why You'll Love This Russian Blue Moon

There’s so much to adore about the Russian Blue Moon—from its show-stopping color to its refreshing, floral flavor profile. This drink isn't just beautiful; it’s also balanced, easy to make, and ideal for any occasion.

First of all, it’s visually stunning. That dreamy lavender-blue hue is a total conversation starter. Whether you're posting it on Instagram or serving it at a party, expect people to ask, “What is that gorgeous drink?”

It’s surprisingly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a good shake, you’ll have a sophisticated cocktail ready in minutes. No special syrups or rare liqueurs required.

The flavor is bright and complex. You get that smooth vodka backbone, softened by citrus, with a floral lift from crème de violette. It’s light enough for spring, but smooth enough for year-round sipping.

Perfect for casual nights or special occasions. Whether you're making one for yourself or batching it for guests, the Russian Blue Moon scales beautifully and always feels like something a little extra.

This drink is as fun to make as it is to drink—so let’s get into the ingredients that bring it all together.

Ingredients Notes

The charm of the Russian Blue Moon lies in its well-balanced blend of a few standout ingredients. Each one adds a distinct character that turns a basic vodka cocktail into something truly memorable.

Let’s start with the vodka. A clean, high-quality vodka is key here—it forms the base of the cocktail, so you want something smooth with minimal harshness. I usually go for Tito’s or Ketel One, but any neutral vodka you love will do the trick.

Next comes the star of the show: crème de violette. This delicate, floral liqueur not only provides the signature bluish-purple hue, but also adds subtle notes of violet that make the drink feel elevated. Don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way.

Then we have fresh lemon juice. This brightens the drink and balances out the sweetness of the crème de violette. Freshly squeezed is always best for that clean, vibrant citrus edge.

Simple syrup rounds things out, just enough to smooth the tartness and tie everything together. You can easily make your own with equal parts sugar and water, simmered until dissolved, or use store-bought if you're short on time.

As for equipment, all you need is a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring, and a fine mesh strainer if you want a super-smooth pour. Optional, but lovely: a coupe glass and a twist of lemon for garnish.

How To Make This Russian Blue Moon

Making this cocktail is easier than you might expect—especially considering how impressive it looks and tastes. Here's how to shake up your own Russian Blue Moon like a pro.

Start by filling your cocktail shaker with ice. This not only chills the drink but also helps to dilute and blend everything smoothly. You want the shaker cold enough that it gets a little frosty on the outside.

Measure and pour in your vodka, crème de violette, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The classic proportions are 2 ounces vodka, ½ ounce crème de violette, ¾ ounce lemon juice, and ½ ounce simple syrup. Adjust to taste if you prefer a slightly sweeter or more citrus-forward profile.

Now give it a good shake—about 15-20 seconds. You’re looking for a well-chilled drink with a bit of aeration to lift the flavors. The shaker should be almost too cold to hold by the time you're done.

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. This is where the magic happens: the color will look ethereal, with that deep violet swirling against the glass. If you’re going for wow-factor, this is it.

Finish with a lemon twist or edible flower if you have one on hand. It’s optional, but adds a gorgeous aromatic touch and makes the drink feel even more polished.

All told, this cocktail takes under 5 minutes from start to finish. It’s effortless elegance in a glass.

Storage Options

Cocktails like the Russian Blue Moon are best made fresh—but if you're prepping for a party, you can absolutely batch it in advance with a few tips.

If you're batching, mix everything except the lemon juice and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the lemon juice just before serving for the brightest flavor.

You can also make a few drinks’ worth and keep the mix in the refrigerator. Be sure to stir (not shake) when ready to pour, or quickly re-shake with ice for best results.

Avoid freezing this cocktail—while vodka won't freeze solid, the delicate flavors and acidity can go off balance after thawing.

To re-create the fresh feel, always shake with ice before serving. That way, you’ll get the proper chill and dilution that makes this cocktail sing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about the Russian Blue Moon is how flexible it can be. There are plenty of ways to switch it up depending on your mood, ingredients, or guest preferences.

For a more herbal twist, try swapping vodka with gin. A floral or citrus-forward gin pairs beautifully with the crème de violette and adds a touch of complexity that gin lovers will appreciate.

If you don’t have crème de violette, a splash of blue curaçao can sub in for a similar look with a citrusy kick. It’s not exactly the same, but it still gives that eye-catching blue color and a sweet, playful profile.

Want to lighten things up? Replace half the vodka with sparkling water or prosecco for a spritz-like version. It’s bubbly, bright, and perfect for summer gatherings.

You can also infuse your own flavor into the simple syrup. Try lavender or elderflower syrup to double down on floral notes and create a more garden-inspired cocktail experience.

And of course, feel free to adjust the sweetness. If you like a tart cocktail, reduce the syrup slightly. For a smoother sip, add a touch more to round out the edges.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—this drink is forgiving and fun to play with. Once you’ve made it your own, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your cocktail rotation.

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