Russian Blue Moon Recipe

There's something undeniably magical about the deep, velvety hue of a Russian Blue Moon. One sip and you're met with cool citrus, floral undertones, and just a whisper of creamy sweetness that lingers on the tongue. It’s the kind of drink that feels elegant without being fussy—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

this Recipe

I first discovered this cocktail during a winter dinner party, where a friend served it alongside a snowy backdrop and flickering candles. It’s since become my go-to for cozy evenings, special toasts, and anything that calls for a little shimmer. Plus, it's quick to mix, calls for just a few ingredients, and always makes a statement.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pro mixologist to pull this off. Let's dive into why you'll love this stunning sip.

Why You'll Love This Russian Blue Moon

Get ready to shake things up with a cocktail that's equal parts beautiful and refreshing. The Russian Blue Moon isn't just easy on the eyes—it's loaded with flavor and charm, too.

First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a quick shake, you'll have a bar-worthy cocktail in under five minutes. No fancy tools or syrups required.

Then there's the visual wow-factor. That bold, blue-violet hue catches the light in the most stunning way. It's a guaranteed conversation starter, whether you're hosting a cocktail night or celebrating a special occasion.

This drink also has a perfectly balanced flavor. The citrusy tang of fresh lemon juice, the subtle floral notes of crème de violette, and the smooth base of vodka create a flavor profile that's both refreshing and sophisticated.

And if you’re trying to stay on budget, this one’s a wallet-friendly showstopper. A single bottle of crème de violette lasts a long time, and everything else you likely already have in your home bar.

Once you've tried it, this cocktail will become a repeat favorite—especially when you want to bring a little drama and elegance to your glass.

Ingredients Notes

The brilliance of the Russian Blue Moon lies in its minimal, high-impact ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, creating a cocktail that's as delightful to sip as it is to behold.

The vodka is your base spirit here, providing a clean, neutral backdrop that allows the other flavors to shine. Choose a good quality vodka—smooth and crisp—since it's the backbone of the drink. I often use a mid-tier brand like Tito’s or Absolut, but any decent bottle you enjoy will work beautifully.

Next comes the crème de violette, which gives the cocktail its signature lavender-blue color and subtle floral flavor. A little goes a long way here. If you've never used it before, it's worth adding to your collection—it’s a game-changer in drinks like Aviations or even sparkling wine spritzers.

Lemon juice is key for balance. Its tartness cuts through the sweetness and floral notes, giving the drink that refreshing brightness. Always use fresh-squeezed juice for best results—bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same zesty punch.

Some versions call for a splash of simple syrup for added sweetness, especially if you prefer a slightly smoother finish. This is optional, but I recommend giving it a try if you’re new to floral liqueurs.

As for tools, all you need is a cocktail shaker, jigger, and a strainer. Serve it in a coupe or martini glass to show off that striking hue. A lemon twist or edible flower makes the perfect finishing touch.

How To Make This Russian Blue Moon

Making the Russian Blue Moon is as satisfying as sipping it. You’ll be surprised how effortlessly it all comes together.

Start by chilling your glass. Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice water and set it aside while you prep the drink. This helps keep your cocktail crisp and cold without needing to dilute it with extra ice.

In your cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of vodka, ½ ounce of crème de violette, and ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice. If you’re adding simple syrup, go with about ¼ ounce, just enough to smooth out the acidity.

Fill the shaker with ice and give it a vigorous shake—about 15 seconds should do. You want it frosty on the outside and well-mixed on the inside. This helps emulsify the citrus and ensures a silky texture when poured.

Dump the ice water from your glass, then strain the cocktail into the now-chilled glass. Watch the magic happen as the soft indigo liquid pools gently in the center, catching the light just so.

Garnish with a lemon twist or an edible violet flower if you want to play up the floral theme. And that’s it—you’ve just made a Russian Blue Moon worthy of any speakeasy.

All told, this cocktail comes together in under 5 minutes. It's ideal for a quick pre-dinner drink, date night at home, or anytime you want something beautiful and grown-up in your glass.

Storage Options

Since this is a single-serve cocktail, you’ll typically make it fresh each time. However, if you're planning to serve several at once, you can batch the ingredients ahead of time (minus the ice) and keep them chilled in the fridge.

Stored in an airtight container, a pre-mixed batch will keep for up to 24 hours. Just shake with ice right before serving to ensure it’s icy cold and well mixed.

If you have leftover lemon juice, keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days in a sealed jar. Crème de violette and vodka are shelf-stable and will last for months, so you can always have them ready for round two.

When reheating isn’t needed, the only prep is a fresh shake to revive that chilled texture and silky consistency. Easy as can be.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about the Russian Blue Moon is how easily you can put your own spin on it. Whether you’re out of an ingredient or just curious to try something new, here are a few ideas.

Try swapping the vodka for gin if you want a more botanical edge. The juniper and herbaceous notes pair beautifully with the floral crème de violette and give the drink a more layered, complex profile.

Not a fan of crème de violette? Substitute it with blue curaçao for a sweeter, more citrus-forward version that still delivers on color. It’ll shift the flavor slightly but still keeps things fun and vibrant.

You can also play with the citrus component. Instead of lemon, try lime juice for a sharper zing, or even a blend of both for something unique.

Want to turn this into a sparkling cocktail? Top it with club soda or prosecco after shaking for a bubbly twist that feels celebratory and light.

And for a creamy, dessert-like version, add a splash of half-and-half before shaking. It softens the tartness and gives the drink a dreamy, opaque lavender hue that’s perfect for after-dinner sipping.

No matter how you mix it, the Russian Blue Moon is endlessly customizable. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might just stumble upon your new signature cocktail.

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