How to Drink Blue Moon?

Blue Moon is a popular Belgian-style wheat ale that has gained a devoted following among beer enthusiasts. But for those who are new to the beer or are unsure of how to properly enjoy it, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, it is important to choose the right glassware when drinking Blue Moon. The Blue Moon beer should be served in a tulip-shaped glass, as the shape allows for the beer’s aroma and flavor to be enjoyed fully. The glass should also be chilled to ensure that the beer is served at the optimal temperature. Pouring the beer properly is also important, as it helps to release the flavors and aromas of the beer.

For those who are looking to mix things up, there are also a variety of Blue Moon cocktail recipes that are worth trying. From the classic Blue Moon cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, and crème de violette, to more creative concoctions like the Blue Moon Margarita, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer your Blue Moon straight up or mixed into a cocktail, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this beloved beer.

History of Blue Moon Cocktail

The Blue Moon cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for over a century. Its origins can be traced back to the Prohibition era of the 1920s, when speakeasies were the only places to get a drink. During this time, cocktails became popular as a way to mask the taste of bootlegged alcohol.

One of the earliest known recipes for the Blue Moon cocktail appeared in Hugo Ensslin’s 1917 “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.” The original recipe called for lemon juice, crème de violette, and dry gin. However, the recipe has evolved over the years, with some variations including orange juice or triple sec.

Prohibition Era

During the Prohibition era, the Blue Moon cocktail became a popular drink among speakeasy patrons. The drink’s deep blue color and sweet, floral flavor made it a hit with those who were looking for a way to enjoy alcohol without the harsh taste of bootlegged spirits.

Despite the popularity of the Blue Moon cocktail during Prohibition, the drink fell out of favor in the years following the repeal of the 18th Amendment. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the drink experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the rise of craft cocktails.

Today, the Blue Moon cocktail is a classic drink that is enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re sipping on a classic recipe or trying out a modern variation, the Blue Moon cocktail is a timeless drink that is sure to please.

Ingredients of Blue Moon

Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier that is brewed with a combination of malted barley, white wheat, Valencia orange peel, coriander, and oats. It has a light, refreshing taste that is perfect for warm weather.

Besides these main ingredients, there are a few other things that can be added to make different types of beer. In this part, we will talk about the different things you can add to Blue Moon, whether they have alcohol or not.

Alcoholic Components

Blue Moon is typically brewed with a combination of malted barley and white wheat. However, some variations of the beer may include other alcoholic components such as gin, creme de violette, maraschino, or blue curaçao.

Gin is a common addition to Blue Moon cocktails, as it adds a botanical flavor that complements the beer’s citrus notes. Creme de violette and violet-flavored liqueurs are also popular additions, as they add a floral note to the drink. Maraschino liqueur can be used to add a sweet and nutty flavor to the cocktail, while blue curaçao can add a bright blue color.

Non-Alcoholic Additions

When drinking Blue Moon, it is important to choose the right glassware. The beer should be served in a tulip-shaped glass, as the shape allows for the beer’s aroma and flavor to be enjoyed fully. The glass should also be chilled to ensure that the beer is served at the optimal temperature. Pouring the beer correctly is also important, as it can affect the flavor and aroma of the beer.

Mixing the Blue Moon Cocktail

Choosing the Right Glass

When it comes to serving the Blue Moon cocktail, there are a few different glass options to choose from.

The most common glasses used for this cocktail are the coupe, cocktail glass, and martini glass. These glasses are all stemmed and have a wide-mouthed bowl that allows the aroma of the cocktail to be fully enjoyed.

The coupe glass is a classic choice for serving cocktails and has a shallow, wide bowl that is perfect for showcasing the Blue Moon’s beautiful blue color. The cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass, has a similar shape to the coupe but with a longer stem and a narrower bowl.

This glass is ideal if you prefer a more elegant look. The martini glass, with its iconic triangular shape, is another option for serving the Blue Moon cocktail.

Cocktail Shaking Techniques

To make the perfect Blue Moon cocktail, the right cocktail shaker is essential. A shaker is used to mix the ingredients together and chill the cocktail. There are two main types of shakers: the Boston shaker and the cobbler shaker. The Boston shaker is made up of two parts: a metal tin and a mixing glass. The cobbler shaker is a three-piece shaker that includes a metal tin, a strainer, and a cap.

To make the Blue Moon cocktail, fill the cocktail shaker with ice, add gin, crème de violette, and lemon juice, and shake until the shaker is frosty. Strain the cocktail into your chosen glass and garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.

When shaking the cocktail, it’s important to use the right technique. Hold the shaker with both hands and shake it vigorously for around 10 to 15 seconds. This will ensure that the ingredients are mixed thoroughly and the cocktail is well-chilled.

Variations of Blue Moon Cocktail

Blue Moon cocktail is a versatile drink that can be customized in many ways to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations of the classic Blue Moon cocktail recipe that you can try:

Aviation Blue Moon

The Aviation Blue Moon is a twist on the classic Blue Moon cocktail that incorporates the flavors of the Aviation cocktail.

To make this variation, add a few drops of crème de violette, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice to the classic Blue Moon cocktail recipe. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Blue Moon Margarita

The Blue Moon Margarita is a refreshing and tangy variation of the classic Blue Moon cocktail that incorporates tequila and lime juice. To make this variation, combine tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Blue Moon Martini

The Blue Moon Martini is a sophisticated variation of the classic Blue Moon cocktail that incorporates gin and vermouth. To make this variation, combine gin, crème de violette, and dry vermouth in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Blue Moon Spritz

The Blue Moon Spritz is a light and bubbly variation of the classic Blue Moon cocktail that incorporates prosecco and soda water. To make this variation, combine gin, crème de violette, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with equal parts prosecco and soda water. Garnish with a lemon twist.