The Blood Moon Cocktail is a spooky Halloween drink that looks as dramatic as it tastes. Made with rum, blood orange syrup, and lime juice, it blends sweet, tart, and bold flavors into a smooth mix. The ginger beer on top brings a fizzy finish with a little kick of spice that makes each sip refreshing. Its deep red color gives the drink a chilling look that is perfect for the season. Garnished with a slice of blood orange and a cherry, this cocktail is festive, eye-catching, and sure to stand out at any Halloween party or autumn gathering.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Blood Moon Cocktail delivers a balance of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors wrapped in a bold presentation. Rum provides a smooth, warming base that pairs beautifully with the tangy brightness of lime juice. Blood orange syrup adds layered sweetness and striking color, giving the drink its dramatic appearance. Ginger beer finishes the cocktail with a fizzy kick and a touch of spice that lifts the overall flavor profile. The garnish of blood orange and cherry enhances the look while contributing subtle fruit accents. Altogether, the drink is refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for themed evenings or seasonal gatherings.
Equipment and Glassware
Making the Blood Moon Cocktail requires only a few basic tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for blending the rum, blood orange syrup, and lime juice while chilling the mixture for a crisp finish. A strainer helps achieve a smooth pour over fresh ice in the glass. A bar spoon comes in handy for gently mixing in the ginger beer without disrupting carbonation. A Collins glass is ideal for serving, offering enough room for both the shaken base and the fizzy topper. Finally, garnish picks can be used to present the cherry neatly alongside the blood orange slice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 1.5 oz rum
- 0.5 oz blood orange syrup
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Blood orange slice for garnish
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, blood orange syrup, and lime juice.
- Shake vigorously to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top the cocktail with 2 oz of ginger beer, stirring gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a cherry for a striking presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Blood Moon Cocktail!
Pro Tips
- Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for brighter flavor.
- Shake the base firmly to achieve proper chilling and dilution.
- Pour ginger beer slowly to maintain its carbonation.
- Use a Collins glass for the right balance of volume and presentation.
- Clear ice cubes or spheres improve both appearance and longevity.
- Adjust the blood orange syrup for more or less sweetness.
- Fresh blood orange slices add more aroma than dehydrated ones.
- Try spiced rum for a deeper, more complex variation.
When to Serve
The Blood Moon Cocktail is an excellent choice for evenings with a dramatic theme, particularly during fall or Halloween gatherings when its deep red hue enhances the mood. Its refreshing character also makes it suitable for late-summer nights when citrus flavors are most appealing. Thanks to its mix of fruitiness and spice, it works well as a pre-dinner cocktail or as part of a themed menu. Whether served at intimate gatherings or lively parties, its balance of striking visuals and layered flavors ensures it leaves an impression, making it a versatile drink for multiple occasions.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Rum: Bacardi Superior for lightness, Plantation 3 Stars for depth, or Captain Morgan White Rum for accessibility.
- Blood Orange Syrup: Monin or Torani for reliable sweetness and color.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for the best results.
- Ginger Beer: Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, or Q Mixers for strong spice and quality fizz.
- Garnishes: Fresh blood orange slices and Luxardo cherries for premium presentation.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 1.5 oz rum
- 0.5 oz blood orange syrup
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Blood orange slice for garnish
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, blood orange syrup, and lime juice.
- Shake vigorously to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top the cocktail with 2 oz of ginger beer, stirring gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a cherry for a striking presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Blood Moon Cocktail!
Notes
- For a stronger blood orange flavor, consider adding a splash of blood orange juice in addition to the syrup.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most refreshing taste.
- Serve in a chilled glass to keep the cocktail cool and crisp.