There’s something irresistibly alluring about the mysterious shimmer of a Russian Blue Moon cocktail. With its icy-cold vodka base, hint of citrus, and subtle floral notes, this drink feels like a sophisticated secret passed down from a smoky lounge in St. Petersburg.

I first discovered this cocktail on a chilly winter night when a friend handed me a coupe glass filled with a drink as blue as the twilight sky. One sip and I was hooked—it’s smooth, slightly sweet, and balanced with just enough tartness to keep things interesting. It’s now my go-to for dinner parties and date nights alike.

This cocktail isn’t just beautiful—it’s also incredibly easy to make. All you need are a few key ingredients and a shaker, and you’ve got a drink that’s sure to impress.

Whether you're shaking it up for a romantic night in or serving a tray at your next gathering, this Russian Blue Moon will quickly become your signature drink.

Why You’ll Love This Russian Blue Moon

Get ready to meet your new favorite cocktail. The Russian Blue Moon is elegant, effortless, and just a little bit magical.

First off, it’s drop-dead gorgeous. That vibrant blue hue, thanks to a splash of blue curaçao, turns every glass into a showpiece—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something a little extra on a Tuesday night.

It’s surprisingly simple to make. With just five ingredients and a cocktail shaker, you’ll be sipping in style in under five minutes. No complicated techniques or obscure spirits required.

The flavor is something special. It’s crisp and clean from the vodka, brightened by lemon juice, and softened by the floral sweetness of crème de violette. It strikes the perfect balance between refreshing and indulgent.

And let’s not forget how adaptable it is. Prefer gin to vodka? Want to make it a mocktail? The Russian Blue Moon plays well with substitutions, which we’ll dive into later.

No matter how you mix it, this cocktail brings serious main character energy to any occasion.

Ingredients Notes

The Russian Blue Moon relies on just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each contributing to the cocktail’s smooth, vibrant flavor and stunning presentation.

Vodka is the backbone of this cocktail. Choose a good-quality, clean-tasting vodka—something smooth and neutral that won’t overpower the other ingredients. I often reach for Tito’s or Ketel One, but any premium vodka you enjoy will work beautifully.

Blue Curaçao is what gives this cocktail its dreamy, deep blue color. It’s an orange-flavored liqueur with just a touch of sweetness, and it balances the tartness of the lemon juice perfectly. Don’t substitute this one—it’s the signature of the drink.

Crème de Violette adds a lovely floral note and deepens the complexity of the cocktail. You only need a little, but it makes a big difference in taste and aroma. It’s optional, but highly recommended if you want the full effect.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings brightness and acidity to the mix. Don’t use bottled juice here—the fresh citrus is essential for cutting through the sweetness and tying everything together.

Simple syrup provides a bit of balance, smoothing out the edges of the citrus and alcohol. You can easily make it at home by combining equal parts sugar and water and heating until dissolved.

To make this drink, you’ll also need a cocktail shaker, a strainer, and your favorite coupe or martini glass. For a fancier finish, garnish with a twist of lemon or a few edible flowers.

How To Make This Russian Blue Moon

Crafting the perfect Russian Blue Moon is a quick and easy process—just shake, strain, and serve. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Start by filling your cocktail shaker with ice. You want enough to chill everything thoroughly without over-diluting. Then, pour in 2 oz of vodka, 0.5 oz of blue curaçao, 0.25 oz of crème de violette, 0.75 oz of lemon juice, and 0.25 oz of simple syrup.

Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels frosty to the touch and your arms are starting to get that pleasant burn—always a good sign in the cocktail world.

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. This cocktail looks especially stunning in clear stemware where that deep blue color can shine.

If you're feeling fancy, garnish with a lemon twist or a single edible flower for an extra touch of elegance. Serve immediately—this drink is best enjoyed icy cold.

The whole process takes less than five minutes, start to finish. Whether you’re making one or a batch for guests, it’s an easy and impressive addition to any evening.

Storage Options

Cocktails like the Russian Blue Moon are best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re batching for a party, you do have a few storage options.

You can mix the vodka, blue curaçao, crème de violette, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and store the mixture in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Don’t add ice or shake it until just before serving to keep the flavor and texture intact.

If you want to prep multiple servings, simply multiply the ingredients and keep the mixture chilled. Shake each serving individually with ice when it’s time to serve.

Leftover cocktail? Transfer it to a mason jar or airtight bottle and refrigerate. It will keep for a day or two, though the flavor may mellow slightly.

To re-chill before serving, shake with fresh ice again to revive the texture and bring back that frosty finish.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about the Russian Blue Moon is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to swap the spirit or skip the alcohol altogether, this drink is surprisingly flexible.

Swap vodka for gin if you’re craving a more botanical twist. The gin’s herbal notes pair beautifully with the crème de violette and lemon.

Make it a mocktail by replacing the alcohol with a mix of lemonade and club soda. You can find non-alcoholic blue curaçao syrup and floral liqueurs at specialty shops or online.

Add egg white for a frothier, more luxurious mouthfeel. Dry shake (no ice) all ingredients first, then add ice and shake again before straining.

Try lavender syrup instead of crème de violette for a slightly different floral note—it’s a lovely springtime variation.

Serve it over crushed ice in a rocks glass for a more relaxed, summer-friendly version. Add a splash of soda water on top to make it bubbly and refreshing.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this cocktail. Use the recipe as your starting point, and feel free to tweak until it suits your mood or the season.