Russian Blue Moon Recipe

There's something almost magical about sipping a Russian Blue Moon on a cool evening. This cocktail boasts a stunning, icy blue hue, a velvety smooth texture, and a refreshing citrus finish that dances on your tongue with every sip.

I first discovered this dreamy drink at a hidden rooftop bar during a summer getaway. It was love at first taste — the beautiful color, the creamy yet tangy flavor — and I knew I had to recreate it at home. Now, it’s my go-to drink for everything from casual get-togethers to fancy celebrations.

Ready to shake things up? Let’s dive in.

Why You'll Love This Russian Blue Moon

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite cocktail. This Russian Blue Moon isn't just a drink — it's an experience.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a cocktail shaker, you can have this stunner ready in under five minutes. No fancy equipment or complicated steps required.

The color is simply show-stopping. That vivid, electric blue turns heads at every party or gathering. It’s the kind of drink that gets people asking, "What are you having?"

It’s also amazingly versatile. Want it stronger? A touch sweeter? Prefer it dairy-free? You can tweak the ingredients to perfectly match your taste without losing that signature look or vibe.

And finally, it’s budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are either already in your bar cart or easy to find at any grocery store, meaning you can impress your guests without emptying your wallet.

Whether you're hosting friends or winding down solo, this cocktail promises a splash of luxury with every sip.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of the Russian Blue Moon lies in the perfect harmony of a few simple ingredients. Each one adds its own special something to the final flavor and feel.

Vodka serves as the clean, crisp backbone of this cocktail. Choose a good-quality vodka for the smoothest result — it doesn’t have to be top-shelf, but something mid-range will make a noticeable difference.

Blue Curaçao gives the drink its signature sapphire glow and a subtle orange-citrus flavor that brightens up every sip. A little goes a long way here — just enough to color and flavor without overpowering the mix.

Cream or half-and-half adds that dreamy, silky mouthfeel. It balances the tartness of the citrus perfectly, creating a drink that’s refreshing yet comforting. For a lighter version, you can swap in coconut milk or almond milk.

Lemon juice brings a pop of brightness that cuts through the richness. Always opt for freshly squeezed if you can — it makes a huge difference in the cocktail's vibrancy.

You'll also need a cocktail shaker and a fine mesh strainer to get that professional, frothy finish. A chilled coupe or martini glass works beautifully for serving.

How To Make This Russian Blue Moon

Crafting a Russian Blue Moon is easier than you might think. With just a few steps, you’ll be savoring a sip of liquid elegance.

Start by filling your cocktail shaker halfway with ice. This chills the drink beautifully without watering it down too much. You want plenty of ice to create that perfect shake-and-chill effect.

Next, pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of blue curaçao, 1 ounce of cream, and ½ ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice. These ingredients will immediately start blending as they meet the cold ice.

Seal your shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker is frosty to the touch — that means your drink is perfectly chilled and slightly frothy.

Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass. For an extra-smooth texture, you can double strain using a fine mesh sieve.

Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter if you’re feeling fancy! Then, sit back, sip, and enjoy the dreamy indulgence.

Total prep time? About 5 minutes. The result? A show-stopping cocktail that's as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Storage Options

Since the Russian Blue Moon is a cocktail, it's best enjoyed fresh right after shaking. However, you can pre-mix the vodka, blue curaçao, and lemon juice together a few hours ahead if you’re prepping for a party.

Store the base mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. When ready to serve, simply add cream and ice, shake, and strain.

If you have leftover cocktail (rare, but it happens!), you can refrigerate it for up to 1 day. Just be aware the texture may change slightly, and you’ll want to shake it again before serving.

Avoid freezing — dairy-based drinks don’t freeze well and can separate once thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of the Russian Blue Moon is how easy it is to customize it to your mood and ingredients on hand.

For a lighter, tropical twist, substitute coconut milk for the cream. It gives the drink a hint of island flavor while keeping it luxuriously smooth.

Want a non-dairy version? Almond milk or oat milk work beautifully. Just make sure to use the unsweetened versions to keep the flavors balanced.

If you love a stronger citrus punch, swap the lemon juice for lime juice, or add a splash of orange juice for a bit more sweetness.

Craving something a little more decadent? Try using sweetened condensed milk instead of cream for an ultra-rich, dessert-style cocktail.

And don’t be afraid to play with the garnish — from blueberries skewered on a cocktail pick to a rim of blue sugar, there are endless ways to make it your own.

Final Thoughts

The Russian Blue Moon is truly one of those cocktails that never fails to impress. Its stunning color, rich-yet-refreshing taste, and easy prep make it a must-have for your home bartending repertoire. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your signature drink!

Print