The first time I tried a Blue Moon Shot was at a friend’s rooftop party last summer. The bartender handed me this neon blue drink that looked like a piece of the sky in a glass. I hesitated for a second – blue drinks usually get a bad rap – but I was curious, so I gave it a shot. It totally surprised me. There was this bright citrusy punch up front, just the right amount of sweetness, nothing syrupy or artificial. It instantly felt like summer.
After that night, I started making Blue Moon Shots at home for friends. There’s something about that vibrant color – put a tray of these on the table and suddenly the whole vibe lifts, like you’ve dialed up the fun. People always stop and ask what they are, and honestly, they’re super simple to make as long as you have a bottle of blue curaçao handy.
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What really hooked me, though, is that balance between the flavors. The vodka keeps it crisp and clean, while the curaçao gives you those orange notes without being overpowering. The fresh lemon ties everything together – it’s what keeps the drink from feeling one-dimensional. That tangy snap makes you want to go back for another.
Lately I’ve seen Blue Moon Shots showing up at more bars, especially once the weather turns warm. Some bartenders have their own riffs, but the classic mix is still my favorite. A bartender once told me they first got big in seaside bars around 2005, then slowly made their way inland, but nobody really knows who came up with them. Mystery just adds to the charm.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lemon twist (if you want to get fancy)
I usually use shot glasses – you want that blue to pop – but for a slower-paced night, sometimes I go with small cocktail glasses and let people sip.
To make one:
- Fill a shaker with ice. Don’t skimp – really fill it up. The colder, the better.
- Add the curaçao, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake like you mean it for a good 15 seconds; you want to bring everything together and chill it all the way through.
- Strain into your glass.
- Add a twist of lemon peel if you’re in the mood.
My brother-in-law doesn’t drink but always asks for a “blue drink,” so I make him a mocktail: blue sports drink, dash of lemonade, splash of simple syrup. It’s not the same, but he loves it and gets to be part of the cheers.
And a tip – Blue Moon Shots are awesome with spicy snacks. Something about the sweet-citrus combo really cools down the heat from wings or jalapeño poppers. They also pair well with a salty snack board – pretzels, sharp cheddar, any of your favorites.
Over the past year, I’ve played around with the recipe. Sometimes I muddle in fresh blueberries during the summer, or when I want something tropical, I’ll swap the vodka for white rum and add a splash of coconut water. That one turned into my favorite by the pool last August.
One thing I’ve learned: never, ever use bottled lemon juice. I know it’s tempting, but fresh lemon really makes all the difference. It’s the line between a drink that’s just okay and one people remember.
Honestly, that’s what I love most about the Blue Moon Shot – it’s more than just a drink; it’s a mood booster. It gets people smiling, gets the conversation going, and makes even an ordinary night feel a little more special. Isn’t that really the point of a great drink?
