Russian Blue Moon Recipe

There's something undeniably enchanting about the Russian Blue Moon — a cocktail that’s as striking in appearance as it is smooth in flavor. With its icy-blue hue and creamy finish, this drink feels like a sophisticated twist on the classic White Russian, perfect for impressing guests or winding down after a long day.

this Recipe

The first time I tried a Russian Blue Moon was during a winter cocktail party with close friends. Its electric blue color caught my eye, but it was the luscious blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream — with a splash of citrusy Blue Curaçao — that kept me coming back for more. It’s become my go-to signature drink for cozy nights and celebrations alike.

Ready to shake up something memorable? Let’s dive into why this cocktail deserves a spot in your happy hour rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Russian Blue Moon

Get ready to add a show-stopping cocktail to your home bartender repertoire. The Russian Blue Moon is the kind of drink that blends visual appeal with bold, indulgent flavors — and it’s easier to make than you might think.

It’s absolutely stunning in the glass. The dreamy blue color with creamy swirls makes this cocktail a visual stunner, perfect for parties, date nights, or Instagram-worthy moments. It’s one of those drinks that sparks conversation the moment it hits the table.

Quick and easy to make. Despite its layered look, this drink comes together in under five minutes. With just a handful of ingredients and a good shake, you’ll have a luxurious cocktail ready to sip and savor.

A flavor profile that surprises and delights. If you love the classic White Russian, you’ll adore this citrus-kissed twist. The Blue Curaçao adds a bright, unexpected note that perfectly balances the richness of the coffee liqueur and cream.

Perfect for customizing. Whether you want it stronger, sweeter, or dairy-free, the Russian Blue Moon is surprisingly adaptable. You can play with proportions or swap ingredients to suit your mood or dietary preferences.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or treating yourself to a solo nightcap, this cocktail is a guaranteed hit. Now let’s take a closer look at what goes into making it.

Ingredient Notes

The magic of the Russian Blue Moon lies in its elegant balance of flavors — creamy, bold, and just a little bit playful. Let’s break down what makes each component essential.

Start with a high-quality vodka. Since vodka is the base of this cocktail, you want something clean and smooth. It doesn’t need to be top-shelf, but avoid anything too harsh — I typically reach for Tito’s or Ketel One for a consistent pour.

Next, you’ll need coffee liqueur — think Kahlúa or your favorite local brand. This is what gives the drink its signature warmth and depth, grounding the citrus and cream with a subtle roasted sweetness. It also brings that classic White Russian flavor into the mix.

Blue Curaçao is where the magic really happens. This vibrant liqueur adds a splash of orange flavor and that signature bright blue color. It’s surprisingly balanced and adds just enough tang to cut through the cream.

For the cream component, I prefer half-and-half or heavy cream. Half-and-half gives you a silky texture without feeling too rich, while heavy cream makes it ultra-decadent. You can also go dairy-free with a splash of oat milk creamer or coconut milk — both work beautifully.

You’ll also need a cocktail shaker and some ice. If you want that beautiful cloud-like swirl in your glass, be sure to shake well and pour over fresh ice in a clear glass to really show off the layers.

How To Make This Russian Blue Moon

Creating a Russian Blue Moon is simple, but the presentation makes it feel like a professional-level cocktail. Here's how to pull it off flawlessly.

Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. This step is crucial for chilling your drink and creating that smooth, frothy texture when everything is combined. The colder, the better.

Pour in 1 ½ oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and ¾ oz Blue Curaçao. Give it a few seconds to settle before adding the cream so the colors layer more distinctly. I like to build the base flavors first before mellowing them out with the creamy element.

Add 1 oz half-and-half (or your preferred substitute) to the shaker. You can pour it directly on top or drizzle it along the inside of the shaker for a layered effect. Then shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want a silky, uniform blend with just a touch of froth.

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. If you want that dramatic swirling effect, you can reserve the cream and gently float it over the back of a spoon into the glass instead of shaking it all together.

Optional: Garnish with a twist of orange peel or a maraschino cherry for an extra pop of color and flavor.

From start to finish, this cocktail takes less than 5 minutes. Whether you’re serving one or making a batch for friends, you’ll be sipping in style in no time.

Storage Options

Since the Russian Blue Moon is a mixed drink with dairy, it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, you can still prep ahead to save time during parties or gatherings.

If you’d like to make a batch for guests, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, and Blue Curaçao ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to shake it well before serving, as ingredients can separate.

Do not mix in the cream until you’re ready to serve. Dairy tends to separate quickly and can curdle if left too long, especially with citrus in the mix.

Leftover cocktails (without cream) can be stored in the fridge, but once mixed with dairy, you’ll want to consume it within a few hours. Always store in a sealed glass jar or bottle for the best taste.

To re-serve, give it a good shake over ice or stir gently and top with fresh cream just before pouring.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about the Russian Blue Moon is how flexible it is. Whether you want to lighten it up, change the flavor profile, or go dairy-free, there’s a version for everyone.

For a lighter version, use milk or almond milk instead of cream. This gives the drink a similar texture with fewer calories and a slightly different flavor — perfect if you're sipping more than one.

Want to turn up the citrus? Add a splash of orange bitters or a little fresh-squeezed orange juice. It brightens the drink and enhances the Blue Curaçao's natural flavor.

Not a fan of vodka? Try rum or even bourbon for a deeper, warmer twist. Each spirit brings something unique to the glass, and it’s fun to experiment with different combinations.

For a frozen treat, blend the ingredients with ice to create a slushy-style Blue Moon cocktail. It’s perfect for hot summer nights or cocktail parties by the pool.

You can even skip the alcohol entirely and create a mocktail version using coffee syrup, orange juice, and cream. It's just as pretty and kid-friendly for themed events.

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