Blood Moon Cocktail: Dark, Bold, and Beautiful

A cocktail with gin and blood orange

One of my favorite cocktails to whip up during the Halloween season is the Blood Moon Cocktail. Its vibrant red and deep crimson hues create a captivating visual that perfectly embodies the spirit of the holiday.

Blood Moon Cocktail recipe

The Blood Moon Cocktail is a popular drink that often features vibrant colors and rich flavors, inspired by the natural phenomenon of a blood moon. Its deep red or orange hue evokes the enchanting allure of a blood moon rising in the night sky.

A cup of blood moon cocktail

The drink combines bold flavors, often incorporating citrus elements like blood orange, along with herbal or bitter notes from ingredients like Campari or gin. This cocktail quickly gained popularity in bars and clubs, particularly during autumn and Halloween.

Here’s how to make the Blood Moon Cocktail:

A cocktail with gin and blood orange

Blood Moon Cocktail

A haunting crimson-colored drink that captures the mystical essence of a lunar eclipse. It's perfect for the Halloween night!
Prep Time 6 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup adjust to taste
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Ice
  • Blood orange slice or twist for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Add the gin, blood orange juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.
  • Shake well until the mixture is chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
  • Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass, either straight up or over ice.
  • Garnish with a slice or twist of blood orange.
Keyword Blood moon cocktail, Halloween drink, homemade cocktails, party cocktail

Variations

1. Blood Moon Negroni

This innovative twist on the classic Negroni introduces a rinse of moonshine and a reduction of Pinot Noir, adding layers of complexity and depth to the drink. Garnished with a blood orange wheel, it beautifully captures the essence of the Blood Moon. The ingredients of this version are:

  • Saint Luna Moonshine
  • Bluecoat Gin
  • Campari
  • Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
  • Pinot Noir reduction
  • Orange bitters

2. Empress Blood Moon cocktail

This refreshing cocktail highlights the stunning hue of Empress gin and is crowned with a blood orange wheel for garnish. Simple to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for spring or summer sipping. To make it, you’ll need:

  • Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
  • Aperol
  • Maraschino liqueur
  • Blood orange juice

3. BACARDÍ Blood Moon

This delightful variation marries rum with the zesty tartness of blood orange and the effervescence of ginger beer, creating a revitalizing Halloween treat. The Halloween cocktail with rum includes:

  • BACARDÍ Carta Blanca rum
  • Blood orange sour mix
  • Ginger beer

4. Tequilla version

This version of the Blood Moon Cocktail is characterized by the richness of the tequila, citrusy brightness, and herbal complexity. Here’s how to make it:

  • Reposado Tequila
  • Lime juice
  • Blood orange juice
  • Rhubarb liqueur
  • Saline

5. Classic version

The moon drink blends whiskey with red wine to create a rich and potent drink, often served over a spherical ice cube that resembles the moon. Its deep blood-red hue makes it a striking cocktail, perfect for Halloween festivities.

  • Bourbon
  • Pomegranate juice
  • Red wine
  • Vermouth
  • Orange bitters

6. Light Blood Moon

This lighter iteration focuses on grapefruit juice as the star ingredient while allowing the flavors of Campari and Ancho Reyes Verde to shine through. Refreshing and lower in alcohol, it’s a great option for those seeking a more delicate cocktail. The beverage has:

  • Campari
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Ancho Reyes Verde

7. Pumpkin Blood Moon

A seasonal spin on the Blood Moon cocktail, this version incorporates warm pumpkin flavors, resulting in a fall-inspired drink that perfectly balances sweetness with tartness.

  • Azuñia Blanco tequila
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Art of the Age Snap Liqueur
  • Lemon juice

8. Non-alcoholic version

For those who prefer alcohol-free options, the Virgin Blood Moon offers all the visual appeal without the spirits. Here’s a simple recipe I’ve perfected for a non-alcoholic version:

  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz pomegranate juice
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • 2 oz ginger beer
  • 0.25 oz grenadine

Mix all ingredients except ginger beer in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!

How to pair

1. Dessert pairings

  • Dark chocolate truffles with a hint of chili
  • Lime and tequila sorbet
  • Berry-based parfaits with layers of cream
  • Churros with a spiced chocolate dipping sauce
  • Tarts filled with goat cheese and caramelized onions offer a savory option that pairs nicely with the drink’s sweetness.

These sweet treats play off the cocktail’s flavors without overwhelming the palate.

2. Appetizers

The moon alcoholic drink pairs exceptionally well with a variety of appetizers.

  • Spicy tortilla chips with guacamole
  • Manchego cheese and quince paste crostini
  • Mini empanadas with beef or chicken filling
  • Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with almonds
  • Citrus salad with blood oranges, grapefruit, or other citrus fruits

3. Main courses

For a more substantial pairing, consider these main courses that harmonize with the Blood Moon’s flavor profile:

  • Grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce
  • Seafood paella with saffron rice
  • Roasted pork tenderloin with a cranberry glaze
  • Vegetarian option: Stuffed poblano peppers with quinoa and black beans
  • Grilled steak or lamb chops: their robust flavors can stand up to the cocktail’s boldness.
  • Spicy foods, such as Thai or Indian curries, can complement the sweetness of the Blood Moon Cocktail, creating a delightful contrast.

These dishes complement the cocktail’s fruity notes while providing a robust counterpoint to its sweetness.

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