Get ready to embrace your inner moon child with this delicious and easy-to-make cocktail recipe. Made with the perfect blend of Vodka Gold Otter Craft, Vermouth Dry Noilly Prat, and Blackcurrant Liqueur Riga Balsam, this drink is the perfect choice for any adult beginning bartender. Don't forget to use a kitchen strainer to dispose of fruit pieces and a bar spoon for that professional touch. Serve in a Martini glass and enjoy every sip of this heavenly concoction.
Moon Child Ingredients
- 60 ml Vodka Gold Otter Craft
- 30 ml Vermouth Dry Noilly Prat
- 10 ml Blackcurrant Liqueur Riga Balsam
- 100 ml Ice
Moon Child Equipment
- kitchen strainer - dispose of fruit pieces
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
Moon Child Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
- shake till perfectly chilled
- strain into martini glass without ice
Recommend: serve in Martini glass
A Guide to Making and Customizing the Moon Child Cocktail
If you're a fan of cocktails, you might have heard of the Moon Child. This cocktail has gained popularity over the years due to its unique taste and appearance. In this article, we will delve into the history, origin, popularity and ingredients of the Moon Child cocktail. We will also discuss how to garnish the cocktail, variations, and common mistakes that people make when making this drink.
Popularity
The Moon Child cocktail is one of the most popular vodka-based cocktails. It is said to have originated in the United States during the 1960s, and its popularity has continued to grow ever since. The cocktail is famous for its unique taste, which is a blend of sweet and sour flavors. The blackcurrant liqueur gives the cocktail a fruity twist, while the vodka and vermouth add a touch of bitterness.
The Moon Child is known for its stunning appearance, which makes it an ideal drink for special occasions. The cocktail is usually served in a martini glass, which gives it a sophisticated look. The cocktail's name is also intriguing, and it has attracted a following among those who love astrology and mysticism.
Ingredients
The Moon Child cocktail is made up of four main ingredients: Vodka Gold Otter Craft, Vermouth Dry Noilly Prat, Blackcurrant Liqueur Riga Balsam, and Ice. Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in giving the cocktail its unique taste.
Vodka Gold Otter Craft
Vodka Gold Otter Craft is a premium vodka brand that is made in the USA. This vodka has a smooth and crisp taste, which makes it perfect for cocktails. It is also gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for those who are allergic to gluten.
Vermouth Dry Noilly Prat
Vermouth Dry Noilly Prat is a type of fortified wine that is flavored with various botanicals. It is a crucial ingredient in the Moon Child cocktail as it adds a touch of bitterness to the drink. Noilly Prat is made in France and is widely considered to be one of the best vermouth brands in the world.
Blackcurrant Liqueur Riga Balsam
Blackcurrant Liqueur Riga Balsam is a sweet liqueur that is made in Latvia. It has a fruity taste and adds a unique flavor to the Moon Child cocktail. The liqueur is made from blackcurrant juice, alcohol, sugar, and various herbs and spices.
Ingredient Roles
Each ingredient in the Moon Child cocktail plays a crucial role in giving the drink its unique taste.
- Vodka: provides the base for the cocktail and adds a smooth taste.
- Vermouth: adds a touch of bitterness to the drink.
- Blackcurrant Liqueur: adds a fruity twist and sweetness to the cocktail.
- Ice: cools the drink and dilutes it slightly, making it easier to drink.
How to Garnish
Garnishing is an important part of making cocktails, and the Moon Child is no exception. The cocktail is usually served with a twist of lemon peel or a blackberry on the rim of the glass. This adds a touch of color to the drink and enhances its appearance.
To garnish the Moon Child cocktail, follow these steps:
- Cut a thin strip of lemon peel or choose a blackberry.
- Hold the garnish between your thumb and forefinger.
- Rub the garnish around the rim of the martini glass.
- Drop the garnish into the drink.
If you want to take your garnishing skills to the next level, you can try using a bar spoon to twist the lemon peel into a spiral before placing it on the rim of the glass.
Variations
The Moon Child cocktail can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Here are some variations of the cocktail that you can try:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a non-alcoholic version of the Moon Child cocktail, simply omit the vodka and vermouth. Instead, use a non-alcoholic spirit such as Seedlip Garden 108, which has a similar taste to gin. You can also add a splash of lime juice or soda water to give the drink a refreshing twist.
Gluten-Free Version
The Moon Child cocktail is already gluten-free, but if you want to switch up the ingredients, you can use a gluten-free vodka brand such as Tito's Handmade Vodka. You can also substitute the vermouth with a gluten-free brand such as Martini & Rossi.
Vegan Version
The Moon Child cocktail is naturally vegan as it does not contain any animal products. However, if you want to make the cocktail even more vegan-friendly, you can use a vegan blackcurrant liqueur brand such as Briottet.
Keto Version
If you're on a keto diet, you can still enjoy the Moon Child cocktail. Simply substitute the blackcurrant liqueur with a sugar-free syrup such as Torani Sugar-Free Blackberry Syrup. This will reduce the carb count of the cocktail while still giving it a fruity taste.
Low-Calorie Version
The Moon Child cocktail is already relatively low in calories, but if you want to reduce the calorie count even further, you can use a low-calorie blackcurrant liqueur brand such as Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur.
Common Mistakes When Making
Making a Moon Child cocktail requires some skill and attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes that people make when making the cocktail:
- Using too much blackcurrant liqueur: The blackcurrant liqueur is a crucial ingredient, but too much of it can overpower the other flavors in the cocktail. Stick to the recipe and use the recommended amount.
- Not stirring the cocktail properly: It's important to stir the cocktail properly to ensure that all the ingredients are mixed together. Use a metal straw or a teaspoon to stir the cocktail, or invest in a bar spoon if you want to be a pro.
- Using the wrong type of glass: The Moon Child cocktail is usually served in a martini glass, which gives it a sophisticated look. Using a different type of glass can affect the appearance and taste of the cocktail.
- Not straining the cocktail: If you don't strain the cocktail properly, you might end up with fruit pieces in your drink. Use a kitchen strainer to remove any fruit pieces before serving.
In conclusion, the Moon Child cocktail is a unique and popular vodka-based cocktail that has gained a following among cocktail enthusiasts. By following the recipe and customizing the cocktail to suit your taste and dietary requirements, you can enjoy this drink in various ways. Remember to avoid common mistakes when making the cocktail to ensure that it tastes and looks its best.
If you are going to order Moon Child in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Moon Child can be served with different ingredients in different places.