How to drink Blue Moon? Well, there are more ways than one to enjoy this wonderful drink. But first, what is the Blue Moon booze all about? Blue Moon is a light-flavoured Belgian-style wheat beer that is perfect for your summer BBQs or any outdoor events. It is light and refreshing and goes perfectly with a slice of orange.
The best part is that Blue Moon is always special anyway, whether you are drinking it neat or as a cocktail. So, how do you drink Blue Moon beer? That and more will be covered in this article.
Understanding Blue Moon
Essentially, the Blue Moon Beer is a Belgian-style wheat ale that was launched in the year 1995. It has grown to become one of the most popular craft beers of all time and is now known as a symbol of quality and innovation within the brewing industry.
Speaking of the History of the beverage, the first Blue Moon beer was brewed in Denver, Colorado, by Keith Villa. He was a brewmaster at Coors. Villa was inspired by the Belgian-style wheat ales he sampled during a trip to Europe. Villa wanted to create once again a unique flavor profile in the United States.
After spending months of experimentation and tweaking, Villa made his recipe perfect. This is how the Blue Moon was eventually born. He used the Valencia orange peel to offer the beer a unique coriander taste and a different kind of sweetness. He also utilized oats and wheat to make the beer slightly cloudy and offer a creamy texture.
The beer grew to become a hit, and within a year, it was distributed nationally. The popularity of the beer only grew since then, soon becoming a staple at bars and restaurants throughout the country. After a couple of years, soon enough, Blue Moon was purchased by MillerCoors, offering it the momentum to expand its reach even further.
Choosing the Right Glassware
Now, we know that to make the experience special, it is also important to ensure that you own a nice set of glassware. So, when drinking Blue Moon, it is important to choose the right glassware. It is advised to serve the beer in a tulip-shaped glass. This is because the shape allows the beer’s aroma and flavor to be enjoyed to the fullest. You need to ensure the glass is also chilled so that the beer is served at the perfect temperature.
Pouring Blue Moon
The regulars would know the art of pouring any beverage right to make the most of the entire experience. Hence, before you pour a bottle of Blue Moon, the rule of thumb is to roll it right to the left or left to right on a flat surface. The main reason for this is to activate the unfiltered elements. The Next step is to pop the bottle open, get the cold glass, and slowly pour your drink at an approximate 45-degree angle. After you have poured it halfway through your glass, place your glass down and give your Blue Moon bottle a ‘bartender’s’ swirl.
This is an important step to activate the unfiltered elements within the beverage and to make sure that you can acquire the best taste possible from your bottle. Finally, empty the rest of the bottle into your tulip glass. Finally, like every other beverage, you will see a beautiful foam develop at the top.
Serve Your Beer
So, how do you best serve your beer? For this, the main tip is to make sure to garnish the beer with an orange slice. This is to help add a hint of citrus to the beer, as this will help to bring out the flavor of the Valencia orange peel. Likewise, you can also add a sprig of fresh coriander or a few grains of oats to the beverage to enhance the flavor.
Serving Temperature and Alcohol Content
How much alcohol is in Blue Moon? Specifically speaking, this beverage is classified as an American-style wheat ale. This means that it comprises a higher alcohol content as compared to regular beers. On average, Blue Moon comprises 5.4% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is generally higher as compared to the average ABV of 4–6% in the case of most beers. It also has an International Bitterness Units (IBU) rating of 17, which is quite lower than the 20–50 IBU range for most ales when it comes to serving temperature. So, How much alcohol is in Blue Moon?” A 12 oz bottle of Blue Moon Belgian White comprises 5.4% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is generally almost equal to 6.48 fluid ounces of pure alcohol in each bottle. Whatever might be your reason for celebration, it is important to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
So, what does this beverage taste and smell like? The citrus aroma in Blue Moon is its signature; however, this is balanced with substantial wheatiness and the slightest tinge of coriander. Once garnished with fresh-sliced orange, the fruit serves as an additional source of aroma. Though one cannot classify this as a light beer, Blue Moon has a light mouthfeel with a pleasant bit of creaminess. This is customary for Belgian wheat beers.
The smooth effervescence implies it feels full without being a heavy beer that can weigh you down. This makes it a perfect drink for a hot summer day.
Pairing Blue Moon with Food
Now that you know all it takes about the Blue Moon, what do you eat with this beverage? As it has a delicate flavor, Blue Moon will not overpower the food and can be a great compliment to various types of cuisines. Some of these are:
1. Seafood
The light spiciness of Blue Moon is sure to complement the seafood quite well. Various popular dishes like grilled shrimp or even cold shrimp cocktails are wonderful appetizers that work great with a frosty glass of Blue Moon. In case of an extra special main course, go for Orecchiette Pasta With Clams and Chorizo. This comprises steaming the clams in a cup of Blue Moon.
2. Spicy Asian Dishes
Blue Moon can be especially great when coupled with some wonderful spicy food. Various Asian dishes like a classic Pad Thai are best eaten with Blue Moon. This is because the heat of red chilies offers a contrast to the cold, citrusy beverage. Even a simple like Sesame Peanut Noodles is wonderful as the nuttiness, paired with Blue Moon’s fruit flavors, are as perfect as Peanut butter and Jelly.
3. Vegetarian Food
For Vegetarians, the vegetarian-specific dishes go great with the orangey flavors of the Blue Moon. This beverage can be included in tiny amounts in tofu and tempeh marinades. Did you know that the Stone Fruit Panzanella is a hearty salad that can be made vegan by removing the feta.
Tips for Enjoying Blue Moon
Let us now take a closer look at how best to enjoy the Blue Moon. Here are some simple yet effective tips:
- The beverage should be served cold, but avoid ice. Adding some amount of water to beer will water it down, hence making it less flavorful and thus affecting the overall taste. This can also result in a skunky smell and a bad aftertaste, something you do not want at all costs.
- In case you wish to take the Blue Moon on the rocks, you need to consider a cocktail.
- All the cocktails comprise mixing Blue Moon with a spirit of some kind, and they will all use orange slices for garnishing as the orange slices work well with Blue Moon beer.
How to Drink Blue Moon?: Conclusion
No matter how you choose to drink your Blue Moon, you can not go wrong with it. It is best not to stick with a certain way to enjoy the Blue Moon; experiment with it in any way you like. So Drink it neat or try out different cocktails for the best Blue Moon experience. Whatever it might be, share your best Blue Moon experience with us, and we would love to hear from you.
How to Drink Blue Moon?: FAQ's
Question 1. What is the ideal serving temperature for Blue Moon?
Answer: The unopened screw-top wine can last anywhere between 2- and 20 years.
Question 2. Can I add a slice of orange to my Blue Moon, and why?
Answer: When serving Blue Moon, be sure to garnish the beer with an orange slice. This will help to add a hint of citrus to the beer and will help to bring out the flavor of the Valencia orange peel.
Question 3. What foods pair best with Blue Moon beer?
Answer: Seafood and other spicy food items work wonders with Blue Moon Beer.
Question 4. How should I store Blue Moon to maintain its freshness?
Answer: It depends on alcohol by volume, which is simply defined as how much alcohol is contained in the alcoholic beverage. If you have a beer bottle, cans that contain a low amount of alcohol will not last more than 6 months, but if you have been with a high amount of alcohol, it will last up to 1-2 years.
Question 5. Are there any variations or limited-edition Blue Moon flavours available?
Answer: Yes, Blue Moon Beer occasionally releases seasonal and limited-edition varieties.
Question 6. Is Blue Moon a craft beer?
Answer: Yes, Blue Moon is considered a craft beer produced by the Blue Moon Brewing Company.
Question 7. Can I add an orange slice to Blue Moon beer?
Answer: Yes, adding an orange slice is a common practice that can enhance the beer’s citrus flavors. However, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Question 8. Is Blue Moon gluten-free?
Answer: No, Blue Moon is not gluten-free due to its use of wheat in the brewing process.
Question 9. What's the difference between Blue Moon and traditional Belgian wheat beers?
Answer: Blue Moon is a Belgian-style wheat beer brewed in the United States. It incorporates a blend of spices and citrus flavors, giving it a distinct profile compared to traditional Belgian wheat beers.
Question 10. Can I enjoy Blue Moon year-round?
Answer: Yes, Blue Moon is available year-round in most locations where it’s distributed.
Question 11. Is Blue Moon's alcohol content high?
Answer: Blue Moon’s alcohol content is moderate, with an average ABV of around 5.4%, making it a sessionable choice.
Question 12. How much alcohol does Blue Moon have compared to other beers?
Answer: Blue Moon’s ABV is relatively moderate, similar to many other craft beers available on the market.
Question 13. Can I drink Blue Moon like a light beer in terms of alcohol?
Answer: While Blue Moon’s alcohol content is higher than some light beers, it still falls within the range of moderate ABV beers.