Apple Martini
The Apple Martini has a sweet and sour taste, with a crisp and refreshing apple flavor. It is well-balanced, with a slight tartness from the apple and a smooth, velvety finish from the vodka.
Moonraker Cocktail Recipe
Jump to Recipe ⬇️
Moonraker Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:8g
Alcohol:20%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Moonraker cocktail is inspired by the 1979 James Bond film 'Moonraker'. It is a sophisticated and elegant drink that reflects the luxurious lifestyle of the iconic British spy. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a refined and complex taste, with a touch of mystery.
How Moonraker Tastes?
The Moonraker cocktail has a well-balanced taste, with a combination of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter notes. It is a strong and full-bodied drink, with a smooth and velvety texture.
Interesting facts about Moonraker
- The Moonraker cocktail is named after the 11th James Bond film, which starred Roger Moore as the famous spy.
- The drink is often served in a martini glass, which is a nod to Bond's preferred cocktail, the classic martini.
- The Moonraker is sometimes referred to as a 'Bond-inspired' cocktail, as it combines elements of both the classic martini and the Vesper, another popular Bond drink.
Ingredients
Cognac
- Usage: Cognac adds a rich, deeply aromatic flavor with notes of fruit and spice.
- Why this amount?: At 1.5 oz, it's the cocktail's base, providing body without overpowering the other flavors.
- What if omitted?: Without it, you'd miss the spirit's warm backbone.
- Alternatives: Try armagnac for a similar profile, or bourbon for a twist with a smokier kick.
Alex Green
Champagne
- Usage: Champagne injects liveliness with its effervescence and acidity.
- Why this amount?: 1 oz keeps the drink from being too fizzy and allows the cognac to shine.
- What if omitted?: It would lose its effervescent character.
- Alternatives: A good quality sparkling wine could substitute, slightly altering the flavor profile.
Emma Rose
Quince Liqueur
- Usage: Adds a unique sweet-tart flavor that complements the cognac.
- Why this amount?: At 0.5 oz, it accents without overwhelming.
- What if omitted?: You'd lose a layer of fruity complexity.
- Alternatives: Pear liqueur could be used for a different, yet similar, fruity note.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Twist
- Usage: The zest provides a fresh, citrus aroma that brightens the cocktail.
- Why this amount?: One twist is just enough to add an olfactory charm.
- What if omitted?: The drink would lack its fragrant accent.
- **There really aren't any alternatives that can provide the exact same fresh and zesty note.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Moonraker Drink
- Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice and water.
- In a mixing glass, combine the cognac, quince liqueur, and ice.
- Stir the mixture until well-chilled.
- Discard the ice and water from the martini glass.
- Strain the cognac mixture into the chilled martini glass.
- Top with champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Pro Tips
- Chill the glass before you start. This will help to keep the cocktail cold for longer.
- Use a high-quality cognac for the best taste.
- Stir the mixture gently to avoid diluting the drink too much.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese Plate: A platter featuring brie, camembert, or aged gouda would complement the rich and fruity notes of the cognac and quince liqueur.
- Seafood: Lightly cooked or raw seafood like oysters or shrimp would pair well with the crispness of the champagne.
Main Dishes
- Roast Poultry: Try the Moonraker with roast chicken or turkey, which harmonize with the cocktail's depth and acidity.
- Pork Tenderloin: Pair with a herb-crusted pork tenderloin for an elegant dining experience.
Desserts
- Fruit Tarts: A lemon or apricot tart would echo the citrus garnish and the quince's slight tartness.
- Almond or Hazelnut Desserts: Nutty desserts can enhance the warmth of cognac.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Moonraker
- You can replace Cognac with Brandy if you prefer.
- If you don't have Quince Liqueur, Apricot Brandy can be used as a substitute.
- Lime twist can be used instead of lemon twist for a different flavor.
Explore all drinks starting with M here
And of course - twists🍹
Classic Sidecar Twist
- Ingredients: Replace champagne with orange liqueur for a different bubbly effect.
- Recipe: Mix 1.5 oz cognac, 0.5 oz quince liqueur, 1 oz orange liqueur, and ice in a cocktail shaker, shake well, and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Flavor Change: It becomes sweeter and fruitier, with a hint of orange to complement the quince liqueur.
Spiced Moonraker
- Ingredients: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the original recipe.
- Recipe: Stir cognac, quince liqueur, and ice along with your chosen spice, strain into a glass, then top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Flavor Change: Introduces a warm, autumnal spice to the mix, perfect for colder weather.
Moonraker Royale
- Ingredients: Use a raspberry liqueur instead of quince and add fresh raspberries.
- Recipe: Combine 1.5 oz cognac, 0.5 oz raspberry liqueur, and ice. Stir, then strain into a glass and top with champagne. Finish with fresh raspberries and a lemon twist.
- Flavor Change: Adds a berry sweetness and tartness that pairs wonderfully with the cognac and champagne, for a more fruity experience.
In case you forgot basics how to make Moonraker
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Moonraker
What is the origin of the name 'Moonraker'?
The Moonraker cocktail takes its name from the 11th instalment of the James Bond franchise- 'Moonraker', released in 1979.
Does the order of adding the ingredients in a cocktail matter?
Absolutely! The order can affect both the taste and presentation of the cocktail. For the Moonraker, for example, the champagne is added last to create a beautiful layering effect.
What is the significance of a lemon twist garnish in a cocktail?
A lemon twist adds a hint of citrus flavor to the cocktail. It also enhances the presentation of the drink.
Who was the actor who played James Bond in the film 'Moonraker'?
Moonraker, which inspired the Moonraker cocktail, starred Roger Moore as James Bond.
How much alcohol is typically present in a cocktail?
The alcohol content of a cocktail typically ranges from 10-30%. The Moonraker, for example, has an alcohol content of 20%.
More similar recipes to Moonraker!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
martiniPin It
Lemon Drop Martini
The Lemon Drop Martini has a bright, zesty, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lemon juice and simple syrup creates a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the vodka adds a smooth and strong kick. The sugar rim adds an extra touch of sweetness to each sip.
French Martini
The French Martini has a rich, velvety texture with a sweet and fruity taste. The combination of pineapple juice, Chambord, and vodka creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré is a complex and well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, rich taste. It has a hint of sweetness from the cognac and herbal notes from the Bénédictine. The rye whiskey adds a spicy kick, while the vermouth and bitters provide a slightly bitter undertone.
Cognac Old Fashioned
The Cognac Old Fashioned has a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet taste with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. The cognac provides a warm, full-bodied flavor, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
French 75
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
Kir Royale
The Kir Royale is a delightful, elegant, and refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It has a rich, fruity taste from the crème de cassis, complemented by the crisp, effervescent bubbles of the Champagne or sparkling wine.
Rose
The Rose cocktail has a delicate and floral taste, with a hint of sweetness from the raspberry syrup. It is light and refreshing, with a subtle complexity from the combination of vermouth and cherry brandy. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
Mimosa
The Mimosa has a refreshing, light, and fruity taste. It is slightly sweet with a hint of tartness from the orange juice, and the sparkling wine adds a bubbly effervescence.
French 95
The French 95 has a smooth, rich taste with a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup and a touch of tartness from the lemon juice. The bourbon adds warmth and depth, while the champagne brings a light, effervescent finish.
Champagne Cocktail
The Champagne Cocktail has a delightful balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the sugar cube and the bitterness of the Angostura bitters complementing the crisp, dry taste of the champagne. The drink is effervescent, refreshing, and slightly fruity.
Vesper Martini
The Vesper Martini has a strong, bold, and slightly bitter taste with a smooth, silky finish. The combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc creates a complex, well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and invigorating.
Vesper
The Vesper cocktail has a complex taste, with a balance of bitterness, sweetness, and herbal notes. It is strong, smooth, and slightly dry, with a crisp, refreshing finish.