There’s something special about a cocktail that looks just as dreamy as it tastes. The Starry Night cocktail is one of those drinks-vibrant, refreshing, and just plain fun to sip. With its deep blue hue and bright citrus notes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it’s one of my favorite ways to kick off a summer evening.
Starry Night
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball (or Collins)
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
– 1 oz (30 ml) Vodka
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Fresh lemon juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Simple syrup
– Soda water (to top off)
– Lemon twist (for garnish)
– Ice cubes
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you prep the ingredients. This helps keep the drink colder, longer.
- Fill the glass with ice. Take your chilled glass and pack it with fresh ice cubes. This keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
- Add your spirits and mixers. Pour in the Blue Curaçao and vodka. Then add the lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Top with soda water. Gently pour soda water over the mixture until the glass is nearly full. Don’t stir too much-you want to keep those layers looking sharp.
- Garnish and serve. Twist a strip of lemon peel over the top to release its oils, then drop it in. That little pop of citrus aroma makes a big difference.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– Keep your soda water cold. Warm soda can flatten your drink fast.
– Adjust the sweetness. If you like it more tart, reduce the simple syrup. For a sweeter sip, add a touch more.
– Don’t over-stir. The soda will mix naturally as you drink, and too much stirring can dull the sparkle.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can pre-mix the vodka, Blue Curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a small pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just top with soda water and ice when serving.
Ingredient Swaps
– Vodka: Swap with gin for a more herbal, botanical twist.
– Simple syrup: Try honey syrup or agave for a natural sweetener.
– Blue Curaçao: If you don’t have it, you can use triple sec and add a drop of blue food coloring-just a tiny bit!
Flavor & Pairing Notes
The Starry Night has a citrusy, slightly herbal flavor with a mellow sweetness and a bubbly finish. It’s light, refreshing, and super easy to drink.
Great with:
– Seafood: Think grilled shrimp or seared scallops. The citrus in the drink brings out the freshness.
– Cheese boards: Creamy brie or tangy goat cheese play well with the sweet-bitter balance of the cocktail.
– Grilled veggies: Smoky zucchini or bell peppers add a savory touch that pairs nicely with the drink’s bright profile.
Why It’s Called Starry Night
This cocktail was first mixed back in the 1980s by a bartender inspired by Van Gogh’s famous painting. The deep blue color is meant to mimic a starlit sky, and the lemon twist? That’s your shooting star. It started in upscale European bars and eventually made its way around the world.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails because the first time I had a Starry Night, I was sitting outside on a warm evening, and the drink just fit the mood perfectly. It’s been a favorite ever since.
Variations to Try
Starry Night Margarita
– 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
– 1 oz (30 ml) Tequila
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Agave syrup
Shake with ice and serve in a salt-rimmed glass.
Starry Night Mojito
– 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
– 1 oz (30 ml) White rum
– Fresh mint leaves
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Lime juice
– Soda water
Muddle mint and lime in the glass, add ice and remaining ingredients, then top with soda water.
Starry Night Martini
– 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
– 1 oz (30 ml) Vodka
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Dry vermouth
Stir with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Virgin Starry Night
– Blue sports drink (like a blue electrolyte drink)
– Soda water
– Lemon juice
– Simple syrup
Mix equal parts sports drink and soda water, then add lemon juice and a touch of syrup to taste.
Storage
If you’ve made a batch ahead of time (minus the soda water), you can store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 1 day. Just give it a quick stir before serving and top with fresh soda water and ice.
FAQs
What gives the Starry Night its color?
Blue Curaçao-it’s a citrus liqueur that also adds that striking deep blue hue.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Definitely. It’ll give the drink a slightly sharper citrus flavor, which works just as well.
What’s the best glass to use?
A highball glass shows off the layers beautifully, but a Collins glass works too.
Is it sweet?
It’s balanced-just enough sweetness from the syrup and Curaçao, with a tart kick from the lemon.
Can I skip the alcohol?
Yes! Try the Virgin Starry Night version above for the same refreshing flavor without the buzz.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just winding down after a long day, the Starry Night is a beautiful, easy cocktail that always impresses. Serve it with a few light bites, and you’ve got a simple setup that feels a little magical.
