Homepage Features rivetsANDrecipes rivetSANDrum Toaster Adrift July 2, 2019

Moonwalk

No, the moonwalk is not just a Michael Jackson dance. And, yes, it’s been quite some time since we’ve celebrated Tiki Tuesday here on the Toaster Farm. And while the drink I’m about to introduce you to isn’t 100% Tiki, it was born to celebrate the iconic Apollo 11 Mission, which took place during one of the tiki-est time periods in America.

The Moonwalk, a bubbly concoction of citrus and champagne, was created by legendary bartender, Joe Gilmore, to commemorate the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. The Irishman was the longest running head barman at the Savoy’s American Bar in London, England. And as such, Mr. Gilmore was no stranger to creating memorable drinks for even more memorable dignitaries and celebrities. Over the years he created drinks for Churchill and Her Majesty, the Queen of England, not to mention celebs like Old Blue Eyes and Julie Andrews.  

  • A Citrus Champagne Celebration in Honor of Apollo 11 Landing on the Moon. A Cocktail Born in England but full of Florida Space Coast Flamingo Flair! Recipe On ToasterAdrift.com.
  • A Citrus Champagne Celebration in Honor of Apollo 11 Landing on the Moon. A Cocktail Born in England but full of Florida Space Coast Flamingo Flair! Recipe On ToasterAdrift.com.
  • A Citrus Champagne Celebration in Honor of Apollo 11 Landing on the Moon. A Cocktail Born in England but full of Florida Space Coast Flamingo Flair! Recipe On ToasterAdrift.com.
  • A Citrus Champagne Celebration in Honor of Apollo 11 Landing on the Moon. A Cocktail Born in England but full of Florida Space Coast Flamingo Flair! Recipe On ToasterAdrift.com.

According to Gilmore,

“The Savoy sent it off in a flask and I received a letter back from Neil Armstrong thanking us and saying it was the first drink they had when they came out of quarantine.”

Personally I think the drink would have been much more well received if enjoyed within the confines of the astronaut’s Airstream, or MQF (Mobile Quarantine Facility) but they were worried about them spreading all kinds of moon koodies at the time, lol.

This Cocktail is Out of this World

The 50thAnniversary of America’s crowning aeronautical achievement only happens once. So break out your nicest glow in the dark flutes and throw a splashdown party. Just be sure someone is there to fish your astronauts out of the pool as these cocktails will make you nice and giggly.

I have to stay that I was very skeptical of this whole Rosewater thing but whew. This is my goto bubbly Summer cocktail. It’s so refreshing and even easier to make! Get to it people!

Moonwalk Recipe

  • 1 Part Fresh Grapefruit Juice
  • 1 Part Orange Liqueur (the original was made with Grand Mariner but I prefer Cointreau)
  • 2 Dashes of Rosewater
  • Top with Champagne 

Shake well, strain into wine glass and top up with champagne.

The Moonwalk is a cocktail created to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. This bubbly citrus drink is easy and inexpensive to make at home.
No Comments