How to Make a Moulin Rouge - Easy Step-by-Step Cocktail Recipe

How to Make a Moulin Rouge - Easy Step-by-Step Cocktail Recipe

Calendar Icon February 20, 2025 User Icon by BarBot Team

Introduction

The Moulin Rouge cocktail is a charming blend of flavors that captures the essence of a lively Parisian night. With its vibrant red hue and sophisticated taste, this cocktail is a nod to the famous cabaret that shares its name. The Moulin Rouge is perfect for those who appreciate a drink that's both fruity and slightly bitter, offering a delightful twist on traditional gin-based cocktails.

The cocktail's history is as colorful as its name suggests. While it doesn't have the long-standing history of some classic cocktails, the Moulin Rouge has quickly gained popularity for its unique flavor profile. The use of sloe gin, a British favorite, combined with sweet vermouth and bitters, creates a harmonious balance that's both refreshing and complex.

A fun fact about sloe gin: it's made by infusing gin with sloe berries, which are small, tart fruits related to plums. This infusion process gives sloe gin its distinctive red color and fruity taste, making it an excellent base for cocktails like the Moulin Rouge.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Sloe Gin
  • 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

To create the perfect Moulin Rouge cocktail, gather these essential ingredients and get ready to impress your guests:

  • 1.5 oz Sloe Gin: Sloe gin is the star of this cocktail, providing a fruity base with a hint of tartness.
  • 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth: Sweet vermouth adds a rich, herbal sweetness that complements the sloe gin.
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters: Angostura bitters bring depth and a slight bitterness, balancing the sweetness of the vermouth.

Instructions

Crafting a Moulin Rouge cocktail is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these steps to mix up a drink that's sure to delight:

  1. Stir the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Tips

  • Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer before use to keep your drink cold longer.
  • Use a quality sweet vermouth, as it significantly impacts the cocktail's overall flavor.
  • For a more pronounced sloe flavor, consider using a sloe gin with a higher berry content.
  • If you prefer a slightly less bitter drink, reduce the bitters to just one dash.

Conclusion

The Moulin Rouge cocktail is a delightful addition to any cocktail repertoire, offering a sophisticated blend of flavors that's both fruity and bitter. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a standout choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant soirées.

Ready to explore more cocktail creations? Download the BarBot app to discover a world of cocktail recipes at your fingertips. With BarBot, you can log your tasting notes, capture photos of your masterpieces, and even rate your favorite drinks. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a curious novice, BarBot helps you elevate your cocktail experience. Cheers to new adventures in mixology!

Moulin Rouge recipe adapted from The Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Hellmich.