Blue Moon Recipe

Chill glass and beer

Place a pilsner or weizen glass in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or fill it with ice water for 2–3 minutes to chill. Keep the bottle or can of witbier in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Prepare garnish

If using an orange slice, cut a fresh orange into 1/4" thick slices. For an orange twist, use a vegetable peeler to remove a 1/2"-wide strip of zest avoiding the white pith.

Optional brightening

If you want a slightly brighter, juicier variant, pour 0.5 oz fresh orange juice (no pulp) and 0.25 oz simple syrup into the bottom of the chilled glass. Swirl gently to combine.

Pour the beer

Hold the chilled glass at a 45° angle. Begin pouring the witbier slowly down the side of the glass until it reaches about halfway. Then straighten the glass and continue pouring down the center to create a 1–1.5 inch head of foam. Pour gently to preserve carbonation and aromatic hops/yeast notes.

Garnish and finish

Set the orange slice on the rim or float it in the beer. If using an orange twist, express the oils by holding the twist over the glass and giving it a quick snap so oils spray onto the beer, then drop it in or rest on the rim. Serve immediately while cold and effervescent.

If you added fresh orange juice and/or simple syrup, taste the beer after pouring and adjust by stirring gently with a bar spoon no more than 2–3 turns to avoid flattening. Add an additional 0.25 oz orange juice or 0.25 oz simple syrup only if needed.