The Moonwalk: A giant of a cocktail for a thirsty mankind
Forgive us, we meant humankind. But you know, this was 50 years ago, and we’re referencing a direct — and famous — quote.
We know what he said, but who knows what Neil Armstrong was really thinking when he took that first, historic step on the moon at 9:56 p.m. (Wisconsin time) on July 20, 1969.
Those of us who were alive and watching on TV were likely all thinking the same thing: WOW.
Chances are, no one was wondering what alcoholic beverage he and his Apollo 11 buddies, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, would imbibe once back on the safe, solid ground of Earth. But as it turns out, once the three astronauts were out of quarantine, they did down a cocktail.
It was a cocktail named, appropriately, the Moonwalk.
It was created by Joe Gilmore, head barman at the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar in London, just for this occasion.
It’s basically a variation on the mimosa, with grapefruit juice, orange liqueur and a hint of rose (from rose water), topped off with champagne.
We couldn’t find information on Gilmore’s rationale for including these specific ingredients, but the orange could be a nod to Tang, that orangish, oh-so-‘60s drink powder that NASA packed with astronauts on early manned space flights.
As for the bubbly? Well, what’s not to celebrate about the first trip to the moon and back?
Over his 21 years as head barman, Gilmore invented numerous cocktails to mark special events and important guests. And the Moonwalk wasn’t his only space-themed cocktail. According to various websites, in 1975 he created the Link Up cocktail (equal parts Russian vodka and Southern Comfort) to celebrate the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project, the first joint U.S.Soviet space flight.
Drinks on Us features an adult beverage each week that you can order or purchase locally or mix up at home. To suggest a drink, email Nancy Stohs at nstohs@journalsentinel.com or Kathy Flanigan at kflanigan@journalsentinel.com. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission, mix up this cocktail Saturday night, perhaps on your deck or patio as you look up at the moon and imagine what it would be like to set foot on its surface yourself.
Moonwalk
1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
1 ounce orange liqueur, preferably Grand Marnier
3 drops rose water
Champagne or sparkling wine for topping
Combine grapefruit juice, orange liqueur and rose water in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a champagne flute; top off with champagne or sparkling wine.