The Moonwalk

The Moonwalk was invented for Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin at the beloved Savoy Hotel in London. The drink was concocted to mark a momentous occasion: Armstrong and Aldrin's return to earth after their moon voyage. After a government-mandated quarantine, this was the first cocktail they sipped on to celebrate their release.

This classic cocktail has been forgotten in the annals of history, but deserves a revival. It is citrus-forward, incorporating both fresh grapefruit juice and bittersweet Grand Marnier. Grand Marnier serves as the base spirit here, rather than your typical gin, vodka, or whiskey, making this cocktail relatively light and a great pre-dinner sipper. The rosewater adds a special layer of flavor, harking back to the early cocktail culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries where floral elements like Crème de Violette were particularly popular.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Champagne and Prosecco?

While Prosecco is more fruit-driven in flavor and will make for a wonderful Moonwalk cocktail, you can choose to upgrade this drink by using Champagne. "When it comes to aroma and flavor, Champagne typically boasts subtle yet expressive fruit notes that run the gamut from apples and pears to more citrus-leaning ones," writes Food & Wine contributor Brian Freedman. "Thanks to the time it's spent aging on its lees, aromas and flavors reminiscent of bakeries are often found as well: Brioche, toast, fresh-baked bread."

What does Grand Marnier taste like?

Grand Marnier is sweet but balanced, with rich notes of candied orange, toffee, caramel, hazelnut, marmalade, fresh orange zest, and of course, Cognac.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Sparkling wine tops off this cocktail, lightening it up and providing a refreshing fizziness. Champagne is incredible, but if you're not actually celebrating your own return from space, feel free to use something a bit less pricey like Prosecco or Cava.