Yuri’s Night is a global celebration held annually on April 12th to commemorate the anniversary of the first human spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961, and the inaugural launch of NASA’s Space Shuttle on April 12, 1981. The event was first celebrated in 2001, on the 40th anniversary of Gagarin’s flight, and has since grown into an international movement, with events held in countries all around the world.
Yuri’s Night celebrations often feature space-themed parties, concerts, art exhibits, film screenings, and other events that highlight the achievements of space exploration and inspire the next generation of space explorers. The event’s mission is to promote the exploration and peaceful use of outer space, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.
Yuri’s Night is a non-profit organization that coordinates and supports events around the world, and encourages anyone who is interested in space to join the celebration by organizing or attending a local event.
Moonwalk Cocktail
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Splash of triple sec
- Splash of cranberry juice
- Splash of grenadine
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Galactic Punch
- 2 cups of pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup of vodka
- 1/4 cup of blue curaçao
- 1/4 cup of raspberry liqueur
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- Splash of grenadine
Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve in glasses over ice.
Space Margarita
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Salt for rimming the glass
Rim a glass with salt. Combine tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass over ice.
The Cosmic Cocktail
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blue curacao
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- Splash of lime juice
Shake all ingredients together with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.
The Space Station Sour
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz red wine
Shake the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup together with ice and strain into a glass over ice. Float the red wine on top.
The Rocket Fuel
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- Splash of grenadine
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a slice of orange.
The Blue Nebula
- 1 oz blue curacao
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz honey syrup
- Splash of club soda
Shake the blue curacao, gin, lime juice, and honey syrup together with ice and strain into a glass. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon twist.
The Meteor Shower
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz passion fruit juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 1/2 oz ginger liqueur
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of lime.
The Galaxy Martini
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blue curacao
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Splash of simple syrup
- Edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles (optional)
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add a sprinkle of edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles on top for a cosmic touch.
These are just a few examples of space-themed cocktails that could be enjoyed on Yuri’s Night. You can also create your own unique and creative drinks that incorporate elements of space or the cosmos.