Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Pop a coupe or martini glass into the freezer for 10–15 minutes. A frosty glass helps preserve the ombré effect and keeps your cocktail cold longer.

Step 2: Prepare Galaxy Ice or Shimmer Base (Optional)
If you want to create a swirling “nebula” effect:

Add 1/8 tsp edible shimmer to a shaker with the vodka and cranberry juice.

Or freeze purple or blue food coloring with edible glitter into ice cubes the night before.

Step 3: Mix the Base Layer
In a cocktail shaker, combine:

Vanilla vodka

White cranberry juice

Lemon juice

Simple syrup
Add ice and shake well until the shaker is cold to the touch.

Step 4: Pour and Settle
Strain the shaken base into your chilled glass (or over your shimmer/galaxy ice). This creates a translucent, shimmering base layer.

Step 5: Layer the Color
Use the back of a spoon to gently pour:

Blue curaçao first (this adds electric blue tones)

Then slowly drizzle black raspberry liqueur to create a purplish, sunset-like swirl

The denser liquids will gently settle and float into mesmerizing ribbons, mimicking the sky’s movement.

Step 6: Garnish and Glow
Add a twist of lemon on the rim

Sprinkle with edible stars or dust

Drop in a glow cube for full “northern lights” drama