Imagine sipping on a refreshing summer blend or savoring a stylish date night cocktail, both infused with the essence of violets. Crème de Violette, a liqueur boasting a stunning deep violet hue and floral notes, is an ideal addition to any drink. Its unique color originates from the steeping of violet petals and buds in alcohol, allowing the flower’s intense pigment to transfer to the liquid.
This elegant liqueur was once a staple in classic cocktails like the Aviation, but it’s time for it to take center stage again. To get you started on your Crème de Violette journey, here are 15 cocktail recipes that showcase its versatility. From sweet treats like the Strawberry & Lavender Creme de Violette Float to fruity twists like the Blackberry Martini, there’s something for everyone.
Try #13’s take on a classic cocktail and discover why Crème de Violette deserves to reclaim its place in the spotlight.
Violet Crumble
Kick off an unforgettable night with a sweet and creamy party drink that’s sure to delight your friends. The combination of cake vodka, crème de cacao, and clear cream soda creates a delightful flavor profile with notes of vanilla sweetness, rich chocolate, and refreshing fizz. To balance out the sweetness, a hint of citrusy zing from the Crème de Violette adds depth to this dessert cocktail.
For optimal enjoyment, serve it over ice or chill your glasses before pouring for a refreshing treat that’s sure to please.
Coco-Violet Cocktail
There’s nothing quite like sipping a refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of a tropical paradise! The unique flavor profile of Empress gin, with its fruity, peppery, and herby notes, is particularly well-suited for creating a bright and zesty drink. When combined with coconut cream, which adds a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture, the result is a delightful harmony of flavors.
A squeeze of lime juice injects a welcome burst of freshness, while the subtle coolness from a sprig of mint provides a refreshing contrast. Feel free to substitute Empress gin with your preferred gin, should you not have it on hand, and still enjoy a truly delightful cocktail experience.
Blackberry Martini
Experience the thrill of crafting a unique cocktail by muddling blackberries and combining them with Violette liqueur, vodka, and ice. The tartness and fruity aroma of the berries perfectly complement the floral scent of the Violette, while the vodka’s subtle flavor allows the other ingredients to shine. Pouring the finished drink into a tall martini glass makes it perfect for a sophisticated party at home.
To make this cocktail, simply muddle 6-8 blackberries in the shaker and add them to the mixture along with ice. The recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the level of fruitiness to your taste.
Spiked Creme De Violette Lemonade
As summer arrives, there’s nothing quite like quenching your thirst with a refreshing glass of lemonade – and we’re not just talking about any ordinary lemonade! This spiked Crème De Violette Lemonade is the perfect way to beat the heat, with its boozy kick and pool party vibes. When you’re hosting a big gathering, making lemonade ahead of time is a game-changer. Simply chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, then add the Violette for an extra layer of flavor.
And don’t forget to top it off with a twist of lemon – the perfect garnish for this summer sipper.
Violet & St. Germain Spritz
This cocktail is a masterclass in floral fusion, combining the delicate flavors of elderflower with the sweet, fragrant essence of Violette liqueur. The result is a beverage that’s as much a feast for the senses as it is a delight to the palate. Elderflower brings a light, fruity zestiness and a robust perfume-like aroma that perfectly complements the crisp, effervescent Prosecco.
To finish, add a splash of sparkling water and you’ll be sipping on a refreshing drink that’s equal parts revitalizing and indulgent.
Aviation Gin Fizz
Inspired by the classic aviation cocktail, this fizzy twist makes for an invigorating pick-me-up after a long day. While maintaining the essence of its predecessor, it has carved out its own identity with the distinctive orgeat syrup. The latter brings an unmistakable nutty and citrusy flavor profile that is notoriously challenging to replicate elsewhere. Its subtle acidity harmonizes beautifully with the herbal notes of Empress gin, crafting a well-balanced taste experience.
Furthermore, the addition of egg whites adds depth to the cocktail, culminating in a visually appealing presentation with a delicate layer of foam at its peak.
Scotch Violets
Indulge in a rich and complex sweet drink that perfectly balances smoky notes with a hint of fruitiness. This recipe combines the full-bodied flavor of cask-aged Scotch, which is characterized by notes of vanilla and fruit, with the subtle sweetness of honey and the brightness of lemon juice. The result is a refreshing cocktail that won’t be overpowered by its distinct whisky taste. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite salty snack for a perfect combination.
Strawberry & Lavender Creme De Violette Float
Imagine yourself indulging in a vibrant, fruity dessert cocktail that’s as refreshing as it is decadent. At its core is strawberry gelato, which brings an abundance of creaminess and richness to the drink. Not only does this cold and silky ingredient provide a delightful textural contrast, but it also cleverly eliminates the need for ice, allowing you to enjoy your concoction at the perfect temperature.
Meanwhile, the subtle malt flavors from the wit beer subtly introduce notes of mellow fruitiness and deep caramelization, harmoniously balancing out the sweetness of the strawberry gelato.
Midnight Sun Cocktail
Infusing your cocktail with the vibrant flavor of orange liqueur is a game-changer. Its sweet and citrusy taste profile instantly adds a refreshing twist to any mix. When poured, the liqueur’s clear appearance allows the subtle violet hue to shine through, creating a visually appealing drink. A judicious dash of rhubarb bitters strikes the perfect balance between tart citrus and pleasing bitterness on the palate.
For those who prefer their cocktails sweeter, a touch of simple syrup or additional orange liqueur can be added to taste. Finally, the sugar-coated blood orange garnish provides an extra layer of sugary indulgence.
Arsenic & Old Lace Martini
When combining dry liquors like vermouth with sweet Crème de Violette, what do you get? A harmonious cocktail! Unlike its sweeter counterpart, dry vermouth boasts a crisp, tart taste reminiscent of a dry white wine in cocktails. The glass is first rinsed with a hint of absinthe, imparting a subtle licorice note. As the peppery and fruity juniper flavors from the gin take center stage, this recipe truly shines.
Ghost Flower Tiki Cocktail
Get ready to transport yourself to an exotic tropical island without leaving your home. The key is in crafting the perfect Tiki cocktail. This style of drink is all about building complex flavors by layering fruity, citrusy, and spicy notes. While they may look fun and playful, don’t be fooled – these drinks are just as sophisticated and nuanced as any other cocktail out there. Take Ghost Flower, for example.
Its silky smooth texture and sweet butterscotch flavor come from the silver rum, while the pineapple and lime juice add a sharp acidity that beautifully balances the sweetness. And let’s not forget the showstopper – light up the rum-soaked lime garnish to create a fiery spectacle that’s sure to impress.
Classic Aviation Cocktail
The iconic Crème de Violette cocktail has a timeless classic in the Aviation, a refined and straightforward concoction that’s perfect for beginners looking to hone their skills behind the bar. The process is effortlessly simple: chill, mix, pour, and garnish – a recipe for success! What sets the Aviation apart is the subtle yet crucial addition of maraschino liqueur, which adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the dryness, bringing harmony to this elegant cocktail.
The Aviatrix
The Aviatrix cocktail is an excellent choice for a sophisticated evening at home. Its delicate, stylish charm makes it perfect for a quiet hour with friends or family. The star of this show is Lillet Blanc, a liqueur that boasts a distinctive honey, orange, and mint aroma. As you sip this refreshing drink, the pleasant sweetness and citrusy finish unfold, perfectly balanced by the subtle kick from the lemon bitters.
To truly appreciate The Aviatrix, make sure to chill both the ingredients and glasses before serving.
Water Lily
When it comes to crafting the perfect cocktail for a sophisticated dinner for two, Violette liqueur is an invaluable asset. Its unique property of transforming into a lighter shade when mixed with clear dry gin and orange liqueur creates a visually stunning concoction that’s sure to impress. The harmonious balance of sweetness from the orange liqueur, tartness from the lemon juice, and piney notes from the gin result in a delightful drinking experience.
For those seeking inspiration for a complementary dish, this list offers an array of tasty options.
Kessel Run Cocktail
This recipe is a masterclass in balancing bold flavors. Mezcal, made from the same agave plant as tequila, boasts a rich, smoky profile that’s perfectly tempered by the sweetness of blackberries, maraschino liqueur, and Violette liqueur. The combination creates a harmonious blend where the mezcal’s toasted notes are subtly underpinned, rather than overpowering the drink. Adding a touch of fruitiness with speared berries rounds out the flavors, making this cocktail a delightful surprise.
The bottom line
Crème de Violette’s versatility stems from its distinctive appearance, making it an exciting component to experiment with in mixology. Typically, it’s combined with dry spirits like gin and other ingredients featuring subtle fruit and citrus notes. For a refreshing twist on cocktail hour, keep these 17 elegant recipes featuring Crème de Violette in mind. From the classic Aviation cocktail to a blackberry-infused martini, there’s something for everyone.
