Crème de violette liqueur

What it is

Crème de violette is a floral liqueur made from violet petals, known for its striking purple color and sweet, floral flavor. It plays a crucial role in classic cocktails, particularly in the Aviation cocktail, where it adds a unique depth and a beautiful hue. The liqueur is often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia and elegance in drinks, making it a favorite among bartenders looking to create visually stunning and flavorful cocktails.

Taste

Floral and sweet

How it is made

Crème de violette is typically made by infusing neutral spirits with violet flowers, sugar, and sometimes additional flavorings. The infusion process extracts the delicate floral notes and color from the petals, resulting in a sweet and aromatic liqueur.

History

The origins of Crème de violette date back to the 19th century in France, where it was first produced as a medicinal tonic before becoming popular as a cocktail ingredient. Its use in cocktails surged in the early 20th century, especially during the Prohibition era in the United States, when bartenders sought creative ways to mask the taste of lower-quality spirits.

In cocktails

Bartenders use Crème de violette to add a floral note and vibrant color to cocktails. It is often used in classic recipes like the Aviation and the Blue Moon. When serving, it can be combined with gin, lemon juice, and other complementary flavors to create a balanced drink. A little goes a long way, so it’s best to use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.

Worth knowing

Crème de violette was nearly forgotten for decades but has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to the craft cocktail movement.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Substitutes

Goes best with

Lemon juice (231) · Gin (206) · Sugar syrup (193) · Lime juice (191) · Vodka (187) · Bitters (122) · Brandy / cognac (111) · White rum (109) · Other liqueur (101) · Orange juice (94)

Cocktails with it

Ingredients