Often paired with the classic Aviation cocktail, violet liqueur has potential far beyond its signature drink. While Aviation certainly put the floral liqueur on the map, bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike are discovering that violet liqueur can be a delicious addition to a wide range of drinks, adding to their unique character.
The Subtle Magic of Violet Cream
The beauty of violet liqueur lies in its ability to subtly transform the aroma, taste and appearance of a cocktail. Cameron Dodge-White, bar manager at Holy Water in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, highlights its versatility, especially when paired with gin. “I love adding a spoonful to other classic cocktails, especially with gin, like the Gimlet or Last Word, substituting violet liqueur for Luxardo,” he says. The result? A burst of floral aroma without overwhelming sweetness, and often a subtle purple hue that adds visual appeal to the drink.
The key to using violet liqueur successfully is moderation. If used incorrectly, its strong violet aroma can quickly overpower a drink. But when balanced correctly, it can elevate a cocktail in an unexpectedly pleasant way, bringing a subtle floral complexity.
What exactly is Crème de Violette?
A liqueur with a strong violet flavor and rich purple color, violet liqueur is an essential ingredient in certain cocktails. The liqueur dates back to the 1800s, when violet-flavored syrups and candies were popular, eventually making their way into beverages.
Today, various brands of violet liqueurs have their own unique flavors. For example, Giffard offers a lighter, more delicate violet liqueur at 16% ABV, while Rothman & Winter’s violet liqueur is slightly more intense at 20%. Tempus Fugit’s violet liqueur is higher at 22% ABV and has less sugar, making it less sweet when used in cocktails. Bitter Truth’s violet liqueur is also 22% ABV. These brands vary in alcohol and sweetness, so the resulting cocktails can vary greatly depending on the violet liqueur used. For example, an Aviation cocktail made with Giffard tastes lighter, while a cocktail made with the stronger Golden Moon tastes stronger at 30% ABV.
Crème de Violette vs. Crème Yvette: What’s the difference?
Although often mentioned together, Crème de violette and Crème Yvette are very different products. Crème de violette is a liqueur that focuses on violet flavors, while Crème Yvette is a specific brand that combines violet petals with four berries. As a result, Crème Yvette tends to have a more complex flavor profile, with notes of candied orange and honeycomb, and its color is more reddish than purple due to the lack of added coloring.
How to Use Violet Liquor in Cocktails
Violet liqueur’s resurgence in modern cocktails is largely due to the resurgence of the Aviation, a pre-Prohibition tipple that combines gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and violet liqueur. In the mid-2000s, the cocktail became a staple on bar menus, sparking a renewed interest in the liqueur.
In addition to the Aviation cocktail, violet liqueur has made a splash in other cocktails. For example, the Blue Moon cocktail is a variation that omits the maraschino liqueur, allowing the flavor of violets to take center stage. Violet liqueur also pairs beautifully with champagne and other sparkling wines, making it a great alternative to the Kir Royale cocktail. For a simple twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, a spoonful of violet liqueur can add a floral flavor that complements the gin and sparkling wine.
Try Violet Cream
While violet liqueur is a fascinating ingredient worth experimenting with, it’s important to use it with caution. Too much violet liqueur can overpower a cocktail, making the drink overly aromatic or reminiscent of perfume. Just like elderflower liqueur, a little violet liqueur can go a long way, so it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
In the world of cocktails, violet liqueur has a floral flavor that can take your creations to new heights. Whether you’re mixing an Aviation or a Gimlet, or trying a sparkling wine, this liqueur’s subtle balance of flavors can add a touch of elegance to your drink. And remember: a touch of violet liqueur can make all the difference.
