Cool Crème de Violette Cocktails

Thinking pastel cocktails might make a cute, on-theme addition to your Easter celebration menu? Step away from the food coloring and look instead to a staple ingredient of pre-Prohibition era American cocktails: crème de violette.

Often paired with gin, this liqueur made from violet petals (though some may use artificial flavoring) is praised for its delicate floral aroma. (Remember those old-school violet-flavored candies popular in the 1950s? Imagine them in liquid form.) Not cloying or overly alcoholic (only 20% alcohol by volume) as some liqueurs or crèmes can be, some enjoy it simply mixed with a splash of sparkling water. When it comes to stocking your bar, the version produced by Rothman & Winter is probably the most widely available and easiest to source. 

Attention Cocktail

This ethereal cocktail is an adaptation of the Prohibition-era classic — mixing crème de violette with absinthe, dry gin, and dry vermouth.

Aviation

No conversation about crème de violette cocktails would be complete without mention of this Prohibition-era creation. Considered to be the "core" of this drink, it also features gin, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice. That said, if you're not a fan of the cherry liqueur, try a Blue Moon, which excludes it.

Violette Royale

Hosting Easter brunch at your place this Sunday? Instead of going the traditional Mimosa or Bellini route, opt for a glass of floral, lavender-tinted bubbly.

Fizz a la Violette

For fizz fans, this frothy gin-based drink is a lovely mix of floral aromatics and tartness (from the inclusion of fresh lemon and lime juice).

Boulevard Cocktail

A perfect-for-spring cocktail that boasts a double dose of flower power as it also calls for St. Germain elderflower liqueur. 

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