Crème de Violette is a violet flavored crème liqueur. Crème liqueurs (not to be confused with cream liqueurs, made from a base spirit, flavorings, and cream) are so named due to their high levels of sugar, which provide a texture like cream.
There are many flavors of crème liqueurs, but all of them are syrupy in texture and around 30 proof.
While crème de violette was integral to many early 20th century cocktails, importation of the liqueur was sporadic at best until 1997, when Haus Alpenz introduced the Rothman and Winter brand.
Benoit Serres and Rothman and Winter are two examples of crème de violette. Crème de violette should not be confused with [ingredient=creme-yvette Crème Yvette] or [ingredient=parfait-amour Parfait Amour], for while the colors of those liqueurs are similar, Yvette and Parfait Amour have vanilla and citrus aromas in addition to the violet backbone, which make them suspect substitutions in cocktails.
Some popular cocktails containing Crème de Violette
- StregViation — Gin, Strega, Crème de Violette, Lemon juice
- Seat 1A — Gin, Amaro, Crème de Violette, Lime juice, Sugar
- Cointreau Teese — Triple sec, Crème de Violette, Apple juice, Lemon juice
- Winter's Blush — Light rum, Crème de Violette, Herbal liqueur, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Orange peel
- Sandstorm — Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Grapefruit juice, Lemon juice, Maraschino cherry
- Pig Cheeks Clive — Cognac, Crème de Violette, Campari, Cranberry bitters, Raspberry, Lime juice
- Flower Power Martini — Gin, Dry vermouth, Elderflower liqueur, Crème de Violette
- Say Goodnight Gracie — Light rum, Crème de Violette, Rhubarb bitters, Rich demerara syrup 2:1, Lime juice, Lime peel
- Flower Girl — Rum, Elderflower liqueur, Crème de Violette, Lemon juice, Lavender, Lavender syrup, Egg white
- Winter Is Coming — Aquavit, Amaro Montenegro, Lemon juice, Grapefruit juice, Simple syrup, Club soda, Crème de Violette