Refreshing Cocktail: Creme de Violette

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We’re between spring and summer, but it is certainly heating up here in Texas. Time to bust out the refreshing cocktails. (Though an excuse is never needed.) 🙂

I’m not much of a beer or wine girl, but I love interesting cocktails, especially retro cocktails from back when life was more fabulous. And anything with vodka will get my vote.

I was recently watching a local entertainment show and they were featuring Taylor Swift-themed cocktails in anticipation of her upcoming concerts here in town. Now, I could not care one bit less about Taylor Swift, but one cocktail caught my eye because I had never heard of the liqueur they used.

It’s called Creme de Violette. This beautiful purple liqueur is a product of Austria and has been around for a long time. In the early 19th century it was served with vermouth or alone as a cordial. The bottle is really pretty, too. 🙂

If you’ve ever had an Aviation Cocktail, you’ve had Creme de Violette, as it is one of the ingredients, along with gin, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice.

As the name implies, Creme de Violette is made from violets and is purple. It is a lovely color all on its own before you add anything else to make the cocktail.

I don’t really know why it’s called Creme de Violette, because the word “creme” usually denotes a creamy liqueur and this one is not creamy at all. But it is very purple and has a lovely delicate flavor.

I went to my local liquor store and they had this liqueur, along with an apricot version. I think that would be equally as tasty.

To make this Creme de Violette cocktail, you just add equal parts vodka and liqueur, then top with sparkling water. I used one ounce each of vodka and liqueur.

You can add a sprig of mint as a garnish or muddle the mint and add it to your drink. But you don’t have to, as this drink is delicious just as it is.

I took mine and my latest read outside for an afternoon break of day drinking recently. 🙂

This book about the history of J Crew is really interesting. J Crew and I started out in the world at the same time, 🙂 so I’ve always felt a kinship with the brand. I worked for them when I was younger and it was a fun job.

If you ever wanted to know how the brand got started and evolved into what it is today, I think you will really enjoy reading this interesting book. I am really liking it.

It was a good fit with my new favorite refreshing cocktail. 🙂

If you like cocktails and trying new drinks, I encourage you to give this one a try. Remember, it’s just equal parts Creme de Violette and vodka, then topped with sparkling water.

That’s it! Super easy.

If you try it, I’d love to know what you think. And if you have a favorite cocktail, please share it with me. I love to try them all! 🙂

And I’d love for you to follow me on Pinterest!