Violet Cocktails
Amazingly we find ourselves on one of the last few "Summer Friday's" of 2015
I recently experimented with using violette liquor to add a distinct and surprising twist to a common summer afternoon cocktail of prosecco or even straight seltzer for a lightly floral and refreshing treat.
There are several other recipes that can be found online that look worthy of trying. Here are a few on my list. Let me know if you try them. Would love to hear what you think!
From Foodandwine.com
The Violet Royal:
Combining Crème de Violette with Champagne allows you to appreciate all the liqueur’s vanilla-floral notes without them becoming overwhelming. Consider this a major mimosa upgrade for your next brunch.
Instructions: Pour 3/4 ounce Crème de Violette into a Champagne flute, then fill to the top with sparkling wine (about 5 ounces). Garnish with a lemon twist.
As a rule, you should be suspicious of blue cocktails. But the Blue Moon is a classic, bringing together floral Crème de Violette, herbal gin and bright, fresh lemon.
Instructions: In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine 2 ounces gin, 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice and 3/4 ounce Crème de Violette. Shake that all up and strain into a cocktail coupe. Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Here's also a link to an article that came out in the Smithsonian Magazine in 2009 announcing the return of the Vintage Violet cocktail. It has several additional recipes as well.
Vintage Violet Cocktails Make a Comeback
Get out there and enjoy the rest of your summer weekends!
XOXO,