Creme de Violette

That gorgeous purple-blue color in an Aviation cocktail? That’s crème de violette. This floral liqueur nearly disappeared from American shelves until Rothman & Winter brought it back around 2007, and the cocktail revival hasn’t let go of it since. Use it sparingly — a barspoon or quarter ounce is usually plenty, because too much and your drink tastes like grandma’s perfume. The Empress 1908 gin craze owes a lot to this flavor profile. Pair it with lemon and maraschino liqueur for the classic Aviation.

Last modified on October 15, 2026