Happy Friday, everyone!

Some of you may have noticed an ingredient in yesterday’s TBT Classic Cocktail that seemed a bit foreign to you: creme de violette.

Well don’t worry, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about Rothman & Winter’s Creme de Violette!

First, it should be noted up top, that although we do love and appreciate the Rothman & Winter brand, the main reason we are identifying this as our creme de violette brand of choice is because it is pretty much the only one available in the United States. Luckily it is a good one, but it does stand alone.

Creme de Violette, as you probably guessed from the name, is a liqueur flavored with violets. It generally has a brandy base, or a mixture of brandy and a neutral spirit. The liqueur has been produced since the 19th century, and most often comes from France.

We love Creme de Violette for two reasons: first, although it is sweet, the floral violet flavor is very unique and cuts the syrupy sweetness leaving you with a really bright, complex flavor, and second, the liqueur is richly pigmented and a dash will give drinks an incredible color.

Classically, the liqueur was drunk on its own as a cordial, or mixed with sweet vermouth. There are also plenty of cocktails that call for it, chief among them of course being the Aviation Cocktail.

Interestingly though, although other floral liqueurs have taken off in recent years, creme de violette is not very well known and can be a bit tricky to track down. Since Rothman & Winter is the only brand readily available, it is usually only the larger liquor store chains that will put it on the shelves. BevMo is usually your best bet.

It will run you about $28 for a bottle, but that bottle should last you a good long while.

So go get yourself some, and then go crazy making purple cocktails!

Have a wonderful weekend, we will see you all back here on Monday!