Ah, Creme de Violette. The liqueur that’s as elegant as it is elusive, as mysterious as it is misunderstood. A drink that evokes images of Parisian cafes, Victorian parlors, and the kind of glamour that only comes from a bygone era. But what is it about Creme de Violette that makes it so special? And why has it fallen out of favor in recent years? and are there any substitutes of creme de violette? Let’s find out.
History of Creme de Violette
First, a little background. Creme de Violette is a liqueur made from violets. Yes, you read that right. Violets. Specifically, the petals of the delicate, purple-blue flowers that bloom in early spring. The flowers are steeped in neutral spirits, along with sugar and other flavorings, until the liquid takes on their distinctive floral aroma and flavor. The resulting liqueur is a pale, lilac-colored liquid that’s both sweet and fragrant, with a slight bitterness that balances out the sweetness.
But Creme de Violette isn’t just any liqueur. It’s a liqueur with a history. A history that’s as fascinating as it is hazy. Some say that the liqueur was first made in the early 19th century, by a Frenchman named Joseph Cartron. Others claim that it was actually a German liqueur, first produced by a company called Hermann Gewürz in the late 1800s. Either way, the drink soon became popular in Europe, particularly in the cocktail bars of Paris, where it was used to add a touch of floral elegance to drinks like the Aviation.
And that’s where things get interesting. Because, despite its popularity in the early 20th century, Creme de Violette all but disappeared from the cocktail scene after Prohibition. It wasn’t until the mid-2000s that the drink began to make a comeback, thanks in large part to the efforts of bartenders like Audrey Saunders, who helped revive classic cocktails like the Aviation and the Blue Moon.
But why did Creme de Violette fall out of favor in the first place? Some say that it was due to changing tastes. Others blame the rise of artificially flavored liqueurs, which made it harder for small-batch producers of Creme de Violette to compete. But don’t worry, there are several creme de violette substitutes for your recipes and cocktails.
7 Substitutes of Crème De Violette
Creme de violette is a liqueur made from violet flowers and has a distinct floral and sweet flavor. It is often used in classic cocktails like the Aviation and the Blue Moon. However, if you cannot find creme de violette, here are seven substitutes you can use:
Crème Yvette
This is a liqueur that has a similar flavor to creme de violette but also includes other fruit flavors like raspberries and blackberries. It was originally produced in the 1890s but was discontinued in the 1960s. It has since been brought back to the market.
Parfait Amour
This is a purple liqueur that is made from a blend of citrus and floral flavors. It has a slightly sweeter taste than creme de violette, but it can be used in a similar way in cocktails.
Violet Syrup
This is a non-alcoholic syrup that is made from violet flowers. It has a sweet, floral flavor and can be used as a substitute for creme de violette in cocktails.
Elderflower Liqueur
This liqueur is made from the flowers of the elderberry bush. It has a sweet, floral flavor that is similar to creme de violette. It can be used in cocktails in place of creme de violette, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Lavender Liqueur
This liqueur is made from lavender flowers and has a floral, herbal flavor. It can be used as a substitute for creme de violette in cocktails, but it will impart a slightly different flavor.
Hibiscus Syrup
This is a non-alcoholic syrup that is made from hibiscus flowers. It has a tart, floral flavor and can be used in cocktails as a substitute for creme de violette.
Grape Juice
If you are looking for a non-alcoholic substitute for creme de violette, grape juice can be used. It has a similar color and can add a fruity flavor to cocktails. However, it will not have the same floral taste as creme de violette.
What Can You do With Creme de Violette?
Well, for starters, you can make a classic Aviation. This gin-based cocktail, which dates back to the early 20th century, is a true classic, and one of the best ways to showcase the delicate, floral notes of Creme de Violette. To make it, combine 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz Creme de Violette, and 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist, and enjoy.
But the Aviation isn’t the only cocktail that benefits from a splash of Creme de Violette. Try adding it to a French 75, for a floral twist on this classic Champagne cocktail. Or use it in place of the triple sec in a Sidecar, for a drink that’s both sweet and sophisticated.
And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try making your own Creme de Violette. It’s not as difficult as you might think. Simply steep a handful of fresh violet petals in a bottle of vodka or neutral spirits, along with sugar and other flavorings. Let it sit for a few days, until the liquid takes on the distinctive floral aroma and flavor of the violets. Strain out the petals, and voila! You’ve got your very own homemade Creme de Violette.
What Are Non-Cocktail Uses For Creme de Violette?
Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to use this versatile liqueur in the kitchen. Try adding it to whipped cream, for a delicate violet flavor that pairs well with fresh berries or shortcake. Or use it to make a floral syrup, perfect for drizzling over pancakes or waffles. And don’t forget about desserts! Creme de Violette is a delicious addition to custards, cakes, and even ice cream.
Of course, like any liqueur, Creme de Violette is best enjoyed in moderation. It’s sweet and floral, with a delicate bitterness that lingers on the tongue. And, if you’re not careful, it can be easy to overdo it. But when used in the right proportions, Creme de Violette is a drink that’s both elegant and refreshing, with a taste that’s unlike anything else.
Final Thoughts
Creme de Violette is a liqueur that’s as fascinating as it is delicious. With a history that dates back centuries, and a flavor that’s both sweet and floral, it’s no wonder that this drink has become a favorite of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts around the world. It also has several substitutes ranging from floral liqueurs to non-alcoholic syrups and juices.
So next time you’ve run out of creme de violette, reach for one of the substitutes shared in this blog. Just keep in mind the flavor profile and notes of the original ingredient. While some substitutions may work in a pinch, they may not provide the exact same flavor experience as the original ingredient. In the case of creme de violette, it’s important to consider the sweet, floral notes that it provides, and to choose a substitute that can mimic those qualities as closely as possible.
Related Questions
What is creme de violette?
Creme de violette is a type of liqueur that is made from macerated violet flowers, sugar, and a neutral spirit such as vodka. It has a sweet, floral flavor with notes of violet and is commonly used in cocktails.
Why would I need a substitute for creme de violette?
Creme de violette can be difficult to find in some areas and it may also be quite expensive. Using a substitute can make it easier to recreate cocktails or other recipes that call for it.
What are some common substitutes for creme de violette?
Some common substitutes for creme de violette include violet syrup, violet liqueur, or even a small amount of violet extract. However, each substitute may have a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I use violet syrup instead of creme de violette?
Yes, violet syrup can be a good substitute for creme de violette. While it may not have the same alcohol content, it will still provide the floral flavor that is characteristic of creme de violette.
What is violet liqueur?
Violet liqueur is a type of liqueur that is made from violet flowers, sugar, and a neutral spirit. It has a similar flavor to creme de violette and is often used as a substitute for it.
Can I use violet liqueur instead of creme de violette?
Yes, violet liqueur can be a good substitute for creme de violette. However, it may have a slightly different flavor profile depending on the brand and the ingredients used.
What is violet extract?
Violet extract is a concentrated flavoring that is made from violet flowers. It can be used in small amounts to add a floral flavor to cocktails and other drinks.
Can I use hibiscus syrup instead of creme de violette?
While hibiscus syrup does not have the same flavor profile as creme de violette, it can provide a similar floral note in cocktails. Hibiscus has a tart and tangy flavor that is distinct from violet, but it does have a floral quality that can be used as a substitute in some recipes.
Can I use violet extract instead of creme de violette?
Yes, you can use violet extract as a substitute for creme de violette. However, it is important to use it sparingly, as it is quite potent and can easily overpower other flavors in a cocktail.
Can I make my own creme de violette?
Yes, you can make your own creme de violette at home using violet flowers, sugar, and a neutral spirit. There are many recipes available online, but the process typically involves macerating the flowers in the spirit for several days before adding sugar and filtering the mixture.
Can I use lavender syrup instead of creme de violette?
While lavender syrup can provide a similar floral flavor, it will not be a true substitute for creme de violette, which has a distinct violet flavor.
Can I use elderflower liqueur instead of creme de violette?
While elderflower liqueur can provide a similar floral flavor, it will not be a true substitute for creme de violette, which has a distinct violet flavor.
Can I use rose water instead of creme de violette?
No, rose water will not provide a similar flavor to creme de violette. It has a distinct rose flavor that is quite different from the floral notes of violet.
Can I use violet extract instead of creme de violette?
Yes, you can use violet extract as a substitute for creme de violette. However, it is important to use it sparingly, as it is quite potent and can easily overpower other flavors in a cocktail.
Can I make my own creme de violette?
Yes, you can make your own creme de violette at home using violet flowers, sugar, and a neutral spirit. There are many recipes available online, but the process typically involves macerating the flowers in the spirit for several days before adding sugar and filtering the mixture.
Can I use lavender syrup instead of creme de violette?
While lavender syrup can provide a similar floral flavor, it will not be a true substitute for creme de violette, which has a distinct violet flavor.
Can I use elderflower liqueur instead of creme de violette?
While elderflower liqueur can provide a similar floral flavor, it will not be a true substitute for creme de violette, which has a distinct violet flavor.
Can I use rose water instead of creme de violette?
No, rose water will not provide a similar flavor to creme de violette. It has a distinct rose flavor that is quite different from the floral notes of violet.
Can I use blueberry syrup instead of creme de violette?
No, blueberry syrup will not provide a similar flavor to creme de violette. While both are sweet, they have very different flavor profiles.
Can I use grapefruit juice instead of creme de violette?
No, grapefruit juice will not provide a similar flavor to creme de violette. It has a citrus flavor that is quite different from the floral notes of violet.
What are some cocktails that use creme de violette?
Creme de violette is a popular ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Aviation, the Blue Moon, and the Blue Hawaiian.
What is the Aviation cocktail?
The Aviation cocktail is a classic cocktail that was created in the early 20th century. It is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette, and is typically garnished with a cherry.
What is the Blue Moon cocktail?
The Blue Moon cocktail is a classic cocktail that is made with gin, lemon juice, and creme de violette. It is typically garnished with a lemon twist.
What is the Blue Hawaiian cocktail?
The Blue Hawaiian is a tropical cocktail that is made with rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and blue curaçao. Some recipes also include creme de violette to give the cocktail a floral note.
Are there any non-alcoholic cocktails that use creme de violette?
Yes, there are some non-alcoholic cocktails that use crème de violette. One example is the Violet Fizz, which is made with lemon juice, simple syrup, creme de violette, and club soda.
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that is used as a sweetener in cocktails and other drinks. It is typically made by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heating the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
Can I use other types of flower liqueurs instead of creme de violette?
Yes, there are many other types of flower liqueurs that can be used in place of creme de violette. Some examples include rose liqueur, elderflower liqueur, and hibiscus liqueur.
What is hibiscus liqueur?
Hibiscus liqueur is a type of liqueur that is made from hibiscus flowers. It has a tart, fruity flavor and is often used in tropical cocktails.
