Crème Yvette, which is sometimes also called violet liqueur and creme de Violette (though they are all technically different), is a French liqueur typically served as a digestif. However, it makes for a great cocktail ingredient as well.
Crème Yvette is made with violet petals, red raspberries, blackberries, some wild strawberry, black currant liqueur, honey, vanilla, and orange peels, creating warm spice undertones, with intense flavors of berry and just a hint of floral and sweetness from the violets and honey.
The tasty liqueur was initially manufactured in 1890 by the Sheffield Company in Connecticut but was then bought out by Charles Jacquin et Cie in Pennsylvania in 1900. Until a little over a decade ago, it was rare to find after distribution stopped in 1969.
Now, Rob Cooper, the creator of St. Germain elderflower liqueur, has brought it back to distribution with the same recipe from over a century ago. Since it is easier to get your hands on now, you have to try these seven Creme Yvette cocktails!
Crème Yvette vs. Crème De Violette vs. Violet Liqueur
Though recipes tend to use Crème Yvette, Crème De Violette, and violet liqueur interchangeably, they all have different flavor profiles and are different products.
Crème Yvette is typically referred to as the original, while Creme De Violette is a variation with more of a pronounced sweet violet flavor.
Violet liqueur is made only from violet petals that get added to a neutral base spirit or sometimes triple sec for a citrus note and is usually not sweetened, so it has the strongest violet flavor of them all.
You can always use whichever is your preference in each of these cocktails that call for Crème Yvette. It will just be more or less floral. So, keep that tidbit in mind as you keep reading!
7 Fantastic Creme Yvette Cocktails
1. Yvette Collins
by Serious Eats
This Yvette Collins recipe by Serious Eats creates a citrusy, floral, and refreshing drink. To begin, you’ll need to make a lavender simple syrup with water, sugar, and lavender buds on the stove, strain, and then let it cool before you start making your cocktail.
Once you’re ready, add the gin, lavender simple syrup, lemon juice, and Crème Yvette to a cocktail glass and stir until it is well combined. After, you can add ice and top it off with chilled seltzer.
If you enjoy this drink as much as we did, you’ll love other Tom Collins variations, which all have an excellent citrus flavor.
2. Yale Cocktail
The Yale Cocktail by Kindred Cocktails is a unique drink that puts the Crème Yvette front and center, with ingredients that only enhance the flavor.
Combine gin, Crème Yvette, maraschino liqueur, dry vermouth, and orange bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice. Once chilled, strain it into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
3. Fizz a la Violette
by Loungerati
The Fizz a la Violette by Loungerati recipe has an irresistible silky consistency and is made with gin, Crème Yvette, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and heavy cream, and egg white. It’s delicious, but please don’t ask us to pronounce it!
The trick is to dry-shake all the ingredients first until everything emulsifies before adding ice and shaking for at least 20 seconds. This will get the egg white to that proper froth.
4. The Orignal Aviation Cocktail
The Orignal Aviation Cocktail by Wine Enthusiast is one of those classic cocktails that will turn any gin hater into a fan! Simply shake together gin, fresh lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and Crème Yvette until well chilled, double strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with a cherry.
5. Little Tickle Cocktail Recipe
by Grey Goose
Be careful with this Little Tickle Cocktail Recipe by Grey Goose, as it has a high alcohol content, but it goes down easy. Drink responsibly!
To make this one, they say to stir Grey Goose, gin, and Crème Yvette with ice, fine strain into a chilled Boston glass, and top with lemon zest and cherries.
6. Blue Moon
The Blue Moon is a drink that was popular the first time Crème Yvette was distributed, and it is still a classic today. Cocktail Party’s Blue Moon Recipe is a perfect balance between gin, Crème Yvette, and lemon juice.
It gets shaken to chill, poured into a chilled glass, and garnished with a twisted lemon peel creating the stunning final results.
7. Champs de Violette
by Posh Designs
Posh Designs’ Champs de Violette recipe will be your new go-to drink for brunch or a summer afternoon. With just three ingredients, including champagne or sparkling wine, Crème de Violette, and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, this is one of those drinks that is simple but perfect. Top it with edible violet petals to make an extra gorgeous presentation perfect for Instagram!
FAQs
How do you drink Crème Yvette?
Crème Yvette should be enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif or as a cocktail ingredient.
What does Crème Yvette taste like?
Crème Yvette tastes like warm vanilla, honey, and orange peel with just a hint of violet and berries. It’s as delicious as it sounds!
Is Crème Yvette the same as Crème de Violette?
No, Crème Yvette is not the same as Crème de Violette as they are made by two different brands. Crème Yvette and Crème de Violette also have differences in their prominent flavors with Crème Yvette being more very-forward and light on the violet and the exact opposite of Crème de Violette.
Bottom Line
Crème Yvette makes an excellent cocktail ingredient, and these seven definitely stand out in execution. Try your hand at one of these recipes and switch up how you drink Crème Yvette.
Creme Yvette Cocktails
- Yvette Collins
- Yale Cocktail
- Fizz a la Violette
- The Orignal Aviation Cocktail
- Little Tickle Cocktail Recipe
- Blue Moon
- Champs de Violette