The Elizabeth Taylor – A Champagne Cocktail with Violet Liqueur
Sometimes an occasion calls for a decidedly floral cocktail – Mother’s Day, perhaps? Or maybe a bridal or baby shower? When it’s time for such an occasion, cocktails with violet liqueur can be a delightful choice. This light and refreshing violet champagne cocktail, which I fondly call the Elizabeth Taylor, has a touch of violet liqueur, a splash of lemon, and is topped with brut champagne. It’s so simple to make and looks extremely fancy when garnished with an edible flower, violet preferred, or if you aren’t lucky enough to live where they grow, violas will do just fine. The cocktail was invented by bartender Michael Robertson, in 2007 at the Driftwood Room in Portland, Oregon. The original recipe calls for garnishing with an Amarena Cherry and is served in a champagne flute.
Jump to RecipeRecipe card and instructions updated 2/21/24.
What does Violet Liqueur (AKA Creme de Violette) Taste Like?
Violet liqueur is the nectar of the floral cocktail gods. Imagine stepping into a blooming garden in the early days of spring, the air filled with the delicate scent of violets—now, bottle that essence and add a splash of alcohol, and you’ve got yourself violet liqueur. It’s like a garden party in your mouth, where the dress code strictly enforces shades of purple and whimsy.
This fragrant spirit is made by infusing alcohol with violet flowers, often with a touch of sugar to balance the floral intensity. The result is a liqueur that’s as visually striking as it is taste bud tantalizing, boasting a vivid purple hue that can turn any cocktail into a masterpiece worthy of being framed. Or, at the very least, worthy of a prime spot on your Instagram feed.
Violet liqueur whispers sweet nothings of spring and sophistication into your drinks, adding a floral note that’s both delicate and mysterious. It’s the secret ingredient in classic cocktails like the Aviation, giving them a color that’s as enchanting as the cocktails are delicious.
How to Make Champagne Cocktails with Violet Liqueur
Bette Davis once famously said, “There comes a time in a woman’s life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne.” This beautiful violet champagne cocktail will surely help make any event more festive (or more bearable). Here’s what you’ll need to make each cocktail:
- 1 ounce of violet flavored liqueur (Crème de Violette)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 4 ounces (about, depending on the size of your glass) of brut champagne
- edible flowers to garnish
What is the Best Kind of Glass for Champagne Cocktail?
Champagne and champagne cocktails are usually served in either of two glasses; a coupe glass or a champagne flute. Coupe glasses (apparently they’re also called champagne saucers?) were very popular around the turn of the century and are the kind of glassware you’ll see in period films and images. Though it has somewhat gone out of favor, it’s making a bit of a comeback due to its retro style and vintage charm. The main disadvantage to this type of glass is that the champagne looses its bubbles more quickly. This is, of course, a non issue if you can drink your cocktail quickly. Ahem.
The other more popular glass for champagne is the flute, and what you might typically think of as a champagne glass. It’s tall and thin and does an amazing job of creating lasting fizzy bubbles. Unfortunately, because this type of glass has such a small opening at the top, it prevents the release many of the champagne’s aromas and flavors.
There is a third choice as well – a tulip style champagne glass, which is narrower at the bottom and top and wider in the middle. This allows more aeration of the wine and more development of flavors, while still capturing the effervescent qualities of the champagne.
While you can always just use a wine glass if that’s what you have in the cabinet, if you enjoy champagne and champagne cocktails, it might be worth the investment in glasses that are specifically suited to the cause, especially if they are pretty.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I think this beautiful violet champagne cocktail would be a perfect, and special, way to treat Mom (or yourself)! It’s floral, bright and absolutely delicious, and looks so perfect in an antique coupe glass. Cheers!
Love cocktails? Try these other recipes!
If you make one of these cocktails with violet liqueur, or any other recipe from my blog, drop a comment below and be sure to tag me on Instagram, and use the hashtags #agirldefloured #deflouredrecipes! Thank you!
Violet Champagne Cocktail – The Elizabeth Taylor
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ounce violet flavored liqueur Crème de Violette
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 ounces brut champagne or sparkling wine (approximately)
- edible flower for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the violet liqueur and lemon juice into your preferred serving glass. Top with champagne. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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That cocktail was invented in Portland at The Driftwood Room in Hotel deLuxe by bartender (myself) Michael Robertson, in 2007. It was garnished with an Amarena Cherry and served in a champagne flute.
Hi Michael – thank you so much for your comment! I didn’t know the origin story. I’ve updated the post and recipe card with credit to you. It’s a fabulous cocktail!