This past week over on Instagram I unofficially declared it the week of creme de violette. Mainly I had been staring at a bottle of it on my shelf for way too long wondering how I was going to use it up.
The bottle is still there (I’m convinced it refills itself while I sleep), but I’ve definitely put a major dent in it and I’m still recipe testing! Anyways, I had asked the audience if anyone had any suggestions for this bottle that they currently love, and the Water Lily cocktail came up a few times. This recipe was created by Richard Boccato in New York, but I haven’t been able to pinpoint which bar it came out of due to references stating different places.
This cocktail hit a lot of marks for ingredients people were also already looking for: gin, lemon juice, ease of recipe, etc… Besides the creme de violette, most of the ingredients you’d find even in a not well stocked home bar, so I thought I’d share this, with my one small twist.
The drink is great on its own; well balanced, floral notes not too overpowering. But I found I enjoyed it slightly more with a small splash of cava as well. Just to add some dryness to it, and a touch of effervescence that brings a bit more of the floral out. This step is completely optional by the way, but just one more variation to play around with.
I hope you enjoy the drink, and please let me know if you have another use for your bottle of creme de violette!
Water Lily Cocktail
3/4 ounce gin
3/4 ounce creme de violette
3/4 ounce Cointreau
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
splash of cava, optional
orange zest for garnish
Combine all ingredients except cava in a mixing glass, stir well and strain into a coupe. Top with cava if using and garnish with orange zest.
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Try an Aviation, if you haven’t already. Gin, Luxardo maraschino, creme de violette, lemon juice. Pretty and tasty! Looking forward to trying the Water Lily!
Great cocktail!! Thanks for sharing!!
Just stopping by, as your post came up in my Water Lily internet sleuthing! This was indeed created by Richie Boccato – but it was while he was at Milk & Honey in NYC. He created it for Georgette Moger-Petraske (Sasha’s widow) when she asked for something with gin and lavender. (She loves lavender candies, btw) And he came up with this! It’s so named because Georgette’s middle name is Lillian. And when the ice crystals rise to the top of the glass, it can sometimes resemble Monet’s painting. Anyhoo! I hope you’re well! I bet this is delicious with a splash of bubbly!