Creme Yvette, a lost ingredient of many classic cocktails, is now back in the bottle. (Photo: Michael Anstendig)
In response to the badgering of cocktail historians like Dave Wondrich, Rob Cooper—the mastermind behind the now-ubiquitous St. Germain elderflower liqueur—has resurrected another long-lost spirit. This time, it’s Crème Yvette, a violet-infused liqueur that perfects classic cocktails like the Blue Moon, the Aviation and the Pousse Café. The liquid has been stealthily making the rounds at New York’s famed speakeasies, but WSWA was the first official launch of the elixir.
The liqueur itself is subtly flowery with an understated sweetness. Rob’s crew mixed up some intriguing retro Fizz de Violette cocktails, with Genever, Crème Yvette, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and a dash of cream. The frothy, purple-tinged concoction was refreshing and made us pine for the return of la belle époque.—Michael Anstendig
The Fizz de Violette, the first of many Creme Yvette cocktails we'll be sipping. (Photo: Michael Anstendig)
Jamie Boudreau (Vessel, Seattle) posted about this on his blog last summer, and I’ve been eyeballing the shelves of NYC liquor stores since. I’ve found Creme de Violette at several sources, but never Creme Yvette.
Have you seen this in stores? I’m dying to try a Blue Moon w/ Yvette.
Any sources in the NY NJ PA areas yet? I’d love to get some. I’ll have to take out a second mortgage to get Hermes delivered again. Thanks and please reply to njiady4L at aol dot com if any sources online or in the region.
njLady, lucky you w/ the Hermes! I haven’t seen it anywhere in NYC or online. Borisal (4th & 10th in Brooklyn), Chelsea Wine Vault, Astor Wines and sometimes Warehouse have Rothman’s Creme de Violette. Samswines.com has the Miclo Violette.