Rothman and Winter Creme de Violet Liqueur

Rothman and Winter Crème de Violette is an Austrian violet liqueur — 750mL at 20% ABV (40 proof), made from a careful maceration of Queen Charlotte and March Alpine violets in grape distillate with cane sugar — and you can order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV: 20% (40 proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Origin: Austria — Destillerie Purkhart, family-owned since 1932, three generations of eaux-de-vie and liqueurs
• Ingredients: Queen Charlotte and March violets (native Alpine wildflowers) macerated in "Weinbrand" (grape distillate), sweetened with cane sugar; no artificial color — the violet hue comes from the petals
• Import: Rothman & Winter line via Alpenz; California distribution by Pacific Edge Wine & Spirits

The Bottle That Brought Back the Aviation

Crème de violette vanished from the American market for decades, and the Aviation cocktail — the gin-violet classic of the pre-Prohibition era — faded with it. That changed in 2007, when this Austrian liqueur became the first authentic crème de violette widely available in the US in over a decade, single-handedly reviving the Aviation. It remains the benchmark: real violet petals, grape distillate, cane sugar, nothing artificial. Explore more Rothman & Winter fruit liqueurs, or browse the store's full liqueurs and amaro & bitters shelves.

Tasting Notes

Intensely floral — fresh violet blossoms and perfumed petal candy — over a clean grape-distillate base, with cane-sugar sweetness and a soft, silky finish. Just two or three dashes transform a cocktail: it adds color, perfume, and a distinctive floral lift that nothing else replicates.

How to Enjoy

Essential for an Aviation (gin, maraschino, lemon, crème de violette) and the Blue Moon (gin, lemon, violette). Also lifts a gin sour, a French 75, or a glass of sparkling wine with a violet twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crème de violette?
A violet-flower liqueur made by macerating violet petals in spirit and sweetening with sugar. Rothman & Winter's version uses Queen Charlotte and March Alpine violets in grape distillate.

What cocktails use crème de violette?
The Aviation is the signature serve (gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, crème de violette); the Blue Moon and the Aviation's violet-hued cousins are the other classics.

What is the ABV of Rothman and Winter Crème de Violette?
20% ABV (40 proof).

Does it contain artificial coloring?
No — the violet hue comes naturally from the violet petals.

Keep the Aviation's soul stocked: order Rothman and Winter Crème de Violette online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.