Crème Yvette can be difficult to find, so in this article we will discuss the best substitutes.
What is Crème Yvette?
Crème Yvette—sometimes known as Creme d’Yvette or Creme de Yvette—is a liqueur made from violet petals, blackberries, red raspberries, strawberries, cassis, orange peel, honey and vanilla.
This berry-flavored liqueur has a sweet, floral flavor.
Crème Yvette was produced by Charles Jacquin et Cie in Philadelphia, but production stopped in 1969.
Today, Crème Yvette is made in France by The Cooper Spirits Co.
Crème Yvette substitutes
Crème de Violette
Crème de Violette is a French liqueur made from a combination of violets and a brandy or spirit base. It is violet/purple in color, has a floral aroma and a fruity taste.
It can be served as an after-dinner liqueur and is a popular ingredient in cocktails, like the Aviation and the Blue Moon.
Most recipes requiring Crème Yvette can be substituted for Crème de Violette.
Parfait d’Amour
Parfait d’amour is another liqueur. It is often used in cocktails primarily for its purple color and is usually created from a curaçao liqueur base. There are different versions of Parfait d’Amour and not all are made using violets. So, check the ingredients and flavor profile before you buy.
Bols Parfait d’amour is a blend of roses and violets with orange peel extract and is made with natural botanicals. Purple in color, it makes another excellent substitute for Crème Yvette.
Crème de Cassis
Crème de Cassis is a French liqueur made with blackcurrants. It is served as an after-dinner liqueur and is an ingredient in cocktails, such as Kir Royale.
The main ingredient or flavor of Crème de Cassis is blackcurrant. It is made from crushed blackcurrants soaked in alcohol, with added sugar.
Crème de Cassis can be a good substitute for Crème Yvette, as it has a similar flavor profile – both have a sweet, fruity flavor. It is, however, a different color to Crème Yvette – dark red rather than the purple/blue hue of Crème Yvette.
Violet syrup
Violet syrup is an excellent non-alcoholic alternative to Crème Yvette. You will achieve the sweet violet flavor without the alcohol. It’s easy to find and there are many brands to choose from, like Monin.
To make a homemade violet simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add a few sprigs of fresh violets and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Strain the syrup and allow to cool.
Add a dash of Brandy or a neutral spirit to your cocktail, like vodka, for a more accurate alcoholic Crème Yvette substitute.
Violet gin
If you want to make the Aviation cocktail and you don’t have Crème Yvette or Crème de Violette, but you really want it to have the blue/purple hue to it, then violet gin can be a good substitute. The Aviation is made with gin. So, use violet gin where the recipe calls for gin, and use double Maraschino or Kirsch liqueur to make up for the lack of Crème Yvette. Most recipes call for .25 ounce of each, so you would use .5 ounce of Maraschino instead.
Cocktails made with Crème Yvette
Crème Yvette is an ingredient referenced in a number of historic works. Cocktails made from Crème Yvette have enjoyed a revival due to an interest and desire to make authentic vintage cocktails.
Cocktails made with Crème Yvette include:
- The Blue Moon
- The Dewey Cocktail
- The Submarine Kiss
- The Defender
- The Perpetual
- The Lone Heart
- The Yvette Cocktail
