Violette Casino
A sophisticated modern classic that bridges the gap between the Casino and Aviation cocktails, combining Old Tom gin, maraschino liqueur, and a whisper of crème de violette for elegant complexity.
35%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Violette Casino is a modern creation born from the craft cocktail renaissance, bridging two Hugo Ensslin classics: the Casino (1917) and the Aviation (1916). It takes the foundational structure of the Casino—Old Tom gin, maraschino, and orange bitters—and introduces the defining floral element of the Aviation with crème de violette. This logical fusion emerged after 2007 when Rothman & Winter reintroduced crème de violette to the American market, allowing bartenders to explore creative combinations of pre-Prohibition recipes.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a Nick & Nora or coupe glass to arctic temperatures
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass
Fill three-quarters full with high-quality ice cubes
Stir briskly for 20-25 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is painfully cold
Double-strain into the chilled glass
Express a lemon twist over the surface and garnish
Glassware
Served up in a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass
Garnish
Express oils over drink surface
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a light hand with crème de violette—more is not better
Old Tom gin is crucial for the proper balance and historical accuracy
Stir, don't shake, to maintain clarity and proper texture
Pre-chill the glass for at least 15 minutes
Express lemon oils as the final step before serving
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Violette Casino.
London Dry Version
Uses London Dry gin for a more juniper-forward profile.
Changes
Wet Version
Increases lemon juice for a tarter, more refreshing profile.
Changes
Casino
The parent cocktail without crème de violette.
Changes
Aviation
The sibling cocktail with more violette and no orange bitters.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Casino
An elegant gin sour with maraschino and lemon—bright, botanical, and subtly cherry-kissed.
Blue Moon
An ethereal and enigmatic pre-Prohibition cocktail, a poetic study in floral elegance and citrusy verve. This beautifully balanced gin sour showcases the unique characteristics of violet liqueur.
Aviation
Hugo Ensslin's sky-hued gin sour of gin, maraschino and crème de violette—lost for decades until the cocktail renaissance brought it soaring back.