Violet Dusk

As we enter into spring, I present my first cocktail in my ‘’BarTop Chronicles” blog depicting the romantic glow of dusk with flavors of the exotic. It is simple, elegant, and ideal for gin lovers.

Recipe

1-1/2 oz Spring44 Gin

1 oz Lychee juice

½ oz The Bitter Truth Violet Liqueur

1 tsp BOLS Blue Curacao

Sprig of mint.

Rub a mint leaf over the rim of a chilled martini glass for aroma.

Shake the ingredients with ice in a shaker and strain into the glass. Garnish with an edible flower or mint leaf.

Inspiration & Creation

My inspiration for the Violet Dusk was the flower itself, which according to Greek mythology, denotes wisdom, humility, and faithfulness. It symbolizes the renewal of spring along with the budding and heartaches of young love. Violets bloom in the shade of woodland paths. Thus the name "Violet" is derived from the word “Vias” meaning wayside.

Violets were also closely associated to the heart in ancient Greec

e. When steeped in hot water, its heart-shaped leaves, according to legend could even heal a broken heart and welcome tranquility to a head that was prone to anger and sleeplessness. The rich color signifies royalty and the power to achieve good for the less fortunate.

I chose to use Spring44 Gin for its smooth subtle flavor. Distilled from the Colorado Rocky Mountain artesian miniral spring water, This all American gin contians hints of juniper, coriender, nutmeg, and GMO free corn.

The Bitter Truth Violet Liqueur pairs nicely with the otherwise strong taste of gin. The distinct floral flavor is softened with the delicate sweet juices of the lychee, a tropical fruit of Southeast Asia.

Taste the Violet Dusk

Taste my floral creation at Spice Affair in Beverly Hills, California, where it is currently served at Happy Hour and the summer dinner menu. It is my hope that those of you who come in stressed and weary from the tribulations of love will sip on the Violet Dusk and be reminded that with dusk comes rest, and with rest comes renewal.