Elizabeth Taylor Cocktails – Glam in a Glass: La Dame Royale & Violet Flame

There aren’t many icons as outrageously glamorous as Dame Elizabeth Taylor.

Yes, Dame. The British-born legend was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2000, which basically means Buckingham Palace admitted she was that girl.

Her career lasted six decades, her violet eyes hypnotized a generation of Don Draper wannabes, and she remains one of Hollywood’s Golden Age queens.

But what I secretly love? 

Liz’s glorious messiness. Not mocking—respecting. 

This woman was born with scoliosis, survived an abusive childhood, stood up to the Hollywood studio system, collected seven husbands (marrying Richard Burton twice, because why the hell not), and walked away with a 33-carat diamond. Get it, Liz.

She battled her weight (I feel that), hated how the media portrayed her (same), but still declared herself “the biggest manipulator ever born.” That’s not weakness—that’s lady balls.

And the jewelry. My god, the jewelry. She loved it even more than I do, which is saying something. (Click here to drool over her collection—you’ll need a towel.)

She even launched her own line because Liz didn’t just wear sparkle, she sold sparkle.

So naturally, these cocktails in her honor glow a hazy lavender thanks to Rothman & Winter’s Crème de Violette—made from violets and cane sugar. It tastes delicate, floral, a little earthy, smells like alpine fields, and yes, just the right touch of medicinal. Because Liz was never basic.

The Elizabeth Taylor Cocktail: La Dame Royale

Ingredients:

• One bottle Champagne or sparkling wine (bougie or budget—your call)
  
  • Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée ($60)
    
  • Piper Heidsieck ($50)
    
  • Luc Belaire Gold Brut ($25)
    
  • Argyle Vintage Brut ($28)
    
  • Segura Viudas Cava Brut ($10)
    
• 1/4 oz Rothman & Winter’s Crème de Violette Liqueur per glass
• Lemon peel for garnish

Method:

1. Pour Champagne into a flute, coupe, or wine glass (about 4 oz).
   
2. Add 0.25 oz Crème de Violette.
   
3. Twist lemon peel over drink and drop in.
   
4. Stir gently.
   
5. Garnish with diamonds (Liz would approve).
   
6. Sip, pose, and channel your inner icon.
   

Note: Don’t use Prosecco unless you want La Dame Royale turning into grape soda.

The Elizabeth Taylor Cocktail: The Violet Flame

Ingredients:

• 1.75 oz very good gin (Hendrick’s, Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice, Uncle Val’s, or Nolet’s)
  
• 0.75 oz Rothman & Winter’s Crème de Violette
  
• 1 oz Lillet Blanc (slightly honeyed, fruity, dry)
  
• Ice

Method:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
   
2. Add gin, Crème de Violette, and Lillet Blanc.
   
3. Shake for 30 seconds like you mean it.
   
4. Strain into a coupe or martini glass.
   
5. Garnish with emeralds (or a lemon twist if you’re tragically underdressed).
   
6. Toast to chaos, diamonds, and unforgettable entrances.

Liz collected husbands, diamonds, and Oscars. You can at least collect compliments when you serve her cocktail. Cheers.