Three Elizabeth Taylor Cocktails – Glam in a Glass

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 Violette

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
• ½ oz Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette
• ¼ oz elderflower liqueur
• Lemon peel for garnish

Sparkling wine options:

• Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée
• Roederer Estate Brut
• Luc Belaire Gold Brut
• Argyle Vintage Brut
• Segura Viudas Cava Brut
• Borrasca Blanc de Blancs Brut

Method:

1. Pour the sparkling wine into a flute, coupe, or wine glass.
2. Add ½ oz Crème de Violette and ¼ oz elderflower liqueur.
3. Stir gently.
4. Twist a lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.
5. Garnish with diamonds (Liz would approve) or lemon peel.
6. Sip, pose, and channel your inner icon.
   

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

The Elizabeth Taylor Cocktail: The Violet Flame

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 oz very good gin (Hendrick’s, Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice, Uncle Val’s, or Nolet’s)
  
• 1/4 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 amethysts or emeralds (or a lemon twist if you’re tragically underdressed).
   
6. Toast to chaos, diamonds, and unforgettable entrances.

The Elizabeth Taylor Cocktail: The Sharp Violet

Ingredients:

• 1¾ oz McQueen and the Violet Fog Ultraviolet Edition Gin
  
• 1¾ oz good-quality lemonade
  
• Ice

Method:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker generously with ice.
   
2. Add the gin and lemonade.
   
3. Shake it like you mean it.
   
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

Optional garnish: A thin lemon twist.

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