14 Best Purple Cocktails

Purple cocktails are more than just visually stunning—they’re packed with flavor and creativity. From floral infusions to fruity blends, these 14 best purple cocktails bring a splash of elegance and excitement to your glass.

Purple Rain

The Purple Rain cocktail is a visually stunning drink that’s perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant color comes from a mix of blue curaçao and grenadine, resulting in a beautiful purple hue.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 1 oz grenadine
• 2 oz lemonade
• Ice cubes
• Lemon or lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim your glass: Use a lemon wedge to moisten the rim of your glass. Dip the rim in purple sugar (mix of sugar, Blue Curaçao, and grenadine).
2. Mix the drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, blue curaçao, and grenadine.
3. Shake well: Shake the mix thoroughly to blend flavors.
4. Strain the mixture: Pour the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice cubes.
5. Top with lemonade: Add 2 oz of lemonade to the glass.
6. Garnish: Finish with a slice of lemon or lime on the rim of the glass.

Variation:

For a different twist, you can try using other ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz Chambord
• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz rum
• 1 oz tequila
• 1 oz triple sec
• Lemon-lime soda

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker: Add cubed ice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add spirits: Combine vodka, Chambord, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec in the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously: Shake well to mix.
4. Pour into glasses: Pour the mixture, ice included, into two highball glasses.
5. Top off: Add lemon-lime soda to the glasses.
6. Garnish: Garnish with lemon wedges.

Violet Martini

Creating a Violet Martini is a delightful experience.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• ½ oz crème de violette
• ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Ice
• Sugar (for rim, optional)
• Lemon wedge (for rim, optional)

Instructions

1. Chill a martini glass.
2. Prepare the rim if desired. Rub with the lemon wedge. Dip in sugar.
3. Combine vodka, crème de violette, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
4. Add ice to the shaker.
5. Shake well to chill.
6. Strain into the chilled martini glass.

Tips

• Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flower for added elegance.
• Adjust sweetness by varying the crème de violette.

Purple Haze

The Purple Haze cocktail is a popular and visually striking drink. Known for its bold, vibrant color, it combines sweet and citrusy flavors.

Ingredients for Purple Haze Cocktail

• 1 1/2 oz vodka (e.g., Ketel One)
• 1 oz raspberry liqueur (such as Chambord)
• 1 oz lemonade
• 1 oz lemon-lime soda
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wedge (for garnish)

Instructions – Lemonade Purple Haze

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour vodka and raspberry liqueur over the ice.
3. Top with equal parts lemonade and lemon-lime soda.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Purple Haze Martini

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• Ice cubes

1. Add vodka, blue curaçao, and grenadine to a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into a martini glass.

Alternate Version

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 oz sugar syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water)
• 1/2 oz raspberry liqueur

Method:

1. Shake vodka, lime juice, and sugar syrup with ice.
2. Strain into a glass.
3. Pour the raspberry liqueur down the inside of the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom.

Aviation

The Aviation cocktail is a historical drink with a unique purple hue. Originating from the early 1900s, it was created by a bartender in New York City.

This cocktail combines the floral and citrus flavors, making it a standout.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
• 1/4 oz crème de violette
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• Brandied cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Note: The addition of crème de violette gives the Aviation its signature color. This ingredient may be rare but is crucial for the authentic flavor. Substituting or omitting it changes the drink’s character.

The Aviation cocktail has experienced a resurgence since 2007. Today, you can enjoy this classic drink in many bars or make it at home with the right ingredients.

Blueberry Mojito

A Blueberry Mojito offers a refreshing twist on the classic mojito. The combination of fresh blueberries and mint makes for a visually stunning and delicious cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 fresh blueberries
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 2 ounces white rum
• Ice
• Club soda
• Blueberry syrup (optional)

Instructions:

Muddle the Ingredients:

• Add blueberries, lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves to a cocktail shaker.
• Use a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to crush the blueberries and mint.

Add the Alcohol:

• Pour in the white rum.
• Fill the shaker with ice.

Shake well:

• Shake the mixture until the outside of the shaker is frosty.

Strain and Serve:

• Strain the mix into a glass filled with ice.
• Top off with club soda.

Garnish:

• Garnish with extra mint leaves and a few blueberries.

Optional: Add blueberry syrup instead of fresh blueberries for a smoother texture.

Blackberry Bramble

The Blackberry Bramble is a classic gin cocktail with a rich berry twist. Created in the 1980s in London, it has now become a favorite around the world.

This drink combines the tang of lemon, the sweetness of simple syrup, and the tartness of blackberry liqueur.

Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 0.5 oz crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur)
• Crushed ice
• Fresh blackberries (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
3. Fill a glass with crushed ice.
4. Pour the mixture over the ice.
5. Drizzle the crème de mûre over the top.
6. Garnish with fresh blackberries.

Empress Gin and Tonic

Empress Gin and Tonic is a visually stunning and flavorful cocktail. The striking purple hue from Empress 1908 gin makes it stand out.

Its unique color comes from butterfly pea flowers, which give the gin its vibrant shade.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• Ice
• Lime wedge and rose for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 oz of Empress 1908 Gin over the ice.
3. Add 4 oz of tonic water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a rose.

This drink is not just beautiful but also has a refreshing and crisp taste. The combination of gin and tonic offers a perfect balance.

The citrus notes from the lime enhance the herbal and earthy flavors of Empress 1908 Gin.

Enjoy this elegant drink anytime. It’s an excellent choice for parties or a relaxing evening at home.

Blue Moon Cocktail

The Blue Moon Cocktail is a striking, violet-hued drink that captivates both visually and taste-wise.

Originally created in the 1910s, this cocktail uses gin, lemon juice, and crème de violette to deliver a balanced flavor. The gin provides herbal depth, while the crème de violette offers floral sweetness. The lemon juice adds a fresh, citrusy brightness.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 0.5 oz crème de violette
• 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Optional: 0.25 oz sugar syrup (2 sugar to 1 water ratio)

Instructions:

1. Combine the gin, crème de violette, and lemon juice in a shaker.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or a violet flower.

Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and the appealing color that makes the Blue Moon Cocktail a favorite among gin enthusiasts.

Lavender Collins

The Lavender Collins is a refreshing, floral twist on the classic Tom Collins. This cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup, and soda water into a delightful drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• ¾ oz lavender syrup
• Soda water
• Ice

Instructions:

Make the Lavender Syrup:

1. Combine ½ cup water and ¼ cup lavender buds in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes.
4. Strain out flowers.
5. In another saucepan, add ½ cup sugar and 3 tablespoons water.
6. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
7. Combine this with the strained lavender water.
8. Chill until completely cooled.

Prepare the Cocktail:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup.
3. Shake well for 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top off with soda water.

Serving Suggestion:

Garnish with a lemon twist or a sprig of lavender for a polished look. Enjoy this fragrant and refreshing drink.

Blackberry Margarita

A Blackberry Margarita offers a delightful twist on the classic cocktail. It combines fresh blackberries, tequila, and lime for a refreshing taste.

To make a Blackberry Margarita, here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz blackberry simple syrup
• 1/2 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• Ice
• Salt or sugar for rimming (optional)
• Fresh blackberries and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Glass:

• Rub a lime wedge around the rim.
• Dip the rim in salt or sugar.

Blend the Ingredients:

• Combine tequila, lime juice, blackberry simple syrup, and Cointreau in a blender or cocktail shaker.
• Add ice and shake or blend until well mixed.

Strain and Serve:

• Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with fresh blackberries and lime slices.

This cocktail is perfect for get-togethers. The blackberry flavor adds a unique twist. Enjoy it chilled.

Violet Beauregarde

The Violet Beauregarde cocktail is a delightful purple drink that combines vibrant flavors and eye-catching colors. Named after the famous character from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” it’s a great addition to any party or gathering.

Ingredients:

• Basil leaves: 4-5
• Vodka: 1 ounce
• Pimm’s: 1 ounce
• Blueberry syrup: 1 ounce
• Lime juice: 1/2 ounce
• Green Chartreuse: 1 bar spoon
• Crushed ice
• Basil sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients: Combine basil leaves, vodka, Pimm’s, blueberry syrup, lime juice, and Green Chartreuse in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well: Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly and chilled.
3. Prepare glass: Fill your serving glass with crushed ice.
4. Strain and serve: Strain the mixture over the ice in the glass.
5. Garnish: Add a basil sprig for a touch of elegance.

Another popular variation of the Violet Beauregarde involves using a different set of ingredients for a slightly different taste.

Ingredients:

• Liqueur de Violette: 1 ounce
• Aperol: 1 ounce
• Lemon juice: 1/2 ounce
• Sparkling wine
• Ice
• Lemon peel: extra long, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients: Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add Liqueur de Violette, Aperol, and lemon juice.
2. Stir well: Ensure that the mixture is well chilled.
3. Pour: Strain into two champagne flutes.
4. Add sparkling wine: Top each glass with sparkling wine.
5. Garnish: Use a long lemon peel for an elegant touch.

Grape Martini

A Grape Martini is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail. Perfect for those who enjoy the sweet-tart taste of grapes blended with the smoothness of vodka.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz grape juice
• 0.5 oz triple sec
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• Grapes for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, grape juice, triple sec, and lemon juice.
3. Shake well until the mixture chills.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a few grapes on a skewer.

Butterfly Pea Flower Martini

A Butterfly Pea Flower Martini is a visually stunning cocktail. It changes color when mixed with an acid like lemon juice. This transformation makes it a perfect choice for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 0.5 oz ginger liqueur
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz butterfly pea flower extract
• 0.5 oz lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Add gin, ginger liqueur, simple syrup, and butterfly pea flower extract into a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until the mixture is well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
4. Add lemon juice to the glass to initiate the color change.
5. Stir briefly and serve immediately.

The magic lies in the butterfly pea flower extract. It starts as a deep indigo color. When you add the lemon juice, it changes to a bright pink. This visual effect is both captivating and entertaining.

Preparation is simple. Gather your ingredients before you begin. Make sure you have fresh lemon juice for the best effect.

Purple Cosmo

The Purple Cosmo is a vibrant twist on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail. It’s known for its striking color and delightful flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 fl oz Vodka (Citroen or another citrus-flavored vodka)
• 3/4 fl oz Violet Liqueur
• 1 1/2 fl oz White Cranberry Juice
• 1/4 fl oz Fresh Lime Juice

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker: Add ice cubes.
2. Combine ingredients: Add vodka, violet liqueur, white cranberry juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake well: Mix until the shaker is cold.
4. Strain: Pour into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish (optional): Add a twist of lime or a violet flower.