Violet-Infused Gin (& Tonic)
2026-06-10
Real violet petals can be extracted into spirits like gin and vodka to give them a wonderful purple color. The color really comes out when you mix the spirit with an acidic mixer, like tonic water! (The pictures are of a gin and tonic made with violet-infused gin.)
Please only use edible violets in this recipe. I used the common American violet, Viola sorora.
Ingredients
active time: 1 hour / total time: 1-2 days
- A bottle of your favorite gin or vodka
- About 1 1/2 c fresh-picked violet flowers, loosely packed
Instructions
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Separate the petals from each violet flower. Pinching the green part of the flower in one hand, pinch the petals with your other thumb and forefinger, and gently twist them off of the flower. Keep the petals and discard the green parts. This takes a long time, but is necessary to avoid imparting a bitter/green taste into the final product.
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If you're worried about bugs, germs, or chemicals, feel free to wash the violet petals by submerging them in a bowl of cold water and swirling gently. Personally, I skip this step, because the petals are pretty clean already, and they're going to be added to high-proof alcohol.
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If you washed the petals, spread them on paper towels to dry to avoid watering down your alcohol.
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In a large mason jar, combine the violet petals and alcohol.
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Leave the mason jar in a cool place for 1-2 days to extract the pigment. After the violet petals are depigmented, they will turn a ghostly white.
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Strain out the petals, collecting the colorful alcohol, and use it in your favorite cocktail!
The alcohol may have a blueish, muted, or dusky color. Since violet pigment is a pH indicator, it will turn brighter and more pink when mixed with an acid. Most mixers are acidic, and even plain soda water is acidic from naturally-occurring carbonic acid. Conversely, adding a base will turn the color blue.