Creme de Violette is a liqueur made from violet petals macerated in clear grape brandy and sweetened with sugar. It is used in some classic cocktails such as the Aviation, and is a very nice and festive way to perk up an unexceptional Champagne.

Creme de Violette is not just for cocktails. It can add a nice flavor to freshly whipped cream to go with strawberries or blueberries, and it works in meringue.  It is also very nice in a Violet Soda - just a tablespoon of Creme de Violette in 12 ounces of good seltzer, maybe with a dash of lemon or a strip of lemon zest to balance the sweetness.

Creme de Violette is hard to find, and is extremely rare at bars. On the other hand, you typically use it a teaspoon at a time so the bottle will last forever if you can score one somewhere.

I got a bottle of Creme de Violette at Julio's in Westboro, MA, and I have seen it in the North End, where I also saw the pricey name-brand Creme Yvette. I have not tried the Creme Yvette but I have read that the flavor is markedly different from that of Creme de Violette.