Violet Spritz with the Unexpected Ingredient
This violet spritz is easy and delicious, and it includes the most unexpected ingredient: cabbage simple syrup. This syrup is clean and almost neutral in flavor, letting the limoncello, fresh lemon, and bubbly of your choice shine. I’m going all out with this spritz and using champagne.
As much as I yap about my casual, rustic, chill cabin vibes, there are moments when we want to feel a little, well, bougie. This spritz leans into that.
I know, cabbage in a cocktail sounds questionable. But the flavor is incredibly subtle, and what it brings is that natural violet color that’s just gorgeous… might even say sexy.
I was inspired to recreate this cocktail after sipping something similar at a vibey cocktail lounge in Reykjavik while visiting Iceland. There was serious mixology happening, next-level shaker skills that I attempted to recreate back at the cabin… and failed spectacularly. I’ll stick to my up-and-down shake and leave the cocktail gymnastics to the pros. But what I did manage to bring home was the recipe behind the drink. This version keeps the spirit of that Icelandic cocktail alive, just simplified enough to make at home, no fancy tools, no choreography, just really good ingredients doing their thing.
So let’s talk ingredients. This violet spritz keeps it simple, letting a few well-chosen players do all the work.
Violet Spritz Ingredients
- Champagne – I’m going all out with this one. It adds a celebratory, slightly drier finish that feels right for a spritz this gorgeous, but prosecco works just as well.
- Limoncello – Bright, lemony, and slightly sweet.
- Fresh lemon juice – Keeps everything crisp and balanced and cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- Red cabbage simple syrup – This must be red cabbage for that natural violet color. I’ll walk you through the simple process below, and if you want a deeper dive into making simple syrup, check out my hibiscus simple syrup post.
Red Cabbage Simple Syrup
This red cabbage simple syrup could not be easier. Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Add about 1 cup of chopped red cabbage and let it gently simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture sit and steep. This is where the magic happens. Watch as the cabbage releases the most incredible deep purple color into the syrup. Once it’s fully cooled, strain out the cabbage and transfer the syrup to a sealable jar.
I’ll be honest, the smell while it’s simmering isn’t my favorite thing in the world. But don’t let that scare you. The finished syrup is subtly sweet with a very clean, almost neutral flavor, adding color and balance to the cocktail without any noticeable “cabbage” taste.
Crafting the Violet SPritz
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the limoncello, fresh lemon juice, and red cabbage simple syrup. I like to really combine these three first; the shake helps everything come together before the bubbles enter.
You can skip the shaker and build this right in the glass, but I find the flavors feel more balanced when they’ve had a moment to mingle, and also get them nice and cold. Strain the shaken mixture into a champagne flute or tall cocktail glass, then top with champagne.
Finish with a twist or slice of fresh lemon, and you’re ready for one seriously beautiful sip.
Batching for a Crowd
This violet spritz is easy to batch, making it perfect for entertaining. In a large pitcher, combine the limoncello, fresh lemon juice, and red cabbage simple syrup and chill until ready to serve. When it’s party time, pour the mixture into glasses and top each with champagne.
A quick tip: hold off on adding the bubbly until just before serving to keep everything crisp and lively. Garnish with lemon and let everyone admire their very pretty glass before sipping.
Bougie Sips, Cozy Vibes
If you loved this violet spritz, you’ll definitely want to try my lavender spritz and pink petal spritz. Same easy vibe, same pretty-in-a-glass energy, just a little more floral flair. And if you want more cozy cocktails and recipes delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to join the Cozy Crew.
Yes, the cabin might be getting a touch bougie these days, champagne flutes and violet spritzes and all, but don’t worry. I promise I’ll always keep it cozy for you.
Violet Spritz with the Unexpected Ingredient
Equipment
- Sauce Pot for the cabbage simple syrup
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
Red Cabbage Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup red cabbage coarsley chopped
Violet Spritz
- 1 oz Limoncello
- ¾ oz red cabbage simple syrup
- ½ oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
- champagne or Prosecco to top
Instructions
Red Cabbage SImple Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the chopped red cabbage and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep as it cools, letting the cabbage release its deep purple color, about 10 minutes.
- Once completely cool, strain out the cabbage and transfer the syrup to a sealable jar.
Violet Spritz
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the limoncello, lemon juice, and red cabbage simple syrup.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a champagne flute or tall cocktail glass.
- Top with champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or slice and serve.
