I first encountered the Stormy Morning on my birthday last year in New Orleans at my favorite restaurant, The Bayona on Dauphine St. in the French Quarter. We arrived early for our reservation and I ordered a Stormy Morning from the drink menu while waiting for our table, intrigued by the mention of Créme de Violette. This drink gets its dramatic presence from the floral scented and violet colored liquor swirling and tumbling to the bottom as the champagne fizzles to the top. After getting back home from the trip I began acquiring its uncommonly used ingredients, and we’ve recreated this lovely beverage several times over. (Recipe below)

1.5 oz Rathman Créme de Violette
1.5 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1 oz fresh lime juice
4 oz Champagne
Lime wedges to garnish

Pour the creme de violette over ice. Add St. Germain and lime juice and top off with Champagne.

(Recipe by Shannon Fristoe of The Bayona)

For another weather themed, colorfully layered beverage, see one of our most popular posts, the Dark and Stormy Cocktail.