There aren’t many icons as outrageously beautiful and stylish, like Dame Elizabeth Taylor.

Oh, yes. She’s a Dame. The British-born star was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2000 in recognition of her massive influence.

Her career spanned six decades, and those violet eyes captivated a generation of Don Drapers’. She remains, without a doubt, one of the classiest superstars from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

I secretly love Liz’s messiness. No, I’m not picking at her, but you have to give a lady credit.

She was born with scoliosis, was a survivor of an abusive childhood, stood up to the Hollywood studio system, had seven husbands, married one twice (Richard Burton), and gave her a 33-carat diamond ring. Get it, Liz!

Elizabeth Taylor battled her weight (don’t we all?), she hated the way the media portrayed her, but called herself, “the biggest manipulator ever born!” How’s that for lady balls?

She loved jewelry even more than I do. Click here to look at some of her jewels. I’m drooling. Liz also created her own jewelry line.

Now these Elizabeth Taylor cocktails get their hazy lavender hue from Rothman & Winter’s Crème De Violette Liqueur it’s made from violet flowers and cane sugar.

It tastes gentle and floral with a little earthiness.    It smells like an alpine field and a touch medicinal in a good way.

The Elizabeth Taylor Cocktail – Fancy Version:

• One bottle Champagne or sparkling wine  (You can do bougie or you can do budget, it’s totally up to you!)
  • I recommend: Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee ($60) Piper Heidsieck ($45), Luc Belaire Gold Brut ($30), Argyle Vintage Brut ($28),  or Segura Viudas Cava Brut ($10)
  • I wouldn’t use Prosecco because it will make this cocktail a little too sweet
• 3/4 ounce Rothman & Winter’s Crème De Violette Liqueur per glass of Champagne

Method:

1. Pour Champagne in flute, coupe, or wine glass (about 4 ounces)
2. Add in 0.75 ounce Crème De Violette
3. Stir well
4. Garnish with diamonds (just kidding!)
5. Enjoy!

It’s so simple and makes a strikingly elegant drink.

The Elizabeth Taylor Cocktail – Pull Yourself Together Version:

• 1.75 oz very good Gin
  • I recommend: Hendrick’s, Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice, Uncle Val’s, or Nolet’s
• 0.75 oz Rothman & Winter’s Crème De Violette Liqueur
• 1 oz Lillet Blanc – an aperitif wine that’s made in the style of a Bordeaux blend.  It’s slightly honeyed, fruity with notes of candied apricots, and refreshingly dry.
• Cocktail Shaker
• Ice cubes

Method:

1. Add one cup of ice to cocktail shaker or fill halfway
2. Add Gin, Crème De Violette, and Lillet Blanc to shaker
3. Shake for 30 seconds
4. Strain and pour into coupe or martini glass
5. Garnish with emeralds
6. Enjoy!

Cheers to being an icon!