Mix That Drink

Cocktail Recipes, Infusions, Drinks

Prison Blues cocktail recipe

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The Prison Blues cocktail is one I created. It was the result of falling in love with Creme de Violette while binge watching “Making a Murderer.” Hey, you need a cocktail after watching that show.

Prison Blues cocktail in mason jar glass with paper straw

The basic idea behind this one was, “what would happen if you combined Creme de Violette with Malibu coconut rum. The answer is: sweet, sweet heaven. Or as Kratz might say, “sweaty, sweaty heaven.” But since these are both low proof liqueurs, it doesn’t have much kick. The simple answer to that problem was to add vodka, and that became the Not Guilty version, which is all sweet deliciousness.

I put it in a Mason jar glass because that seemed fitting with a prison theme. But you can definitely go with martini glass or whatever you like.

Overhead view of Prison Blues cocktail beside metallic red jigger

I knew gin would work, too, because it goes well with Creme de Violette in drinks like the Aviation cocktail and the Eagle. But I wanted to try something more unexpected, so I went for reposado tequila. This is the type of tequila that tends to be mellow on the agave flavor, and I was still afraid it would overwhelm the cocktail. But surprisingly, in the right amount, it didn’t – and that became the guilty version. Don’t think of is so much as a verdict. Think of it more as a guilty pleasure.

Closeup of the deep dark blue of the Prison Blues cocktail

Either version is a deep electric navy blue. The Not Guilty version tastes like coconut and sweet violet, which isn’t as floral as you might think. The Guilty version is harder to describe, because both of those flavors meld with the bright, almost citrus notes in the reposado to create a whole new flavor. You can’t really pick out individual flavors anymore.

Prison Blues cocktail recipe {MixThatDrink Original}

Guilty version

  • 1 ounce of creme de violette
  • 1 ounce of Malibu coconut rum
  • 3/4 ounce of reposado tequila or gin

Not guilty version

Whichever version you go with, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in the ingredients, and shake well. Strain the mixture into a Mason jar glass or martini glass, and serve.