Many recipes leave out the crème de violette, but it is essential, not just for the blue colour it gives the drink, but the way it balances the other ingredients.

• 2 oz gin

• 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur

• 0.25 oz crème de violette

• 0.5 oz lemon juice

• Garnish: Flamed lemon peel or brandied cherry

Combine gin, the liqueurs and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with flamed lemon peel or brandied cherry. Serves 1.