Originally a mix of gin, bitters, and soda water, the Yale cocktail evolved into a violet-coloured drink in the 1890s with the addition of the French liqueur Crème Yvette.

In 1969 the liquor became unavailable in the United States, so the cocktail was being made with creme de Violette.

In the fall of 2009, 40 years after of discontinued, Charles Jacquin et Cie revived the liquor. He is also the creator of St. Germain elderflower liquor.