Aviation Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Aviation
Equipment
- Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger (measuring tool), coupe glass
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- ½ oz maraschino liqueur
- ¼ oz crème de violette
- ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Garnish: Luxardo cherry or lemon twist
Instructions
- Method:
- Chill your glass
- Place a coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. This helps keep the drink cool and crisp when served.
- Prepare the ingredients
- Measure out 2 oz gin, ½ oz maraschino liqueur, ¼ oz crème de violette, and ¾ oz fresh lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference, so be sure to squeeze it right before making your drink.
- Shake it up
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients with ice. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, or until the shaker feels frosty in your hands. From my overall experience, the shaking is crucial to ensure that all the flavors blend smoothly and the drink has a nice chill.
- Strain and serve
- Remove the ice from your coupe glass if you’ve been chilling it with ice water. Using a fine mesh strainer or a Hawthorne strainer, pour the shaken cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish and enjoy
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry for a touch of sweetness or a lemon twist for extra citrusy brightness.
- Tips & Variations:
- Variations:
- For a lighter taste: Reduce the crème de violette to ⅛ oz if you prefer a less floral taste. Some people find it overpowering, and cutting it in half still gives you that lovely lavender hue without dominating the drink.
- No maraschino liqueur?: If you can’t find maraschino liqueur, you can substitute it with a similar cherry-flavored liqueur, but keep in mind that it will alter the traditional taste slightly.
- Dietary substitutions:
- Low-sugar alternative: If you’re watching your sugar intake, swap the maraschino liqueur with a sugar-free cherry-flavored syrup, though the richness of the drink might slightly change.
- Gluten-free: All the ingredients in this cocktail are naturally gluten-free, so no need to worry if you have a gluten sensitivity!
The Aviation cocktail is a beautiful, classic drink that packs a punch of floral and citrus flavors. Let me show you how I make this timeless cocktail from my own personal experience. It’s surprisingly simple and rewarding, especially if you’re looking to impress your guests or just enjoy a sophisticated drink at home.
Quick Meal Facts:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: None (it’s a no-heat drink!)
- Time to stand: None
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Ease of cooking: Beginner-friendly
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories
- Cost of ingredients: $$ (mid-range)
- Cuisine: American (Classic cocktail)
- Course: Beverage (Cocktail)
- Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger (measuring tool), coupe glass
- > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a flavorful #Aviation now.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- ½ oz maraschino liqueur
- ¼ oz crème de violette
- ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Garnish: Luxardo cherry or lemon twist
- > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a flavorful #Aviation now.
Method:
- Chill your glass
- Place a coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. This helps keep the drink cool and crisp when served.
- Prepare the ingredients
- Measure out 2 oz gin, ½ oz maraschino liqueur, ¼ oz crème de violette, and ¾ oz fresh lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference, so be sure to squeeze it right before making your drink.
- Shake it up
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients with ice. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, or until the shaker feels frosty in your hands. From my overall experience, the shaking is crucial to ensure that all the flavors blend smoothly and the drink has a nice chill.
- Strain and serve
- Remove the ice from your coupe glass if you’ve been chilling it with ice water. Using a fine mesh strainer or a Hawthorne strainer, pour the shaken cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish and enjoy
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry for a touch of sweetness or a lemon twist for extra citrusy brightness.
Tips & Variations:
Variations:
- For a lighter taste: Reduce the crème de violette to ⅛ oz if you prefer a less floral taste. Some people find it overpowering, and cutting it in half still gives you that lovely lavender hue without dominating the drink.
- No maraschino liqueur?: If you can’t find maraschino liqueur, you can substitute it with a similar cherry-flavored liqueur, but keep in mind that it will alter the traditional taste slightly.
Dietary substitutions:
- Low-sugar alternative: If you’re watching your sugar intake, swap the maraschino liqueur with a sugar-free cherry-flavored syrup, though the richness of the drink might slightly change.
- Gluten-free: All the ingredients in this cocktail are naturally gluten-free, so no need to worry if you have a gluten sensitivity!
- > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a flavorful #Aviation now.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
This Aviation cocktail is relatively light in calories compared to other mixed drinks, making it a nice option for those looking for a more balanced cocktail.
What to Expect:
Based on my overall experience, the Aviation cocktail delivers a delightful mix of flavors, floral, citrusy, and slightly sweet with a vibrant violet hue. The crème de violette gives it a stunning color, while the gin and lemon juice keep it fresh and crisp. It’s a drink that feels both elegant and refreshing, perfect for sipping at a dinner party or for enjoying a solo moment of luxury.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Too sour?: If the cocktail is too sour for your taste, add a dash of simple syrup to balance it out.
- Overly floral?: If the floral notes are too strong, reduce the amount of crème de violette, as mentioned above. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your liking.
- Not cold enough?: Make sure your glass is chilled beforehand and shake your drink thoroughly with ice to get that refreshing chill.
Notes:
This cocktail is versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. From my own personal experience, it works well as a pre-dinner drink, alongside lighter fare like seafood or salads, because its refreshing citrus notes can cleanse the palate. Alternatively, it can serve as a delightful dessert cocktail, especially with fruity or tangy desserts.
The Aviation has a sophisticated charm that’s both timeless and approachable, making it a wonderful drink for beginners or experienced cocktail enthusiasts alike.
