Aviation: Recipe 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.
The Story of the Aviation Cocktail ✈️🍸
The Aviation cocktail is a classic pre-Prohibition-era drink with a striking pale blue-violet hue, known for its floral and citrusy notes.
Origins & History
The Aviation was first created in the early 20th century by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City. The earliest recorded recipe appeared in his 1916 book, Recipes for Mixed Drinks.
The drink’s signature ingredient, Crème de Violette, gave it a delicate purple tint, reminiscent of the sky at dusk—hence the name “Aviation.” However, during Prohibition and the mid-20th century, Crème de Violette became hard to find, leading many bartenders to omit it. As a result, the drink lost its iconic color and became more of a gin-lemon cocktail.
In the 2000s, Crème de Violette made a comeback, reviving the Aviation in its original form. Today, it’s a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate its elegant appearance and refined flavors.
What It Tastes Like
The Aviation is a light, floral, and slightly tart cocktail. The combination of gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and Crème de Violette creates a well-balanced drink with:
- Botanical notes from the gin
- A hint of cherry-almond from the maraschino liqueur
- Bright citrus from the lemon juice
- A soft floral touch from Crème de Violette
Why It’s Special
- Its sky-like blue-purple hue makes it one of the most visually striking cocktails.
- It’s a rare floral gin cocktail, offering a unique taste profile.
- It has a rich history, making it a favorite among classic cocktail lovers.
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.
