Aviation
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Aviation
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.94 / 5
The Aviation cocktail is a classic and refreshing drink that dates back to the early 1900s. It was created by Hugo Ensslin, a bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City. The cocktail gets its name from the striking blue hue, reminiscent of the sky, that is achieved by a splash of Creme De Violette. This floral and slightly sweet liqueur pairs perfectly with the sharpness of gin and the tartness of lemon juice. The addition of Maraschino cherry liqueur adds a subtle hint of cherry to the mix, creating a complex and balanced flavour profile. The Aviation is a beloved cocktail among gin lovers, known for its smooth and refreshing taste with a hint of floral and fruity notes. This classic cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of mixology.
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IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Base ingredient
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Gin
Calories
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178 calories
Garnish
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Cocktail cherry
Alcohol content
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26.25% | 2.1 units *

Tags

Gin ingredient icon
Gin cocktails
Lemon Juice ingredient icon
Top ten Lemon Juice cocktails
Gin ingredient icon
Top ten Gin cocktails
Creme De Violette ingredient icon
Top ten Creme De Violette cocktails
Maraschino cherry liqueur ingredient icon
Top ten Maraschino cherry liqueur cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lemon Juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Aviation cocktail
Lemon Juice
Gin cocktail ingredient icon for the Aviation cocktail
Gin
Maraschino cherry liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the Aviation cocktail
Maraschino cherry liqueur
Creme De Violette cocktail ingredient icon for the Aviation cocktail
Creme De Violette
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Aviation is a fascinating dance of gin’s botanical sharpness mellowed by the sweet, nuanced whispers of maraschino and crème de violette, each sip a tribute to early 20th-century elegance. The creamy tartness of lemon juice contrasts delightfully with the deeper floral tones, making this sky-hued drink a timeless classic that truly lets its ingredients soar in unison.

Method
How to make a Aviation

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve
~ This recipe is best when you use maraschino cherry liqueur, and not just plain cherry liqueur. ~

Power tips
Elevate the Aviation with these master mixologist tips

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Find out more
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and avoid pre-packaged juices, which can be overly acidic and lack freshness.
To achieve the perfect balance, adjust the quantity of Creme De Violette according to taste. Start with a small amount and add more if needed, as it can be quite potent.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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Comments

Tony den Haan avatar
Tony den Haan

Could definitely use more Creme de Violette. 15 ml.

Make me a cocktail avatar
Make me a cocktail

You're right. Ive adapted the recipe slightly to be more inline with 'official' recipes. Definitely needed it but I think closer to 10ml .... its all taste though I guess

Tony den Haan avatar
Tony den Haan

Yeah, 10 seems ok

May S avatar
May S

A beautifully balanced cocktail with the right amount of floral notes from the Creme De Violette. The gin provides a solid base, while the lemon juice offers a refreshing tartness. The hint of cherry liqueur rounds it off nicely. It’s refreshing and elegant. Highly recommended for gin enthusiasts!

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Aviation cocktail?

The Aviation cocktail is a classic cocktail dating back to the early 20th century, first appearing in Hugo Ensslin's 1916 recipe book 'Recipes for Mixed Drinks'. It's believed to be named for the sky-blue color given by the Crème de Violette, reminiscent of the early days of aviation.

Faq icon

How does the Crème de Violette affect the taste of the Aviation cocktail?

Crème de Violette is a violet-flavored liqueur that adds a subtle floral sweetness to the Aviation cocktail. Its unique flavor is crucial to the drink's distinctive taste and appearance, offering depth and a hint of perfume without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I make an Aviation cocktail without Crème de Violette?

While Crème de Violette is key to the classic Aviation recipe for both color and taste, some variations omit it, leaning more on the maraschino liqueur for sweetness. However, this will result in a different flavor profile and the cocktail will lack its characteristic lavender hue.

Ingredient specifics icon

What type of gin is best for making an Aviation cocktail?

A dry gin, preferably one with floral or citrus botanicals, is ideal for an Aviation cocktail. These gins complement the floral notes of the Crème de Violette and the tartness of the lemon juice, creating a balanced and aromatic drink.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Aviation cocktail?

Yes, a non-alcoholic version of the Aviation can be made using non-alcoholic gin and maraschino cherry syrup in place of the liqueur. While there's no direct substitute for Crème de Violette, a combination of non-alcoholic lavender or violet syrup with a touch of food coloring can recreate the look and some of the flavor. Keep in mind, the taste will differ from the alcoholic version.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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