Aviation
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Aviation

Elevate your spirits with the Aviation cocktail, a delightful blend of gin, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of sweet maraschino liqueur. This enchanting drink, garnished with a cherry, is like a sip of the sky on a warm summer day!

5 min
medium
martini glass

Ingredients

  • 4.5 cl Gin
  • 1.5 cl lemon juice
  • 1.5 cl maraschino liqueur
Garnish: cherry

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice

  2. 2

    Shake well and strain into cocktail glass

  3. 3

    Garnish with a cherry.

Pro Tip

For a true classic Aviation, don't skip the crème de violette. It gives the cocktail its signature sky-blue hue and adds a floral note that elevates the drink. If you can't find it, the drink is still delightful without it, but it's worth the hunt!

The Story Behind the Aviation

The Aviation cocktail first took flight in the early 20th century, with its origins tracing back to the soaring days of pre-Prohibition America. Created by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York, this cocktail was named for its sky-blue hue, originally achieved with crème de violette. Though the violet liqueur was often omitted in later years, the Aviation remains a classic, capturing the adventurous spirit of early aviators.

What Pairs Well

Food Pairings

  • 🍽️
    smoked salmon canapés

    The rich, savory flavors of smoked salmon complement the citrusy and sweet notes of the Aviation, creating a harmonious balance.

  • 🍽️
    lemon tart

    The tartness of the lemon dessert mirrors the zesty lemon juice in the cocktail, enhancing its refreshing qualities.

  • 🍽️
    brie cheese platter

    The creamy texture and mild flavor of brie provide a delightful contrast to the cocktail's sharp and fruity profile.

Perfect For

  • bachelorette weekend in Vegas

    This elegant and vibrant cocktail is perfect for toasting to new adventures and unforgettable memories.

  • Super Bowl Sunday

    Add a touch of class to the game day festivities with this sophisticated yet easy-to-enjoy cocktail.

  • celebrating a promotion

    Raise a glass of Aviation to mark your career milestone with a drink that's as uplifting as your achievement.

  • rainy Sunday afternoon

    Brighten up a gloomy day with the Aviation's refreshing and invigorating flavors, perfect for indoor relaxation.

Fun Facts

  • The Aviation cocktail was named for its sky-blue color, originally achieved with crème de violette, which was often omitted in later recipes.

  • Hugo Ensslin, the creator of the Aviation, was one of the last bartenders to publish a cocktail book before Prohibition.

  • The Aviation is considered a 'forgotten classic' that has seen a resurgence in popularity with the craft cocktail movement.

Make This Drink with Tom or Tina

Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!