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The Aviation is a Prohibition-era martini, consisting of gin, maraschino liqueur (cherry liqueur), lemon juice, and Crème de Violette—a violet-flavored liqueur that gives the cocktail its signature pale blueish-purple hue, evoking the sky.
Table of Contents
Brief History
The Aviation is said to have been created by Hugo Ensslin, who at the time was head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City. It was first published in Ensslin’s 1916 “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.” The ingredients have remained the same with only slight variations in the parts. This is a well-known classic that’s both hated and loved.
I’ve always been a fan, but I can understand why some may have an aversion to it. It’s spirit-forward yet deeply floral and botanical with pronounced marasca cherry notes. By that description, it sounds like something I would hate, but for some reason, I love it. If you’re into this cocktail, you should also try the modern-day Water Lily, which is very similar.
If you’re looking for more of my favorite Prohibition-era gin cocktails, try the Last Word, French 75, Tuxedo No. 2, and Bee’s Knees.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Gin: look for a classic dry gin. I like Plymouth Gin or Beefeater.
- Maraschino liqueur: a clear, sweet liqueur with a distinctive cherry flavor. It is made from Marasca cherries. Luxardo is my favorite brand. There aren’t any other close alternatives in terms of flavor.
- Crème de Violette: also known as violet liqueur, is a sweet, floral liqueur made from violet flowers. I like Rothman & Winter (which also seems the most common), however, there are a few other producers as well.
- Fresh lemon juice: always opt for freshly squeezed lemon over concentrate. Use a citrus squeezer for efficient juicing. If you must use a concentrate, look for ReaLemon.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
- This cocktail is best served in a small coupe glass. It makes for a fantastic presentation given the drink’s history and age.
- Always double-strain shaken cocktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the cocktail as it warms.
More Gin Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this recipe, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Aviation Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces gin, I like Aviation Gin or Plymouth Gin
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce maraschino liqueur, Luxardo
- 1/4 ounce Crème de Violette
- Luxardo cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine gin, lemon, maraschino liqueur, and Crème de Violette in a cocktail shaker with a generous cup of ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Aviation is the last word in classy cocktails.
It evokes the decadent era of 1940’s air travel. When there’s no Dirty Martini on the menu .. Aviation is your go-to!!
The proportions are quite different than in the PDT recipe which is from a 1916 cocktail recipe… that one called for 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz lemon and 1/2 ounce of maraschino.
This version is sweeter and less aggressive, with less gin.
I may play with putting slightly more creme de violette next time for color and reducing the maraschino for slightly less sweetness.
Good drink anyhow
Luscious!
Thanks! I’ve been hosting a Valentine decorating party for many years. It has evolved into a
Galentine Swapmeet with cocktails. I’ll be serving these this year. (past years included Sir Isaac Newton per Garden and Gun, Manhattans, and my own recipe of Frose’)
Where did you fine Creme De Violette? What brand please.
I’m not OP, but a few brands that come to mind are Rothman & Winter and Monin. Creme Yvette is delicious too, but it’s got additional flavors besides the violet (honey, vanilla(?), some other stuff) which may make it tricker to combine with other spirits.
I use Rothman & Winter and really like it. I bought mine at a liquor outlet in New Hampshire.
My FAVORITE cocktail! So yummy. Using the actual Luxardo maraschino cherries make this cocktail that much better, too!
THIS is THE BEST Aviation recipe ! The balances are perfect Shawn. Thank you !
Thanks Tre – I’ve tried and handful and this is by far my fav too.
I have had this cocktail several times (one of my favorites) and tried various recipes–this one, by far, is THE best! Thank you for sharing!
It’s the perfect balance! Thanks K.
Great recipe and commentary. The aviation is one of my go to’s if not in mood for straight gin martini.
By the way, I’ll try the aviation cocktail, looks interesting