The Aviation cocktail will give you wings. Seriously. I stalked the Aviation cocktail for months before trying it at a local speakeasy. It’s got a slight violet hue and it’s nothing short of amazing. Half of the ingredients are very ordinary, the other half are…say that again?
Aviation Cocktail History
The Aviation drink is a Prohibition-era martini, consisting of gin, maraschino liqueur (cherry liqueur), crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice. The cocktail is said to have been created by Hugo Ensslin, who at the time was head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City. The cocktail was first published in Ensslin’s 1916 Recipes for Mixed Drinks, cocktail book. The ingredients have remained the same with only slight variations in the parts.
The more I experiment with cocktails from the 1900’s, the more I appreciate the 1900’s in general (seriously, hear me out). It’s amazing to think that a lot of our favorite cocktails we drink today have stood the rigorous test of time so deliciously.
You probably don’t even consciously realize it, but your weekend go-to, be it the Margarita, Gin and Tonic, Cosmopolitan, Old Fashioned, you name it, was probably created by a bartender nearly 100 years ago. I digress.
The Aviation is one of those unheard of treasure cocktails (very similar to the Last Word). It’s a cocktail you’ve probably also never heard of, but need to get to know RIGHT now. Up until a year ago, I had never heard of the Aviation. I started to see it in TV shows, online, in restaurants, EVERYWHERE. It’s one of those things you don’t notice until you actually notice it—and then you see it all over the place.
Aviation Cocktail Ingredients
- Gin
- Maraschino liqueur (cherry liqueur)
- Crème de Violette
- Fresh lemon juice
The Aviation cocktail is smooth, flowery, assertive, yet sweet. Like nothing you’ve ever tasted—so I honestly don’t know what to compare it to. The key ingredient is Luxardo, maraschino liqueur. It adds a very subtle boozy, cherry finish. It’s worth picking up because it appears in so many other classic craft cocktails. If you don’t believe me, you can read a few others here.
How to Make an Aviation
Combine all parts in a cocktail shaker with a large cup of ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled coupe glass with a brandied cherry.
Give the Aviation a shot and see if you sink or soar. It’s one of those cocktails, Patty and I can both agree on. I’m whiskey, she’s fruity, this one is right down the middle and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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The Aviation is of my all time favorite classic cocktails from the early 1900’s. Gin, maraschino liqueur (cherry), crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 ounces maraschino liqueur (Luxardo)
- 1/4 ounce crème de violette
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except the cherry) in a cocktail shaker with a cup of ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Keywords: aviation cocktail
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