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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.
Just made this, but used a Luxardo cherry because I have them! This was fabulous.
I’m rating 5 stars even though you HAVE TO USE the Amarena Fabbri cherries. The best.
Tried this for the 1st time last year I’m in Nashville Tennessee and I have purchased all the ingredients in a tin to make myself one today I like Gen. But not in my dirty martinis there I use the hammer and sickle vodka it is the best vodka on the market . Gray goose and Ciroc cannot compare to it