Aviation co*cktail (Classic Recipe) (2024)

This Prohibition-era Aviation co*cktail will be your new favorite drink. It’s a timeless classic people have loved for generations.

What makes this co*cktail perfect is the perfect balance of flavors. It’s sweet, tart, and has a lovely floral finish.

This drink isn’t difficult to whip together for a co*cktail party. But finding the right ingredients can be a challenge.

The Aviation co*cktail is more than just a pretty face. It earns a delicate violet color thanks to your new secret weapon: crème de violette.

It’s a light and refreshing co*cktail perfect for spring or summer get-togethers.

Let’s take a look at how you can recreate the classic Aviation co*cktail.

What’s In an Aviation co*cktail

The recipe list for the Aviation co*cktail is short, but each ingredient works together in harmony. The hardest part isn’t the mixing but tracking down crème de violette.

• Ice – This co*cktail tastes best when lightly chilled. There’s no need for fancy ice cubes since they won’t appear in your martini glass.

• Gin – The backbone of this co*cktail is gin, so opt for something good. A dry gin, like Aviation or Beefeater, is a great choice. Top-shelf gin is worth the cost, especially for the Aviation co*cktail!

• Maraschino liqueur – It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty. Maraschino liqueur delivers a punch of sour with almond-like notes. Its bold cherry flavor adds rich complexity to this drink.

• Crème de violette – The most difficult task is tracking down crème de violette. This lesser-known liquor is very sweet and floral, giving this drink its delicate lavender hue. You may have difficulty finding it in a liquor store, so your best bet is to order it online.

• Lemon juice – Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for a punch of sour, citrusy flavor. Bottled lemon juice has a lot of preservatives that will affect the flavor.

• Lemon twist – A lemon twist is optional but adds a pop of color and freshness to this co*cktail. Plus, it looks so pretty against a pastel purple backdrop.

• Sour cherry – A sour cherry garnish looks pretty, adds more complex flavors, and delivers a certain something extra. It’s an optional garnish that makes a big difference.

How to Make an Aviation co*cktail

The Aviation co*cktail requires a quick shake in a co*cktail shaker. That’s it! Check out how quickly this refreshing drink comes together.

1. Add ice. Fill a co*cktail shaker to the top with ice.

2. Pour in the liquor and mixers. Add gin, maraschino liquor, lemon juice, and crème de violette to the co*cktail shaker. Cover and shake well for 15-20 seconds or until the shaker feels cold to the touch.

3. Strain. Strain the co*cktail into a co*cktail or coupe glass.

4. Garnish (optional). Add a lemon twist and a sour cherry on top. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few easy tricks and tips to ensure your co*cktail is Instagram-worthy.

• Pop up the purple. If your co*cktail seems a little pale, there’s a handy trick to dial up the color. Adding more crème de violette and maraschino liquor is an easy way to make this co*cktail more vibrant.

• Double the strain. The key to the perfect Aviation co*cktail is smoothness and potency. Double-straining ensures no ice chips enter the co*cktail glass, which will water it down. It also helps remove any lemon pulp.
  
• Let things chill out. Pop your glasses in the freezer to ensure your co*cktail stays nice and frosty. Place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours.

Garnish Ideas

Classic Prohibition-era co*cktails are all about the garnishes. And the Aviation is no exception. While it still tastes amazing without garnishes, going the extra mile is worth the effort.

Here are a couple of simple garnish ideas to take your co*cktail over the top:

• Luxardo cherries. These cherries are so rich that they almost look black! They have an Amaretto-like flavor with a punch of fruitiness and taste amazing.

• Lemon twist. If you love sour notes, a lemon twist is a must. Just be sure to omit the white rind to avoid any bitterness. And before tossing the peel into your co*cktail, squeeze it to release those natural oils.

Aviation co*cktail (Classic Recipe)

Servings

1

serving

See Also

Amazing Chocolate Liqueur Recipe

Try this classic Aviation co*cktail for a trip to the Prohibition era! Made with gin, creme de violette, and Maraschino liqueur, it’s refreshing and floral.

Ingredients

• Ice

• 2 ounces gin

• 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur

• 1/4 ounce crème de violette

• 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• Lemon twist, for garnish (optional)

• Sour cherry, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. Shake well until chilled, about 15-20 seconds, or until the shaker is cold to the touch.
• Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or co*cktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and/or a sour cherry, if desired.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Crème de violette. This floral liqueur made from violet flowers has a vibrant blue hue and delicate flavor. However, it’s potent, so a little goes a long way.
• Fresh lemon juice. Always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled versions. The freshness brings out the zesty quality that balances the co*cktail’s sweeter components.
• Maraschino liqueur. Unlike the syrup in cherry jars, maraschino liqueur is a clear, sour spirit made from Marasca cherries. It adds complexity to the Aviation.
• Gin. You can use any gin you like, but dry gin works best.
• Coupe glass. Serve the Aviation in a coupe glass. It looks good and fits the co*cktail’s vintage appeal. Pre-chill your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water before use.
• Simple syrup. For a rounder taste, add 1/8 ounce of 1:1 simple syrup. It’s not required but may make the drink taste better for some.