The Aviation stands as one of the most elegant and sophisticated gin cocktails in the bartender’s repertoire. This purple-hued beauty combines London dry gin with the floral sweetness of maraschino liqueur and the distinctive violet notes of crème de violette, creating a drink that’s both visually stunning and remarkably complex on the palate.
Originally crafted in the early 1900s during the golden age of aviation, this cocktail captures the romance and adventure of flight in liquid form. The drink disappeared for decades due to the unavailability of crème de violette, making it something of a Holy Grail among cocktail enthusiasts. When the liqueur returned to American markets in the 2000s, the Aviation experienced a renaissance that continues today.
What sets the Aviation apart from other gin cocktails is its delicate balance of floral and citrus notes, enhanced by the subtle sweetness of maraschino. The crème de violette provides just enough color and perfume without overwhelming the gin’s botanical character, while fresh lemon juice adds the necessary acidity to tie everything together.
Aviation Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) London dry gin
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) crème de violette
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- Lemon twist for garnish
How to Make an Aviation
Equipment needed: cocktail shaker, jigger, fine-mesh strainer, coupe glass
- Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice water or placing it in the freezer for 10 minutes
- Add gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice to your cocktail shaker
- Fill the shaker with ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top
- Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty
- Empty the ice water from your chilled coupe glass
- Double strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the coupe glass
- Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink by gently twisting the peel
- Drop the lemon twist into the glass or perch it on the rim as garnish
Alternative Ingredients and Substitutes
- Gin alternatives: Plymouth gin offers a softer, more mellow profile. Hendrick’s adds cucumber and rose notes that complement the floral elements. Avoid overly juniper-forward gins that might clash with the delicate flavors.
- Maraschino substitutes: Luxardo Maraschino is the gold standard, but other Italian maraschino liqueurs work well. Cherry Heering can substitute in a pinch, though it’s sweeter and less complex.
- Crème de violette alternatives: Rothman & Winter and The Bitter Truth both produce excellent versions. Some bartenders use a tiny amount of lavender simple syrup as a substitute, though this changes the character significantly.
- Citrus variations: Some recipes call for a full 3/4 oz of lemon juice for a more tart profile. Meyer lemon juice creates a softer, more floral version of the drink.
History and Origins
The Aviation was created by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City, and first appeared in his 1916 book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.” Ensslin developed the cocktail during the pioneering era of aviation, when pilots like the Wright Brothers and Charles Lindbergh captured the world’s imagination with their daring flights.
The drink’s original recipe called for equal parts gin, maraschino, and crème de violette with lemon juice, but this proved too floral for most palates. The cocktail gained popularity in the 1920s but virtually disappeared after Prohibition when crème de violette became unavailable in the United States. For decades, bartenders either omitted the ingredient entirely or substituted other liqueurs, fundamentally changing the drink’s character.
The Aviation’s resurrection began in the early 2000s when cocktail historian David Wondrich featured it in his influential book “Imbibe!” and crème de violette slowly returned to American markets. Bartenders like Murray Stenson at Seattle’s Zig Zag Café helped popularize the cocktail during the craft cocktail renaissance, though most modern recipes reduce the crème de violette to just 1/4 oz to achieve better balance.
Flavor Profile
The Aviation opens with bright citrus notes from the fresh lemon juice, immediately followed by the gin’s botanical complexity. The juniper and coriander from a quality London dry gin provide the backbone, while the maraschino liqueur adds a subtle cherry sweetness that’s more nutty than fruity. The crème de violette contributes delicate floral notes reminiscent of spring gardens and perfumed air.
On the mid-palate, the drink reveals its sophisticated character as the floral and citrus elements dance together. The maraschino’s almond-like undertones become more apparent, creating an almost marzipan quality that bridges the gap between the gin’s earthiness and the violet’s ethereal nature. The texture remains clean and bright, never cloying despite the liqueurs.
The finish is crisp and lingering, with the violet notes floating above the gin’s botanical finish. The lemon juice provides a clean, tart conclusion that invites another sip, while the maraschino leaves a subtle sweetness that rounds out the entire experience.
Serving Suggestions
The Aviation deserves presentation in a chilled coupe glass, which showcases its beautiful pale purple hue while concentrating the delicate aromatics. The wide bowl of the coupe allows the floral notes to bloom as you sip, enhancing the drinking experience. Some bartenders prefer a Nick & Nora glass for a more intimate presentation.
Temperature is crucial for this cocktail – it should be served ice-cold to maintain its crisp, clean character. The drink works exceptionally well as an aperitif, stimulating the palate before dinner with its bright acidity and complex flavors. It’s particularly suited for spring and summer occasions when its floral character feels most appropriate.
The Aviation makes an excellent choice for cocktail parties and special occasions where you want to showcase something unusual and sophisticated. Its striking color and elegant flavor profile make it a conversation starter, while its relatively simple preparation means you can make multiple servings efficiently.
Food Pairings
- Oysters Rockefeller: The gin’s botanical notes complement the briny shellfish while the violet adds an unexpected floral contrast
- Goat cheese crostini with lavender honey: The floral elements in both the cocktail and honey create harmony
- Smoked salmon canapés: The Aviation’s brightness cuts through rich, smoky fish
- Lemon ricotta ravioli: The citrus notes in both the drink and dish create a cohesive pairing
- Duck confit: The cocktail’s acidity balances the rich, fatty meat
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries: The maraschino’s cherry notes complement both chocolate and berry flavors
- Herb-crusted lamb chops: The gin’s botanical complexity enhances herb-forward dishes
- Lavender shortbread cookies: A natural pairing that emphasizes the drink’s floral character
Alcohol Content and Nutrition
- ABV: 22-25% (approximately 1.6 standard drinks)
- Calories: 160-180 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams, primarily from the liqueurs
- Sugar: 6-8 grams from maraschino and crème de violette
- Protein: Less than 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: Minimal, less than 5mg
Popular Variations
- Aviation No. 2: Uses cherry brandy instead of maraschino for a fruitier profile and deeper color
- Blue Moon: Replaces crème de violette with blue curaçao, creating a blue-hued variation with orange notes
- Improved Aviation: Adds a bar spoon of simple syrup and uses less crème de violette for a more balanced sweetness
- Grounded Aviation: A stirred variation served over a large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass
- Aviation Royale: Topped with champagne for a celebratory twist with added effervescence
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much crème de violette: More than 1/4 oz overwhelms the other ingredients and creates an overly perfumed drink that tastes like soap to some people
- Shaking too gently: The Aviation needs vigorous shaking to properly integrate the liqueurs and achieve the right dilution and temperature
- Using old or bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is essential for the bright acidity that balances the sweet liqueurs
- Serving in the wrong glass: Martini glasses are too large and don’t concentrate the aromatics properly
- Skipping the double strain: The fine mesh strainer removes ice chips that would dilute the cocktail as it sits
- Not chilling the glass: A room-temperature glass immediately warms the cocktail and diminishes its crisp character
Conclusion
The Aviation represents cocktail craftsmanship at its finest, combining readily available ingredients in precise proportions to create something truly special. Its resurrection after decades of obscurity speaks to both the dedication of cocktail historians and the enduring appeal of well-balanced drinks. The cocktail rewards careful attention to technique and quality ingredients with a sophisticated drinking experience that stands apart from more common gin cocktails.
Experimenting with different gins and adjusting the ratios of liqueurs allows you to customize the Aviation to your taste preferences while maintaining its essential character. Remember to enjoy this elegant cocktail responsibly and savor the complexity that makes it a modern classic.
