📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 25%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 10g
Prep time 2 minutes
Imagine you’re about to sip a sky-blue drink that tastes like a little bit of heaven. The Aviation cocktail is just that: a magical blend of gin, lemon, cherry, and violet. It’s a journey of flavors, and we’re going to explore every part, from its rich history to its refreshing taste. Ready to take flight with this classic drink? Let’s dive in and discover the Aviation cocktail together. ⬇️
History
The Aviation cocktail was first created in the early 20th century. It was a time when airplanes were a new and exciting invention. The drink captures the spirit of that era, celebrating the adventure and optimism of flight.
- The name “Aviation” comes from the cocktail’s sky-blue color, which reminded people of the sky.
- It was first published in a cocktail book in 1916 by Hugo Ensslin, a bartender in New York City.
- The original recipe included crème de violette, a violet liqueur, which gave it a unique floral taste and color.
The taste of an Aviation?
When you take a sip of an Aviation, it’s like tasting the crispness of the sky. It has a smooth, floral flavor with a hint of tartness from the lemon, and a sweet cherry finish.
I personally love drinking Aviations because they’re like a sip of history with every taste; they’re sophisticated and delightfully different.
Interesting facts about Aviation
- The deep blue color of the Aviation comes from the crème de violette, which is often skipped in modern versions.
- Despite its long history, the Aviation was nearly forgotten until it was revived by cocktail enthusiasts in the 2000s.
- The cocktail’s balance of sweet and sour flavors is a perfect example of the pre-Prohibition American mixology.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz (60ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Maraschino liqueur: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Crème de violette: A small drizzle (about 0.25 oz or 7ml)
Martini glass is the best type to serve an Aviation because it showcases the cocktail’s beautiful color and makes every sip feel special. An alternative could be a coupe glass, which also presents the drink elegantly.
Recipe. How to make Aviation
- Pour 2 oz of gin, 0.5 oz of lemon juice, and 0.5 oz of maraschino liqueur into a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Drizzle a small amount of crème de violette into a chilled martini glass.
- Strain the shaker’s contents into the glass.
- Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.
While Aviation is a treat, it’s worth remembering it has sugar and calories from the liqueurs. To make a healthier version, you could use natural sweeteners or reduce the maraschino liqueur. Gin is low in sugar, and lemon juice provides a dose of vitamin C!
Food Pairings
Certain foods can elevate the experience of sipping on an Aviation. The key is to match the cocktail’s complexity and refreshing taste with complementary flavors.
Smoked Salmon
The silky texture of smoked salmon pairs beautifully with the smooth, botanical notes of gin in an Aviation.
Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses complements the Aviation’s floral and tart flavors, creating a delightful contrast on the palate.
Dark Chocolate
Rich dark chocolate can balance the Aviation’s sweetness and acidity, making for a sophisticated dessert pairing.
I really enjoy the taste of Aviations—the cool mint and zesty lime make it a perfect drink for unwinding.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor profile.
- Chill the glass beforehand to keep the drink extra cold.
- Adjust the amount of crème de violette to get the perfect shade of sky blue.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Aviation, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Aviation
- Gin: Can be swapped with vodka for a smoother taste.
- Lemon juice: Use lime juice for a more tart variation.
- Crème de violette: Omit it for a less floral and paler drink.
Aviation Variations
Blue Moon
- Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, crème de violette.
- Recipe: Mix and serve without maraschino liqueur for a simpler taste.
Aviation Royale
- Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, champagne.
- Recipe: Top your classic Aviation with champagne for a celebratory twist.
Amethyst
- Ingredients: Gin, crème de violette, white cranberry juice.
- Recipe: Combine ingredients for a sweeter, fruitier version.
For a non-alcoholic “Virgin Aviation,” replace the gin with tonic water and skip the liqueurs. Instead, use a splash of violet syrup and fresh lemon juice for flavor.
Q&A
Can I make an Aviation without crème de violette?
Yes, but you’ll miss out on the signature blue color and floral notes. It’ll be more of a gin sour then!
Is Aviation a strong cocktail?
It’s pretty potent, thanks to the gin base, but the mixers add a lovely balance of flavors.
What’s the best gin to use in an Aviation?
A dry gin with floral notes works best to complement the flavors of the other ingredients.
Can I make a batch of Aviations ahead of time?
You could mix the gin, lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur, but add the crème de violette just before serving.
How important is the garnish?
A cherry or lemon twist adds the finishing touch, so don’t skip it! It’s part of the experience.
What’s the best way to get the right color for an Aviation?
Adding the crème de violette bit by bit and tasting as you go is the key to perfecting that sky-blue hue.
