The Aviation Cocktail : Classic Cocktails in Context

cocktail recipes

Aug 2

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The Aviation Cocktail Recipe

The Aviation cocktail is an absolute classic that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. This cocktail, with its distinct blue hue and floral flavor profile is a really unique classic to have on hand! My friend Holly from Battleborn Pins even created these beautiful pins for the aviation cocktail, the martini, and the rusty nail!

About the aviation cocktail

The original recipe called for gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice. The inclusion of crème de violette gives the cocktail its characteristic sky-blue color, reminiscent of the open skies—hence the name "Aviation." This is one of the first cocktails I made when I started getting back into cocktails a few years ago. It was first created in the early 20th century by Hugo Ensslin, a bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York.

How to make an aviation cocktail

This cocktail is served up in a coupe glass, and since there is citrus in this cocktail we are going to want to shake it up! Put your glass in the freezer to make sure it gets nice and cold, combine your ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker (here are some of my favorites) and double strain into the cocktail glass.

Why double strain your cocktail?

Double straining is a great way to get all the flesh of the citrus out of the cocktail to ensure the smoothest cocktail texture possible! You’ll want to use a hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer.

Best ingredients for aviation cocktail

There are several types of gin that each bring their own unique flavor profile to a gin and tonic:

London Dry Gin: This is perhaps the most common type of gin used in a gin and tonic. It has a crisp and clean flavor with a strong juniper presence, which complements the bitterness of the tonic water.
Creme de Violette is a Among the native wildflowers found in the Alps are the Queen Charlotte and March Violets. Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette captures their fragrance and taste on a robust brandy base. This is a true expression, without any added vanilla or fruit, working as the magical bridging ingredient in so many classic cocktails. Enjoy this liqueur in classics such as the Aviation or Blue Moon, or with dry or sweet sparkling wines.
Maraschino Liqueur Marasca cherry liqueur with herbs and anise notes.