The Aviation was one of the first cocktails I published in my original 2009 blog. I moved it over to this blog in 2011 but, it was showing its age because of the photos and layout.
Over the years I have experimented with this classic cocktail and settled on this recipe a couple of years ago.
The original Aviation cocktail was first published in Hugo R. Ensslin’s 1916 Recipes for Mixed Drinks. I first tried it when I picked up a copy of Harry Craddock’s 1930 publication, Savoy Cocktail Book.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 ounce crème de violette
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Garnish: cherry
Steps
add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Shake and double strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
Tasting Notes
While there is no mistaking the base spirit in this drink, I enjoyed how the fresh squeezed lemon juice and the liqueur balanced things out. As I put the glass to my mouth the aroma of juniper berries was unmistakable. The first sip gave a swirl of flavor: the crisp flavor of gin first, then some cherry sweetness and the lemony citrus kick at the end.
This is a great cocktail to try if you are new to gin. I realize gin can be an acquired taste and this drink can ease you into to this flavorful spirit.