Classic Aviation co*cktail Recipe - Savored Sips (2024)

FAQs

What gin is best for Aviation co*cktails? ›

What Gin works best in an Aviation? If you like the floral nature of the drink (and probably go a little heavy on the Violette as a result), try the likes of Cotswolds Gin with its huge lavender and grapefruit top notes, or Brooklyn Gin that combines similar floral tones with a medley of citrus.

The Aviation

Combine all ingredients in co*cktail shaker with Ice. Shake, then strain into Coupe glass with Ice.

An aviation has the dry herbal notes of gin, bright citrus flavor from lemon juice, and sweetness and floral fun from maraschino cherry liqueur and crème de violette liqueur. It's served straight-up, so make sure the co*cktail is icy-cold and pour it into a cold glass so the drink stays cold longer.

So named due to the crème de violette giving the co*cktail a pale sky-blue colour, the Aviation dates from the early age of aeronautics when air travel was a glamorous luxury that only the rich could afford. Choosing the right brand of crème de violette is crucial to the look and taste of this co*cktail.

The Winner: Aviation American Gin and Drapo Dry Vermouth

To me, this is very much the archetype for a dry, gin martini.

In a classic Martini, the spicy nature of the gin worked particularly well - especially the cardamom aspect of it. I found it better with Dolin dry vermouth than Carpano dry, and I found it better in a wet one, than a dry martini. As a gin and tonic, I thought Aviation was workman-like.

The Vesper, also known as the Vesper Martini, was invented by author Ian Fleming for his iconic British secret agent, James Bond. The drink first appeared in Fleming's Casino Royale, which was published in 1953, the co*cktail being named for the fictional double agent (and Bond love-interest) Vesper Lynd.

In a pinch, you can substitute Crème Yvette, although the final co*cktail color will be a little different. Is it really essential to the drink? Yes. This floral liqueur adds a new twist to what would otherwise be a gin sour.

Today you will find the aviation on lists of classic co*cktails that should be experienced. Even so, don't expect to order it at every bar.

The aviation is a co*cktail made with gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette and lemon juice. Some recipes omit the crème de violette. It is served straight up, in a co*cktail glass.

Why is my Aviation co*cktail blue? ›

The Aviation co*cktail is a classic gin co*cktail and is quite possibly the most successful variation on the Gin Sour. The Aviation gets its name from the light blue colour of the co*cktail that is created by adding a bar spoon of Crème de Violette.

A little history: the drink was created because there was a surplus of rum at Pat O'Brien's, a bar in the French Quarter. To get rid of it and drive sales, the drink was served in a hurricane lamp and the rest is history.

Nasal and oral cavities tend to dry out when we fly as humidity levels decrease, causing some flavors and aromas for certain foods and drinks to dull, while sharpening others. Because of this, the bold bloody mary has become increasingly popular on board.

co*cktails. Aviation Gin is named for the Aviation and it goes without saying— it makes an excellent co*cktail. The floral notes from the creme de violette amplify some of the cardamom and lavender notes.

The key difference between regular gin and London dry gin is that while regular gins are often sweetened after distillation (with sugar or syrup), London dry gins are not sweetened at all—a feature that gives them a less syrupy taste and more of an herbal bite.