2024 Summer Cocktail: The Aviation
One our favorite picks for the 2024 summer season is the 'The Aviation', a pre-Prohibition cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette.
reated by head bartender Hugo Ensslin at the Hotel Wallick in New York City's Times Square, it was first published in Ensslin's 1916 cocktail manual, Recipes for Mixed Drinks. It gained further fame when featured in Harry Craddock's influential 1930 book, The Savoy Cocktail Book.
Celebrated for its beautiful light-purple hue, the Aviation is a visually striking gin cocktail that tastes as good as it looks. It follows the classic gin sour template, combining gin and lemon juice with maraschino liqueur for sweetness. However, its distinctive color and unique flavor come from crème de violette, or violet liqueur. The cocktail's name is believed to be inspired by the sky-blue shade of the finished drink.
Ingredients
2 OZ. HIGHCLERE CASTLE GIN (deal)
.5 OZ. MARASCHINO LIQUEOR
.5 OZ. CREME DE VIOLETTE
.75 OZ. LEMON JUICE, FRESHLY SQUEEZED
BRANDIED CHERRY GARNISH
Whichever liqueur you choose, the Aviation cocktail is a unique, balanced, and delicious cocktail that is sure to impress for any occasion.
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and crème de violette.
- Shake for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
- Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a sour cherry or brandied cherry.
The Aviation cocktail stands out not only for its eye-catching appearance but also for its delightful blend of flavors. With a history rooted in early 20th-century cocktail culture and a recipe that has endured the test of time, the Aviation remains a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of classic mixology.
Whether enjoyed for its historical significance or its exquisite taste, the Aviation continues to be a beloved choice among cocktail enthusiasts.