Aviation

Aviation Cocktail

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A classic gin cocktail with delicate floral notes, maraschino sweetness, and a signature pale purple hue from crème de violette.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Coupe Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (135ml)
  • Gin 
    60 ml
  • Maraschino Liqueur 
    15 ml
  • Crème de Violette 
    7.5 ml
  • Lemon Juice 
    22.5 ml
  • Maraschino Cherry 
    1 whole
Recipe credit: Hugo Ensslin, 1916

Instructions

Step

Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the cocktail.

Step

Add gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.

Step

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.

Step

Empty the ice from your chilled coupe glass and double strain the cocktail through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer.

Step

Garnish with a maraschino cherry or lemon twist and serve immediately.

Equipment

Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer
Fine Mesh Strainer
Jigger
Citrus juicer

Description

The Aviation is an elegant pre-Prohibition cocktail that perfectly balances gin’s botanical complexity with the subtle sweetness of maraschino liqueur and the delicate floral essence of crème de violette. Created by Hugo Ensslin in 1916, this sophisticated drink disappeared for decades when crème de violette became unavailable, only to be triumphantly revived by modern craft bartenders who appreciate its unique flavor profile and striking appearance.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (135ml)
Calories
185
ABV
24 %
Alcohol
26 g
Carbs
8 g
Carbs from Sugar
7 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use crème de violette sparingly - start with 7.5ml and adjust to taste. Too much will overpower the drink and create an unpleasantly soapy or perfumed flavor.

  • Choose a high-quality dry gin with balanced botanicals. Aviation American Gin works beautifully, but any premium London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Hendrick's will excel.

  • Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and measure precisely - the balance between tart citrus and sweet liqueurs is crucial to the cocktail's success.

  • Double strain the cocktail to achieve the signature silky smooth texture that makes a properly executed Aviation so elegant.

  • If you can't find crème de violette, try making a "Savoy Aviation" without it - you'll lose the purple hue but gain a more citrus-forward profile that's equally delicious.

You’re likely using too much crème de violette. This liqueur is extremely potent – reduce the amount to 5-7.5ml and taste. The violet should enhance, not dominate the cocktail’s flavor profile.

Absolutely! The “Savoy Aviation” omits crème de violette entirely, creating a clear cocktail with more prominent citrus and maraschino flavors. This was actually the more common version for decades when crème de violette was unavailable.

Choose a quality dry gin with balanced botanicals. London Dry gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater work excellently, while Aviation American Gin offers a perfect thematic match. Avoid heavily flavored or Navy Strength gins that might overpower the delicate liqueurs.

The color should be subtle – think pale lavender or sky blue rather than deep purple. Start with 7.5ml of crème de violette and adjust based on your preference. Different brands may have varying color intensity, so taste and adjust accordingly.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Gin
    60 ml
  • Maraschino Liqueur
    15 ml
  • Crème de Violette
    7.5 ml
  • Lemon Juice
    22.5 ml
  • Maraschino Cherry
    1 whole

Method

  1. Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the cocktail.
  2. Add gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Empty the ice from your chilled coupe glass and double strain the cocktail through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or lemon twist and serve immediately.