The Aviation is a pre-prohibition drink which fell out of favour for a long, long time. The cocktail resurrection of a couple of decades ago put it front and centre but with bartenders using the oft-consulted Savoy Cocktail Book which used only the gin, maraschino liqueur and lime juice.
In the early 2000’s someone discovered a 1916 version which included Creme de Violette, right around the same time that this flowery liqueur became available once more.
Personally, this is one of my favourite cocktails. It’s a charming combination of flavours – not too sweet and gently floral. Drinking one brings to mind the glamorous and elegant days of air travel, you know, before the thievery of leg room, when bathrooms were actually big enough to breathe in and we weren’t all forced to walk around in our socks.
I use Hendrick’s Gin purely because I’m a big fan of the subtle rose and cucumber overtones as opposed to the more aggressive Juniper. Aviation Gin would also be a good choice given that this craft liquor made in Portland, Oregon was named after the cocktail.
Traditionally the Aviation is served with a maraschino cherry. I have tried to make my own with a maraschino liqueur syrup thinking that they were going to be all sorts of fabulous. Instead they tasted weird and medicinal. Now I buy these from Stonewall Kitchen.
Aviation Cocktail
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur
- 1/2 oz creme de violette
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
Shake all the ingredients and strain. Double up to make 2.
