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

co*cktails

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A classic Aviation co*cktail mixes the beautiful Crème de Violette with gin, lemon juice, and Maraschino liqueur to make a drink that’s both intriguing and exciting.

Classic Aviation co*cktail Recipe - Savored Sips (1)

Why the Aviation co*cktail Is So Good

The Aviation is the epitome of balance. Its gin base provides a herbal foundation, while the tartness of freshly squeezed lemon juice cuts through the botanicals.

Maraschino liqueur adds a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the palate. The pièce de résistance, Crème de Violette, lends the co*cktail its distinctive hue and floral notes.

The result? A complex yet harmonious symphony of flavors that dance across your tongue.

The Origin Story

Classic Aviation co*cktail Recipe - Savored Sips (2)

The Aviation traces its roots back to the early 20th century, a period known for the birth of many classic co*cktails. It first appeared in print in Hugo Ensslin’s 1916 book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks,” where it was listed with its hallmark ingredient, Crème de Violette. However, post-Prohibition versions often omitted this, likely due to its scarcity.

Thankfully, the revival of classic co*cktails has brought this essential component back into the spotlight, and with it, the Aviation’s original splendor.

What is Crème de Violette

Crème de Violette is the secret weapon in an Aviation co*cktail. This floral liqueur is made from violet flowers, and it’s the key to achieving the Aviation’s beautiful lavender hue. The taste is subtly sweet, almost perfume-like, but it’s balanced by the other elements in the co*cktail.

In the past, it was difficult to find, but the recent craft co*cktail movement has brought it back to prominence. If you’re serious about making an authentic Aviation, Crème de Violette is non-negotiable. For me, it wasn’t difficult to find at all. In fact, it was available at every liquor store I frequent.

The price is about $20-$25 for a 750ml, which isn’t bad, since you can make so many different drinks with it, like a Blue Moon co*cktail, a Violette Femme, or a Final Say co*cktail.

» You might also like this Vodka Gimlet co*cktail.

Ingredients You Need

Classic Aviation co*cktail Recipe - Savored Sips (3)
  • 1 1/2 oz gin
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
  • 1/4 oz Crème de Violette
  • Cherry or lemon twist, for garnish

How to Make an Aviation co*cktail

Classic Aviation co*cktail Recipe - Savored Sips (4)
  1. Chill the Glass: Place a co*cktail glass in the freezer to chill.
  2. Mix Your Ingredients: In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and Crème de Violette.
  3. Shake: Give it a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds to ensure all the ingredients are well-blended.
  4. Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled co*cktail glass.
  5. Garnish: Add a cherry or lemon twist to elevate the look and add an extra layer of flavor.
  6. Serve: Enjoy your Aviation co*cktail immediately, preferably with good company and great conversation.

Whether you’re a co*cktail aficionado or a newbie, the Aviation is a must-try. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience. One sip and you’ll understand why this co*cktail has stood the test of time, earning its wings in the annals of mixology history.

So the next time you’re looking for a drink that combines complexity, balance, and a dash of historical intrigue, let the Aviation be your vehicle for a transcendent co*cktail journey. Cheers!

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Classic Aviation co*cktail Recipe - Savored Sips (9)

Yield: 1 co*cktail

Classic Aviation co*cktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

A classic Aviation co*cktail mixes the beautiful Crème de Violette with gin, lemon juice, and Maraschino liqueur to make a drink that's both intriguing and exciting.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces gin
  • 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained
  • 1/2 ounce Crème de Violette
  • Ice
  • 1 cherry, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and Creme de Violette in a co*cktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled.
  2. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Classic Aviation co*cktail Recipe - Savored Sips (10)

Laura

Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.

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

FAQs

What is the classic co*cktail formula? ›

The 2-1-1 co*cktail Formula

Spirits: Aperol, campari, gin, mezcal, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey, wine, etc. Sweet: Simple syrup, agave nectar, honey, maple syrup, grenadine, triple sec, maraschino liqueur, limoncello, amaretto, etc. Sour: Lemon juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and shrubs (vinegar-based syrups)

Can you substitute creme de cassis for crème de violette? ›

You can use crème de cassis, rose liqueur, or another fruit or floral flavored liqueur instead of crème de violettte in your Aviation. For a smoother co*cktail, add a barspoon of simple syrup to your drink. For a milder flavor, swap gin for vodka. Omit the maraschino liqueur to make a Blue Moon.

What is the formula for the perfect co*cktail? ›

There's definitely a formula, My basic ratio for any co*cktail is usually 2 part of alcohol, to one of tart, to one part of sweet. The formula for achieving this balance is 2:1:1. That's basically 2 parts alcohol, 1-part sour, and 1-part sweet.

What is the best vermouth for aviation gin? ›

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.

What is the strongest classic co*cktail? ›

While Hemingway suggests drinking “three to five of these slowly”, we would definitely have to disagree. And last on our list, but certainly not the least (amount of alcohol, that is), we have the Aunt Roberta. This co*cktail contains 100% liquor and is widely regarded as THE strongest co*cktail in the world.

What are the six classic co*cktails? ›

Embury's six basic drinks are the Daiquiri, the Jack Rose, the Manhattan, the Martini, the Old Fashioned, and the Sidecar.

Which is better crème de cassis or Chambord? ›

If you prefer a blackcurrant flavor, Creme de cassis is a perfect choice at the end of the day. If you want more berry flavors, then a good bottle of Chambord would be ideal.

Is crème de cassis better than Chambord? ›

chambord vs.

Créme de Cassis is made with black currants and is a bit sweeter and more syrupy than Chambord. Chambord is made with blackberries, raspberries, and black currants and is a bit more complex and refined. You can also substitute Créme de Mure, which is similar to Cassis but is made with blackberries.

Is grenadine the same as crème de cassis? ›

The macerated blackcurrants give it a darker, more layered berry flavor than grenadine, and if you want a stronger co*cktail crème de cassis is the way to go—it is 25% alcohol-by-volume (grenadine is just 3%, if at all).

What is the golden ratio of a co*cktail? ›

Almost all the classic drinks you know and love, from the Daiquiri to the Gimlet or the Margarita come down to the same basic ratio: 2:1:1. That's two parts spirit, one part sweet, and one part sour, commonly known as the Golden Ratio.

Which 5 components make the perfect co*cktail? ›

The fundamental elements of a co*cktail—the spirit, the balancing agents like sugar or citrus juice, the modifiers, and water—are the same no matter the 'doctoring' you apply. Mixed together in proper proportions, these elements make up a balanced, flavorful drink.

What are the 4 basic methods in making co*cktails? ›

10 key techniques for making co*cktails
  • Blending. Blending is a crucial part of making co*cktails that use heavier ingredients such as fruit, ice cream or ice. ...
  • Straining. ...
  • Shaking. ...
  • Stirring. ...
  • Muddling. ...
  • Rolling. ...
  • Building. ...
  • Layering.
Mar 21, 2023

How much did Ryan Reynolds sell Aviation Gin for? ›

The actor also cofounded and sold Aviation American Gin for $610 million. Reynolds reportedly netted as much as $122 million from the deal.

What is the best mixer with Aviation Gin? ›

Pour Aviation Gin into glass filled with Ice and top with Tonic Water. Gently stir and garnish with Passion Fruit Half & Lemon Wheel.

What are the 4 components of co*cktail? ›

The key to delicious co*cktails is balance. In early 19th century definitions, co*cktails are said to comprise four elements: spirits, sugar, water and bitters. Classic co*cktails like the Sazerac, Old Fashioned and Manhattan draw from this essential structure.

What are the four classic co*cktails? ›

Are you looking to expand your bartending skills with some classic co*cktails? Well look no further than the Paloma, Moscow Mule, Margarita, and Bay Breeze. These four co*cktails are perfect for any new at-home bartender entering the co*cktail world- they're easy to make and even easier to customize.

What are the seven pillars of co*cktails? ›

Seven pillars refers to the seven mother recipes: Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Sour, Daisy (Sour with a liqueur added), Collins, 75, and Stepladder (Negroni/Boulevardier). This creates balance and a variety of co*cktails. It's important to have something for everyone.

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