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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.
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
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
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
Chill the Glass: Place a co*cktail glass in the freezer to chill.
Mix Your Ingredients: In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and Crème de Violette.
Shake: Give it a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds to ensure all the ingredients are well-blended.
Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled co*cktail glass.
Garnish: Add a cherry or lemon twist to elevate the look and add an extra layer of flavor.
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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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
Mix the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and Creme de Violette in a co*cktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled.
Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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