How to Make a Classic Aviation Cocktail

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Aviation holds a revered place in cocktail culture as a Gin-based classic that beautifully balances floral and citrus flavors.

You may have seen that there are a couple of Aviation cocktail variations floating around. Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, Rico is in the ‘no crème de violette in an Aviation’ camp. So, what you’ll find here is a classic Aviation recipe that dates back to 1930.

OK, grab your Cocktail Shaker and let’s take the Aviation to new heights!

How To Make an Aviation

What You’ll Need

• Citrus Press (or Citrus Elbow)
• Cocktail Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Cocktail Shaker
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine Strainer

How to Mix

Before you start mixing, place some Chilled Water in your refrigerator so that it’s nice and cool. While you’re at it, prepare a chilled Cocktail Glass by placing it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. OK, now you’re ready!

1. Using a Citrus Press, squeeze fresh Lemon Juice, then measure and pour it into the Cocktail Shaker. 
2. Measure and pour Maraschino Liqueur into the Shaker. 
3. Take the chilled water out of the fridge, measure and pour into the Shaker. 
4. Measure and pour Gin into the Shaker. 
5. Add Ice Cubes and shake until ice-cold.
6. Using a Fine Strainer and a Hawthorne Strainer, fine strain into a Cocktail Glass.
7. Garnish with a single Maraschino Cherry dropped straight into the Glass.

What is an Aviation Cocktail?

The Aviation is a classic Gin-based cocktail, shaken and served, and famous for its delicate floral and citrusy flavors, as well as its light and elegant character and alluring pale purple hues. 

With roots dating to the early 20th century, it has made a comeback during the cocktail revival of the early 2000s. Best served at fancy get-togethers, sophisticated cocktail evenings or as a pre-dinner aperitif, it’s popular with cocktail connoisseurs and newcomers. 

What Does an Aviation Cocktail Taste Like?

An elegant combination of citrusy and floral flavors. When crafted correctly, the Aviation achieves a delicate balance of tart and floral. The citrus elements bring a zesty brightness to the cocktail, while the floral notes add an elegant and aromatic dimension. 

The Maraschino Liqueur infuses the drink with Cherry and stone-fruit notes, adding sweetness and depth. This works perfectly with the floral hints of the Gin to create a well-rounded and complex taste profile.

The History of the Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation cocktail was created in the early twentieth century by a head bartender at a hotel in New York. The original recipe included Crème de violette – a unique and sweet liqueur made from violets with a purple hue and floral aroma – and was first published in a book in 1916. This, of course, was right before the Prohibition era started in the U.S.

Over time, variations of the recipe emerged, including an influential cocktail book from 1930 which omitted the then difficult-to-find Crème de violette.

In the 1960s, the primary producer of Crème de violette ceased production, causing it to disappear from the American market. As a result, cocktails featuring Crème de violette were more or less forgotten. However, in 2007, due to increasing interest, an importer reintroduced crème de violette to the United States, coinciding with the revival of Prohibition-era drinks. Thus, the Aviation made a triumphant return.

Tips for Making the Perfect Aviation Cocktail

• Chilled Water
  As Rico explains, “The chilled water gives a little bit of dilution and opens up the Gin a little bit more.” Add the chilled water into your Cocktail Shaker before adding the Gin then shake.

• Chill Your Glass
  A simple but important detail that’ll improve your overall drinking enjoyment is to chill your Cocktail Glass. 20 to 30 minutes in the freezer is usually sufficient.

Variations of an Aviation Cocktail

• Clean Aviation
  Replace Gin with Vodka and spritz some Pernod Absinthe into your glass to make an elegant Clean Aviation. It’s a delightful blend of citrusy and floral flavors, with some herbal notes courtesy of the Absinthe. The smooth Vodka complements the floral notes of the Maraschino Liqueur, creating a well-balanced taste that’s perfect for sipping. Discover Rico’s Clean Aviation recipe.

• Blue Moon
  The Aviation cocktail can be seen as a twist on the Gin Sour and, according to Rico, you should only use Crème de violette once in a Blue Moon. In contrast to the Aviation, the Blue Moon consists of Gin, Lemon Juice, and Crème de violette omitting the use of Maraschino Liqueur. Learn how to make a Blue Moon cocktail.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for an Aviation

As we mentioned earlier, we recommend serving this drink in a chilled Cocktail Glass. The classic garnish is one Maraschino Cherry per drink. The Maraschino Cherry emphasizes the sweet and fruity flavors of Maraschino Liqueur in a visually striking and elegant way.

Simply drop a single Maraschino Cherry into your glass, and your drink is ready to sip.