This classic aviation cocktail recipe is the perfect drink for any occasion! Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just enjoying a night in with friends, this refreshing gin cocktail will have you feeling like you’re on top of the world. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight!
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Why you’ll love this stunning cocktail
- It’s a real crowd pleaser and great for parties and special occasions.
- Quick and easy, you’ll make this delicious cocktail in less than 5 minutes.
- You can make it ahead of time, leaving you more time to spend with your guests.
- All the ingredients are 100% vegetarian.
All aboard for one of the world’s most classic cocktails, this is a jouney you’ll love!
Aviation cocktail ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make the aviation recipe.
Gin – use a good quality gin, we recommend Bombay Sapphire for lower cost, Aviation gin, and No. 3 London Dry Gin if you have more to spend.
Maraschino liqueur – this is a delicious cherry liqueur, we recommend Giffard maraschino liqueur but Luxardo maraschino liqueur is well worth the extra money.
Crème de violette – this is a floral violet liqueur that is sweet and gives a lovely purple color to your cocktail. We recommend Monin creme de violette or Rothman & Winter crème de violette.
Fresh lemon juice – always use fresh lemon juice, it gives a much better flavor.
How to make an aviation cocktail with step by step instructions
Making our aviation cocktail recipe is easy if you follow our simple instructions.
A full printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette, and fresh lemon juice.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled martini glass or chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a Luxardo maraschino cherry, a lemon twist, or lemon peel.
Serve immediately, enjoy, and cheers!
Recipe notes and expert tips
- Chill
Make sure you use a chilled glass, this will help to keep your cocktail cool for longer.
- Out of fresh lemon juice?
Lime juice would work, it’ll alter the flavor slightly, but it’ll work.
- Storage
You can make an aviation cocktail ahead of time, mix the drink, remove the ice cubes from the cocktail shaker, and store it in the fridge until you want to serve it.
Can I make this cocktail ahead?
Yes, you can! Follow the instructions, shake it and then store it in the cocktail shaker in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
Do NOT keep the ice in the shaker or it’ll dilute the cocktail.
When you’re ready to serve, give the shaker a quick shake and then strain it into your cocktail glass.
Why is the cocktail called an Aviation?
The Aviation was created by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City, in the early 1900s. The drink first appeared in Ensslin’s 1916 book Recipes for Mixed Drinks.
So why is it called Aviation? Well, some believe it’s because the drink’s pale blue color resembles the sky. Others say it’s because of the gin’s botanical flavor profile, which is reminiscent of aviation fuel.
And keeping in theme, why not try a paper plane cocktail recipe from our friends at Them Bites.
What does an Aviation cocktail taste like?
The gin provides a juniper-forward flavor which is balanced out by the tart lemon juice. The maraschino liqueur and crème de violette add a touch of sweetness and an interesting cherry flavor.
What is Crème de Violette?
Creme de violette is a type of liqueur that is made from violets. It has a sweet, floral taste and is often used in cocktails.
The color of creme de Violette ranges from pale pink to purple, depending on the brand.
Garnish with a Luxardo cherry
Not all cocktail cherries are made the same and the crowning glory of an aviation cocktail is the brandied cherry garnish, so you want the best cocktail cherry – right?
Over the years we’ve tested a whole range of maraschino cherries, but the ones that stand out to us are Luxardo maraschino cherries, they are SO good!
More cocktail recipes for you to make at home!
- Long Island iced tea – the epic party cocktail and another way to use up your gin!
- Dirty martini – if this doesn’t get the party started nothing will!
- Champagne cocktail – there’s never a bad time for bubbles is there?
- Cosmopolitan – a refreshing crowd pleaser!
- Manhattan – we show you how to make this classic cocktail!
Classic aviation Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- 2 oz Gin
- ½ oz Maraschino liqueur
- ¼ oz Creme de Violette
- ¾ oz Lemon juice
- Maraschino cherries optional
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette, and lemon juice, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with a luxardo cherry, serve immediately and enjoy!Ice cubes, 2 oz Gin, ½ oz Maraschino liqueur, ¼ oz Creme de Violette, ¾ oz Lemon juice
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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