The Aviation cocktail recipe is a classic drink that’s been around for over a century. It’s got a balanced, refreshing taste—floral, a bit citrusy, and honestly, just really pleasant. Ever thought about mixing one up at home? Here’s a straightforward recipe that’ll walk you through it, step by step.
The Aviation cocktail mixes gin, fresh lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette. That last one gives it the signature light purple color and a gentle, floral flavor. When these ingredients come together, you get a smooth, slightly tart drink that feels right for almost any occasion. Trust me, using fresh lemon juice and good liqueurs makes a noticeable difference.
Let’s break down the steps so you can make this cocktail with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been mixing drinks for a while, this recipe should make the Aviation easy to master. If you want more details on the ingredients, check out this Aviation cocktail recipe guide.
Aviation Cocktail Recipe
The Aviation cocktail is all about classic ingredients coming together for a crisp, floral, and slightly tart flavor. The right balance of gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette gives it that unique taste and soft lavender color. Getting the measurements right really does matter for this one.
Ingredients and Proportions
You’ll need just a handful of things for an Aviation cocktail:
- 2 ounces dry gin—London dry gin is the usual pick for its herbal profile.
- 1/2 ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur—brings a subtle cherry sweetness.
- 1/4 ounce crème de violette—for that signature pale purple hue and a floral aroma.
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice—adds a bright, citrusy kick.
Fresh lemon juice is a must for balance. You can play with the proportions a bit if you want it sweeter or more tart, but this classic ratio is a safe bet.
Step-by-Step Preparation
AVIATION COCKTAIL
(5 MINUTES | EASY | SERVES 1)
Nutrition per serving:
180 Cals, 0g Protein, 8g Carbs, 0g Fat, 7g Sugar
EQUIPMENT
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Coupe or martini glass
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
- 0.25 oz crème de violette
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice
TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)
- Maraschino cherry
- Lemon peel twist
METHOD
Prepare the Cocktail:
Add the gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake:
Shake well for about 15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch.
Strain:
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish:
Add a maraschino cherry or a twist of lemon peel for a finishing touch, if you like.
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy the floral, crisp elegance of the Aviation.
Aviation Cocktail Recipe Infographic
Best Practices for Balance and Presentation
Balance really is the trick with an Aviation. You want the gin’s dryness, maraschino’s sweetness, lemon’s acidity, and the floral note from crème de violette to all get along in the glass.
Stick with fresh citrus—bottled stuff just doesn’t taste the same. Measure carefully, and don’t over-shake or you’ll water it down. Some folks even prefer a gentle stir instead, but that’s up to you.
For the best look, serve it in a clear, stemmed cocktail glass to show off that pale violet color. A single Luxardo cherry on top gives it that classic, polished vibe.
Want to dig deeper? There’s more on the Aviation cocktail recipe here.
History and Evolution of the Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation is a classic gin drink with a pretty interesting backstory. Its floral and citrus flavors made it stand out from the start. Knowing where it came from and how it evolved just makes it more fun to drink, in my opinion.
Origins and Early Mentions
Hugo Ensslin, a bartender at New York’s Hotel Wallick, came up with the Aviation in the early 1900s. He first put the recipe in his Recipes for Mixed Drinks book in 1916. The original had gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette, which gave it a distinct pale blue color.
It got popular before Prohibition, but then faded away when crème de violette became tough to find. Later versions often skipped the violet liqueur, which changed the drink’s profile. Still, Ensslin’s mix set the tone for a new style of gin cocktail.
Influence of the Savoy Cocktail Book
The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, published in 1930, helped keep the Aviation from disappearing. Craddock’s version was close to Ensslin’s, but he tweaked it—probably because ingredients were hard to get during Prohibition.
This book took the Aviation worldwide, making it a staple in cocktail culture. Its spot in the Savoy meant bartenders everywhere started reviving or riffing on the recipe.
Modern Revival and Notable Experts
The Aviation made a comeback in the early 2000s when bartenders rediscovered crème de violette. Cocktail historian David Wondrich was a big part of bringing back the original recipe and sharing its story with a new generation of bartenders.
This revival kicked off a fresh interest in classic gin drinks. These days, bartenders focus on nailing the balance and that signature floral note, making sure the Aviation keeps its refined edge.
Aviation Theme and Connection to Air Travel
The name “Aviation” naturally ties it to the early days of flight. The pale blue color looks a bit like the sky, which fits the air travel vibe of that era.
Even though it was invented before commercial air travel took off, the drink’s image grew right alongside the golden age of aviation. It’s got a bit of that adventurous, modern spirit—maybe that’s why it still pops up on cocktail menus today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s cover a few common questions about the Aviation cocktail recipe. Getting the right ingredients, knowing a bit of history, and using the right measurements really help you nail the perfect drink. The type of gin you use and how much crème de violette you add can totally change the flavor, too. There are a few fun variations worth mentioning.
What ingredients are required to make a classic Aviation cocktail?
You’ll need gin, Maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and Creme de Violette. Those four are what give the drink its unique balance of floral and tart flavors.
Can you explain the history behind the Aviation cocktail?
The Aviation goes back to the early 1900s. Its name comes from the sky-blue color you get from Creme de Violette. It was first mixed to capture the excitement of early flight, or so the story goes.
What are some popular variations of the Aviation cocktail?
Some versions use less or no Creme de Violette at all. Others swap in lime juice for lemon, or dial down the booze for a lighter option. There’s room to experiment.
Which type of gin is recommended for crafting the best Aviation cocktail?
London dry gin is usually the go-to. Its clean, botanical flavor plays nicely with the Maraschino and lemon, and doesn’t overpower the rest.
How does Creme de Violette influence the taste of an Aviation cocktail?
Creme de Violette brings a gentle floral note and gives the drink a pale purple tint. It softens the lemon’s sharpness and rounds out the gin’s bite.
What are the precise measurements for mixing an Aviation cocktail?
Usually, you’ll want 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz Maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz Creme de Violette, and 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice. That combo strikes a nice balance—boozy, a little sweet, a little tart. It’s the classic mix you’ll see in the Aviation Cocktail recipe.
