Aviation Drink Recipe: Classic Cocktail Guide

The classic Aviation cocktail is a gem in mixology. It started its legacy in 1916 through Hugo Ensslin’s book. This drink is known for its elegant mix of gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and crème de violette, giving it a unique flavor and a pale lavender color.

In the past, the Aviation Drink recipe faced ups and downs due to the crème de violette’s scarcity. But things changed in 2007 when it reappeared, distributed by House Alpenz. This brought a new wave of interest in the cocktail in the U.S. Also, Creme Yvette’s comeback in 2009 added more flavors, fueling creativity around the classic recipe.

Key Takeaways

• The classic Aviation cocktail debuted in Hugo Ensslin’s 1916 book.
• It includes gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette for a special taste.
• Crème de violette became rare in the 1960s, affecting the cocktail’s popularity.
• Rothman & Winter imported it in 2007, restarting its fame in the U.S.
• Creme Yvette, back in 2009, became another tasty choice for mixologists.

The History of the Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation cocktail has a rich history from the early 20th century. Hugo Ensslin first highlighted this drink. He was a well-known bartender at New York City’s Hotel Wallick in the 1910s. Ensslin shared the recipe in his 1916 book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.”

Origins and First Appearance

The roots of the aviation cocktail can be traced as early as 1911. David Wondrich’s book “Imbibe!” mentions this date. The drink was officially published first in Ensslin’s guide. The ingredients included gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette. This recipe led the Aviation to become a hit before Prohibition.

Ensslin and Crème de Violette

Ensslin’s choice of crème de violette set the drink apart. This floral liquor not only gave the drink a unique color but also a special taste. However, by the 1930s, Harry Craddock removed it from the recipe in “The Savoy Cocktail Book.” This change shifted the drink to a more sour taste and lost its original violet color.

Revival in the 21st Century

In the 21st century, the Aviation cocktail made a comeback. This began in 2007 when Rothman & Winter crème de violette re-entered the U.S. market. Other brands like Crème Yvette followed. This renewed availability of crème de violette sparked a renewed interest in the drink. It brought back the traditional recipe and started a new wave of evolving cocktail recipes.

Cocktail fans could again enjoy the true Aviation with its unique floral notes.

Classic Aviation Cocktail Ingredients

In 1916, mixologists created the classic Aviation cocktail, loved for its special mix of ingredients. It is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and crème de violette. These ingredients give the drink its unique taste.

Gin: Gin is the main ingredient, giving the cocktail its bold flavor. It mixes well with other elements.

Maraschino Liqueur: Maraschino liqueur sweetens the cocktail with hints of cherry and almond. It softens the strong gin taste.

Crème de Violette: This liqueur adds a floral touch and a light purple color to the drink. It comes from violet petals and was hard to find before brands like Rothman & Winter started selling it widely.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brings a zesty flavor that balances the sweetness. It keeps the drink light and enjoyable.

The recipe includes 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of maraschino liqueur, 1/4 ounce of crème de violette, and 3/4 ounce of lemon juice. In 2007, the availability of crème de violette in the U.S. helped this cocktail make a comeback.

Even today, the Aviation cocktail is a favorite for its unique taste. Its special mix draws in cocktail lovers from around the world. This aviation cocktail ingredients blend is truly special.

How to Make an Aviation Cocktail

Making the perfect Aviation cocktail is about getting the right mix and know-how. For a top-notch recipe, you’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of maraschino liqueur, 1/4 ounce of crème de violette, and 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice. These parts team up to create a classic, good-looking, and tasty aviation cocktail.

Step-by-Step Instruction

Here’s how you put together an outstanding Aviation cocktail:

1. Put 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of maraschino liqueur, 1/4 ounce of crème de violette, and 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add a lot of ice into the shaker.
3. Shake it hard until the mix is thoroughly chilled.
4. Pour the blend into a cold cocktail glass.
5. Top it with a brandied cherry to make it taste and look even better.

Shaking vs. Stirring

For the aviation cocktail, shaking is the go-to move, not stirring. Shaking with ice makes sure everything mixes well, gets cold, and turns that light purple color we love. When you stir, it’s harder to get that perfect mix and temperature. So, go with shaking for an amazing drink every time.

The Importance of Crème de Violette

Crème de violette is essential for the Aviation cocktail. It adds flower flavors and a soft purple color. This color and taste are unique to the cocktail. When it vanished from the U.S. in the 1960s, the Aviation’s fame dropped. But, Rothman & Winter brought it back in 2007. This made the classic drink available again to fans.

The classic Aviation mix is careful with its ingredients. It calls for 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of maraschino, 3/4 ounce of lemon, and a splash of crème de violette. Adding just a bit of the violette is key. Too much and it can hide the gin and maraschino flavors, making it too flowery.

Crème de violette’s job in the Aviation is to hint at violet, not dominate. The drink should look pale purple or blue, not bright. This careful choice makes the cocktail elegant, not flashy. Thanks to its comeback, we now have many violette options, including Giffard’s high-quality version.

Choosing the Right Gin for Your Aviation

Choosing the right gin for your Aviation is key. It shapes the taste and character of this classic mix. You might love traditional picks or want to try something new. Your gin pick affects how well the flavors mix.

London Dry vs. Other Styles

The type of gin you choose for your aviation gin recipe matters. London Dry is a top pick for its crisp, clear taste. It goes great with the sweet, flowery Crème de Violette and the rich maraschino liqueur.

Yet, other gins bring their own special flavors. Newer gins with botanicals like rose and peach can make the cocktail fresh and exciting. They keep the classic taste while adding a new feel.

Brands to Consider

Choosing the right gin for your Aviation is important. For a classic taste, consider Broker’s Gin. It’s known for a true London Dry flavor. For something more exotic, Nolet’s Silver Gin mixes in rose and peach hints. This makes the Aviation cocktail more elegant.

To create the best aviation gin recipe, find a gin that blends well with the sweet and rich ingredients. You want all flavors to merge perfectly. This creates a cocktail that’s balanced and enjoyable.

Aviation Gin Recipe Variations

The Aviation cocktail is a timeless classic. Yet, new versions have emerged, adding unique and modern twists. Here’s how to tweak the classic Aviation cocktail for exciting new tastes.

With and Without Crème de Violette

Traditionalists believe crème de violette is crucial for an authentic Aviation. But, some historical versions skip this ingredient. A version from The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930 leaves it out to showcase the cocktail’s adaptability.

After the 1960s, when crème de violette was hard to find, many turned to recipes without it. The mix of gin, lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur kept the cocktail going strong. This shows how the Aviation evolved over time.

Modern Twists on the Classic Recipe

Bartenders today craft contemporary twists on the Aviation. They play with the recipe’s traditional ingredients in different amounts. New violet liqueurs, like Crème Yvette, have joined the mix. This one includes parma violet petals and various fruits, adding new layers of flavor to the drink.

To top it off, garnishes like lemon peel twists or brandied cherries can really enhance the cocktail. They add not just visual appeal but also tweak the taste. This keeps the Aviation cocktail interesting – whether it’s staying classic or getting a modern update.

Best Aviation Cocktail Recipe: Tips and Tricks

To make your Aviation cocktail the top choice, focus on careful measurements. This is critical. You need to measure the ingredients precisely. The standard mix includes:

• 2 ounces of gin
• 1/2 ounce of maraschino liqueur
• 1/4 ounce of crème de violette
• 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Crème de violette brings the right floral tones and the drink’s unique light purple color. Brands like Rothman & Winter and Creme Yvette have helped bring this key ingredient back. Make sure to use a top-notch maraschino liqueur, such as Luxardo or Maraska, for the best flavor.

Choosing the right gin is crucial. Pick a mid-priced London Dry gin, usually about $20. This type keeps the cocktail’s flavors balanced. The drink is known for its light floral and lemon hints, which might get lost with a too-strong gin.

When it comes to making the Aviation cocktail, shaking is better than stirring. Shaking gets the drink colder and makes it light and airy. It blends the flavors well. This method also brings out the crème de violette’s floral notes.

Finding the right amount of crème de violette is key. Too much can make the drink taste like soap. Look for a color close to a blue-gray or pale lavender. This resembles the evening sky, which inspired the cocktail’s name.

It’s vital to chill the ingredients thoroughly. Shake them with ice until very cold. Then, strain into a cocktail glass. Adding a brandied cherry on top is a classy finish.

Follow these guidelines closely to serve the perfect Aviation cocktail. This recipe captures both its authenticity and delight. The secret is achieving the right mix of floral, fruity, and sweet notes. This ensures a drink that’s reminiscent of the cocktail’s heyday.

Aviation Drink History: Key Milestones

The Aviation cocktail is a classic that has stood the test of time. It first appeared in the early 1900s. Since then, this drink has seen many changes, mirroring shifts in the cocktail world. We’ll explore important moments in the Aviation drink’s history.

Early 20th Century

In the early 1900s, the Aviation cocktail showcased the art of mixing drinks. The recipe was first written down in 1916 by Hugo Ensslin. It called for 2 ounces of dry gin, 2 teaspoons of Maraschino liqueur, ¾ ounce of lemon juice, and the unique Crème de Violette. This purplish liqueur not only added flavor but a lovely purple color too, setting the Aviation apart from other drinks.

Prohibition Era

During the Prohibition era of 1920 to 1933, classic cocktails like the Aviation faced tough times. Alcohol and special liqueurs became hard to find. Many stopped using Crème de Violette in their Aviations. By the 1930s, omitting this key ingredient became common. It was a noticeable change, seen in Harry Craddock’s 1930 book “The Savoy Cocktail Book.”

Recent Resurgence

As the 20th century ended, the Aviation’s popularity dipped due to a lack of Crème de Violette. But, as the 21st century started, cocktail enthusiasts got interested in historical drinks. The comeback of Crème de Violette, thanks to Rothman & Winter and other brands, was crucial. Now, mixologists are once again making the true Aviation cocktail. This return to the original recipe has brought the cocktail back to its prime.

The Aviation’s story, from its early days through Prohibition to its comeback, is full of classic cocktail milestones. Each period shows how the drink adapted to changing times. From ingredient shortages to shifting tastes, the Aviation’s journey highlights the cocktail world’s evolution.

Aviation Cocktail Taste Profile

The aviation cocktail taste profile is like a crash course in flavorful fun. It mixes strong gin with sweet maraschino and tangy lemon. Then, crème de violette brings in a unique floral cocktail vibe, like violet candies from the 20th century. The cocktail is known not just for its kick but for its beauty, too.

The drink first amazed folks in 1916, thanks to Hugo Ensslin’s book. For a while, it lost its magic when crème de violette went missing in the 1960s. But, thanks to Rothman & Winter in 2007, the flower-like flavor came back, making the Aviation popular again.

With every sip, the Aviation dances on your tongue with its mix of flavors. It smells like a beautiful flower garden, thanks to crème de violette. And it ends with a zesty lemon twist. The cocktail’s light purple shade and unique taste make it unforgettable. It perfectly blends sweet, sour, and floral in one stunning glass.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making an Aviation

Creating the perfect Aviation cocktail needs balance and precision. We’re here to point out the common mistakes to avoid. These errors can ruin the classic drink’s taste. Knowing these, you’ll make sure your Aviation cocktail keeps its elegant flavor.

Overuse of Crème de Violette

Using too much crème de violette is a big mistake. This unique liqueur adds a floral touch and a pretty lavender color. But if you pour in too much, your drink might taste like soap. Stick to just ¼ ounce to keep it balanced.

Incorrect Proportions

Getting the recipe’s proportions wrong is another misstep. The perfect Aviation mixes 2 ounces of gin, ½ ounce of Maraschino Liqueur, ¼ ounce of Crème de Violette, and ¾ ounce of lemon juice. Changing these amounts can throw off the taste. Remember, using the right measurements and top-notch ingredients brings out the cocktail’s true charm.

Steer clear of these mixology mistakes to craft a delicious Aviation cocktail. Mixing the right flavors honors the rich history and elegance of this famous drink.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with an Aviation

An Aviation cocktail’s nuances go well with the right foods. Pick the right dishes to enhance your cocktail experience. We have some great suggestions.

Appetizers

For an Aviation, choose appetizers with mild flavors. Things like smoked salmon blinis or shrimp cocktail go great. They match the cocktail’s mix of gin, lemon, cherry, and violet.

Cheese-wise, try Coulommiers. It pairs well with drinks like the Aviation.

1. Smoked Salmon Blinis
2. Shrimp Cocktail
3. Coulommiers Cheese

Other cheeses like Crottin de Chevre and 18-month Comté work, too. They fit the cocktail’s floral hints.

Desserts

Got a sweet tooth? Desserts with lemon or almond flavors are perfect. Think lemon tarts or almond biscotti.

These treats match the cocktail’s cherry and violet flavors for a balanced pairing.

1. Lemon Tarts
2. Almond Biscotti

Finding the right flavors makes an Aviation tasting extraordinary. Balance is key for a great pairing. Enjoy your cocktail with the perfect match!

Why You Should Try the Aviation Drink Recipe

The Aviation drink recipe stands out as a classic cocktail. It has historical importance and a rich taste. Made with gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice, it first showed up in 1916.

Hugo Ensslin included it in his book, “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.” In the 21st century, cocktail fans have rediscovered this gem. It’s now a favorite for many.

One big reason to try the Aviation drink recipe is the unique crème de violette. This once hard-to-find liqueur adds a floral hint and a pretty purple color. Brands brought it back to the U.S. around 2007 and 2009. This gave mixologists the chance to try the original recipe again.

The versatility of the Aviation drink recipe is also worth noting. You can use other violet liqueurs to change the taste slightly. This allows for experimentation while staying close to the original. The drink’s history shows it can adapt over time.

The Aviation drink recipe tells a story through its taste. It connects you to the past while keeping things fresh. With a wonderful mix of flavors and a hint of history, it’s more than just a drink. It’s a key part of cocktail culture. So, trying it out can add a unique flair to your mixology.

Conclusion

The Aviation cocktail is a piece of history in the world of mixology. It mixes gin with maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and either Crème de violette or Crème Yvette. Not just a drink, it tells a story from the time of golden cocktails. The light floral taste and lovely lavender color have made it famous in the craft cocktail world.

For those who love exploring old cocktail recipes, the Aviation is a must-try. It uses Crème de violette or the newer Crème Yvette, which people love more for its taste. Also, mixing Monin Violet Syrup in gives it a modern and sweet update. This change has received top scores, showing how creative mixologists keep making it better.

The Aviation is special because you can change it in many ways. Adding a quality gin like Bombay Sapphire makes it even better. Attention to every step in making it, from choosing the gin to measuring the ingredients, shows how much care goes into this classic. Drinking an Aviation isn’t just having a cocktail. It’s like celebrating the art of mixing drinks through the ages.