Top Gins for the Perfect Aviation Cocktail

Choosing the right gin is key for the Best Gin for Aviation Cocktail. The drink’s heart is gin, needing it to mix well with crème de violette, maraschino cherry liqueur, and lemon juice. This selection makes or breaks the cocktail, turning it from good to great.

Key Takeaways

• Best Gin for Aviation Cocktail The base of the Aviation Cocktail is gin, creating a dry and balanced drink.
• McQueen and the Violet Fog gin at 40% ABV is priced at $42 and offers a unique blend ideal for this cocktail.
• Citadelle Jardin d’Été gin, priced at $32, brings floral and citrus notes at 41.5% ABV.
• Bulrush Gin offers a strong botanical profile and is available for under $35 at 44% ABV.
• Engine Gin, at around $30, provides a complex flavor profile perfect for an engaging Aviation Cocktail.
• Bloom Gin, priced at about $32 and 40% ABV, is a floral favorite among mixologists.

Introduction to the Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation Cocktail is a jewel from the early 20th century. It’s known for its cool periwinkle color and its mix of sweet and sour tastes. This drink uses unique ingredients like crème de violette, gin, lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur. Making it at home is easy, especially if you have gins from popular brands.

The History of the Aviation Cocktail

Since 1911, the Aviation Cocktail has been a hit. The first mix included gin, lemon juice, and two kinds of liqueur. But, a famous cocktail book in 1930 left out one of the liqueurs, changing the cocktail’s look and taste.

In 2007, the missing liqueur, crème de violette, came back. This led people to debate using it or not in the recipe. It shows how cocktail recipes can change over time.

Key Ingredients of an Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation Cocktail is defined by its unique ingredients. It calls for gin, lemon juice, maraschino, and crème de violette. Mixing the lemon juice right is key to getting a perfect taste. For a balanced drink, try mixing 50 ml of Aviation Gin with the other ingredients the right way.

Choosing top-quality maraschino and crème de violette is important. It makes sure the cocktail tastes as good as it looks.

Did you know the cocktail can change but still keep its main taste? Things like Blue Curaçao or Bols Parfait Amour can be used instead. They add new flavors while keeping the heart of the cocktail.

What Makes a Gin Perfect for the Aviation Cocktail?

The best gin for the Aviation Cocktail shines with *floral* and *citrus* notes. It pairs well with crème de violette and lemon juice. These qualities make the classic mix taste amazing.

Floral Notes

Gins with strong *floral notes* like chamomile and lavender are key. Elderflower adds a sweet smell too. These scents blend well with maraschino and crème de violette. This makes the Aviation Cocktail truly special.

Citrus Undertones

*Citrus undertones* bring a special something to this classic drink. Whether from citrus peel or fruits like yuzu, they stand out. They add a sharpness to the sweetness and make it refreshing. They also boost the tartness from lemon juice.

Brands like Citadelle Jardin d’Été, McQueen and the Violet Fog, and Bloom Gin get this mix right. They use the perfect amount of floral and citrus. This makes their gins great for the Aviation Cocktail.

Classic Gins for the Aviation Cocktail

Choosing the right gin is key for a great Aviation Cocktail. Bombay Sapphire and Hendrick’s are two top picks. They each have their own mix of botanicals and flavors that make this cocktail pop.

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire is well-loved for its mix of ten botanicals. They include things like juniper, lemon peel, and almond. This mix makes it go so well with the floral crème de violette and lemon juice in an Aviation Cocktail. It’s known for being smooth, adding to the cocktail’s complex yet balanced taste.

Hendricks

Hendrick’s is another favorite for making Aviations taste amazing. It’s special because it has cucumber and rose petals in it. The cucumber brings a coolness, and the roses add a unique scent. This combo makes Hendrick’s perfect for a cocktail with a balanced, delicate flavor.

Deciding between Bombay Sapphire and Hendrick’s is up to what you like. They both have unique aspects that can really make your Aviation Cocktail stand out. It becomes not just yummy but also a feast for the eyes.

Best Gin for Aviation Cocktail

Choosing the right gin for an Aviation Cocktail can really make it stand out. A good gin will highlight the floral and citrus flavors. It’s best to look at what experts and other fans recommend when making your pick.

Top Picks for Experts

Experts suggest looking for gins with a rich botanical mix. Here’s a list of gins they often recommend for your Aviation Cocktail:

• McQueen and the Violet Fog: Priced at $42 and at 40% ABV, it features jasmine and pomelo. Connoisseurs love its complexity.
• Citadelle Jardin d’Été: At $32 and 41.5% ABV, it brings botanicals from a summer garden for a refreshing cocktail experience.
• Bulrush Gin: Below $35 and 44% ABV, it has lavender and citrus. These notes make it ideal for the cocktail.
• Engine Gin: Comes at $30 with 42% ABV. This Italian gin combines Sicilian lemons, licorice, salvia, and damask roses, creating a unique taste.

User Favorites

People often recommend easy-to-find gins that guarantee quality. Below, you can find some popular choices for an Aviation Cocktail:

• Caorunn Gin: This Scottish gin is priced at $41 with 41.8% ABV. It’s known for the special mix of rowan berry, bog myrtle, and dandelion leaf that brings a sweet, slightly citrus flavor.
• Bloom Gin: About $32 and 40% ABV, Bloom Gin stands out with floral notes of chamomile, honeysuckle, and pomelo. It’s a versatile choice for the cocktail.
• Chemist South Slope American Gin: Under $35 and 45% ABV, it boasts a botanical-rich mix with a focus on rose. Ideal for those who love floral flavors in their drinks.

Bloom Gin: A Floral Option

Bloom Gin, made by Bloom Gin Ltd., blends plant flavors beautifully. It shines in gin cocktails because of its floral and slightly sweet taste. This comes from a mix of chamomile, pomelo, and honeysuckle.

Tasting Notes

The Bloom Gin tasting notes show us a gentle sweetness mixed with flowers. Sipping it, you’ll taste chamomile and honeysuckle. Pomelo adds a bright, citrusy touch. This mix makes Bloom Gin stand out from the rest.

Why It’s Perfect for Aviation

For the perfect Aviation Cocktail, Bloom Gin is top choice. Its gentle sweetness works well with crème de violette’s flowery notes and cherry liqueur’s richness. Bloom Gin’s plant mix highlights light, flowery notes in the Aviation. This makes the drink even more enjoyable.

Bloom Gin is great for Aviations and many other cocktails. It’s known for its versatility and charm.

Caorunn Gin: The Scottish Wonder

Caorunn Gin comes from the Balmenach distillery in Speyside, Scotland. It’s well-known for adding something extra to an Aviation Cocktail. Its mix of handpicked botanicals gives it a clear and fresh taste, which many cocktail lovers love.

Botanicals Used

What’s special about Caorunn Gin is its mix of Scottish gin botanicals. It uses five special plants that only grow in Scotland:

• Rowan Berry
• Bog Myrtle
• Coul Blush Apple
• Heather
• Dandelion

These botanicals show off Scotland’s natural beauty in a drink. They also give Caorunn Gin a unique smell, perfect for making an excellent Aviation Cocktail.

Flavor Profile

Caorunn Gin has a delicious, slightly tangy taste. It gets this from rowan berry, bog myrtle, and coul blush apple, making it sweet and fruity. The heather and dandelion then bring in hints of earth and flowers. This makes Caorunn Gin a perfect match for the Aviation Cocktail. It pairs well with crème de violette and maraschino cherry liqueur.

Choosing Caorunn Gin means mixing traditional Scottish work with modern cocktails. It’s unique blend and fresh taste set it apart, and make it perfect for the Aviation Cocktail. It lifts the cocktail to new levels.

Engine Gin: The Italian Delight

Engine Gin quickly became popular since 2021. It was founded by Paolo Dalla Mora of Dalla Mora & Partners. This Italian gin is unique in its look and unusual flavors.

Unique Packaging

Engine Gin comes in tin cans instead of glass bottles. These cans are bright and eye-catching. They make the product unique and easy to spot on store shelves.

This choice adds to Engine Gin’s special image. The brand stands out even in a busy market.

Flavor Complexity

Engine Gin has rich and complex flavors. It uses special ingredients like Sicilian lemon zest and juniper. These create a delicious mix of tastes.

It’s perfect for cocktails like the Aviation due to its deep flavors. Each sip is a journey through Italy’s finest scents and tastes.

Now, Illva Saronno Holding S.p.A. owns Engine Gin. They plan to share it with fans in 160 countries. This is good news for gin lovers everywhere.

A partnership with Velier for Italian distribution is another win. It helps Engine Gin stay strong in its home country.

Citadelle Jardin d’Été: The Summer Garden Gin

Citadelle Jardin d’Été is inspired by the bright, fresh feeling of a summer garden. It’s a modern gin, perfect for classic drinks like the aviation. Its mix of botanicals brings the essence of summer right to your glass.

Botanicals Overview

This gin highlights a mix of botanicals like melon, ornamental citrus, and yuzu. They add a refreshing, lively taste to any aviation. These flavors come straight from a summer garden, making each drink special.

There are 22 different fruits and aromatics in this gin. They’re carefully put together, creating a rich and interesting taste. It’s perfect for making amazing aviation cocktails.

Price and Availability

Citadelle Jardin d’Été stands out for its price, making it a great pick for gin fans. You can buy a bottle for $30. This makes it a smart choice among many top-notch gins.

For a detailed look at how Citadelle Jardin d’Été stacks up against other gins, check out the table below.

Whether you love classic cocktails or want fresh garden vibes, Citadelle Jardin d’Été is perfect. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experts. This gin will surely raise the bar for your drinks.

McQueen and the Violet Fog: A Double-Violet Choice

McQueen and the Violet Fog is not your average gin. It excites fans of the Aviation cocktail with its amazing complexity and smoothness. This gin boosts the traditional flavors with its special touch.

Flavor Profile

McQueen and the Violet Fog is known for its rich taste. It includes jasmine flower and pomelo peel notes. These mix with violet to bring a deeper floral flavor to drinks like the Aviation cocktail.

Adding these botanicals make for a light yet strong taste. It’s perfect for craft cocktail lovers. They’re looking for something special in their drinks.

Mixology Tips

If you’re making an Aviation cocktail, using this gin can make it unforgettable. Follow these tips to perfect your drink:

• Balancing Act: Measure the lemon juice and maraschino liqueur carefully. This keeps the floral notes from being too strong.
• Chill Out: Keep the cocktail super cold. This makes the gin’s flavors really stand out.
• Glassware: Use a classic coupe glass. It makes the cocktail look as good as it tastes.
• Finishing Touch: Top it off with a violet petal. It adds to the aroma and looks beautiful.

Whether you love making drinks or just enjoy great cocktails, this gin is a must. It gives the classic Aviation recipe a fresh spin. The drink still charms everyone with its floral beauty, thanks to the return of crème de violette in the cocktail world.

Bulrush Gin: A Modern Choice

Bulrush Gin comes from South Carolina and fits both classic and new tastes. It stands out with its hints of lavender and citrus. This makes it perfect for drinks like the Aviation. Fans love how it adds depth and brightness to cocktails, showing off its wide appeal.

Tasting Notes

Bulrush Gin is all about balance with its mix of plants. Lavender and citrus lead to a flowery scent that goes well with the deep earthy notes. Each taste starts with flowers and ends with a hint of citrus. It’s a great choice for any gin cocktail you can think of.

Perfect Pairings

Bulrush Gin pairs perfectly with an Aviation. Its lavender and citrus make the drink pop. They bring out the best in the cocktail’s sweet and sour. Also, Bulrush Gin mixes amazingly with violet crème and cherry liqueurs. Together, they give the classic drink a modern twist.

Bulrush Gin isn’t just for Aviation lovers. It shines in many cocktail recipes, like “Cloud of Ether Cocktail Recipe Spirits Collection” and “How to Drink Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe.” Trying these shows how valuable this gin is for varied drinks. It’s a key item for your at-home bar.

If you’re looking to buy, there’s a great deal: free shipping on orders over $200 with the code STOCKUP. This offer makes it easy for everyone to fill their bars with top picks like Bulrush Gin. No matter your cocktail skill, this gin is a wise choice for making great drinks, including the classic Aviation.

Chemist South Slope American Gin

Chemist South Slope American Gin has a unique floral gin profile. It’s perfect for making various cocktails. At 45% alcohol, it smells and tastes great, perfect for an Aviation Cocktail. It shines with its rose and mountain botanicals, adding a special floral note.

Its distinct taste makes Chemist South Slope American Gin great for many drinks. It’s made in the Carolinas, adding an American flair to cocktails. It keeps the traditional floral flavors needed in an Aviation Cocktail.

Compared to others like Citadelle Jardin d’Été and Bulrush Gin, it stands out. Even at a price under $35, its floral gin profile is unique. Here’s a detailed look to help you choose:

This gin is an excellent choice because of its price and botanical mix. As the gin world grows with lots of options, this American gin stands out. It’s well-balanced with a special floral gin profile.

Conclusion

Best Gin for Aviation Cocktail The Aviation Cocktail is a true classic that brings out the best in gin. With options like London Dry or the newer New Western varieties, there’s something for everyone. The right gin changes how the cocktail tastes, adding unique flavor notes.

Brands like Beefeater and Bombay Sapphire add a strong juniper flavor. But if you prefer more floral or modern tastes, try gins like Hendrick’s and Aviation Gin.

The Aviation Cocktail is also perfect for trying new things. Mixing it up with different gins gives it special, personal touches. This makes choosing the best gin for your cocktail fun and interesting.

As new gins come out, the cocktail world keeps growing. There’s always something new to try. So, whether you stick to the classics or love the new twists, the Aviation Cocktail is a great choice.