The Aviation is that drink that walks into the room and owns it without saying a word. It’s all about that soft lavender hue, that perfect blend of floral and tart, that old-school elegance that makes you wanna sip slow and act mysterious.
Gin sets the stage with that crisp, herbal kick. Then maraschino liqueur rolls in with a hint of cherry that’s sweet but not too sweet.
But it’s the Crème de Violette that steals the show… floral, light, a little dreamy. It’s like taking a sip of a summer evening just as the sun’s going down.
Smooth, classy and just the right kind of fancy.
What It Is & Where It Comes From
The Aviation cocktail isn’t some trendy, made-for-Instagram drink. It’s been around since the early 1900s, back when drinks were all about strong spirits and a little bit of flair.
It started as a gin sour with a twist… maraschino liqueur for a hint of cherry and Crème de Violette to give it that dreamy, lavender haze.
But here’s the thing… Crème de Violette disappeared for a while, and the Aviation kinda fell off the radar. When it came back, bartenders started making it the original way again.
Now, it’s a total throwback that still feels fresh. Sharp, floral, a little mysterious… like a classic black-and-white movie that still hits.
Tips for Making the Perfect Aviation at Home
Getting the Aviation right is all about balance. Too much floral and it’s like drinking perfume… too much lemon and it’s a sour bomb. Here’s how to nail it:
- Chill the glass: Fill it with ice water while you mix. Cold glass, crisp drink.
- Fresh lemon juice: Bottled won’t cut it. Fresh lemon keeps it bright and sharp.
- Measure everything: This isn’t a free-pour kind of drink. Too much Crème de Violette and it’s all floral, no fun.
- Shake it hard: You want that maraschino liqueur to really blend in… shake until it’s icy.
- Garnish smart: A maraschino cherry is classic but don’t just drop it in. Clip it on the rim or let it float for a little drama.
Aviation Cocktail Food Pairing Ideas
An Aviation is floral, tart and just a little sweet, so you want bites that don’t overpower it. Think light, salty, a little rich.
Salty almonds: Crunchy, savory and easy to munch while you sip.
Soft cheeses: Brie or camembert… creamy and just funky enough.
Smoked salmon: Rich, silky and a little briny… pairs perfectly with the floral notes.
Olives: Classic, salty and a nice contrast to that cherry sweetness.
Crostini with goat cheese: Tangy and light… adds just enough bite.
Dark chocolate: Just a square or two… the bitter edge works with the gin and cherry.
The Timeless Aviation Cocktail
This Aviation Cocktail is a refreshing and floral drink with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. It’s vibrant in color and perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 oz Crème de Violette
- Ice
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Zero-Proof Aviation: Swap the gin for a non-alcoholic botanical spirit. Use cherry syrup instead of maraschino liqueur to keep that sweet note. Replace Crème de Violette with a violet or lavender syrup for that floral touch. Same soft purple hue… same smooth, floral vibe… zero booze.
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling a cocktail glass by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and crème de violette. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain: Empty the ice water from your cocktail glass and strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Add a maraschino cherry on top for a classic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 173 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
Aviation Variations to Try
Once you’ve got the classic down, it’s easy to switch things up. Just a couple tweaks and you’re working with a whole new vibe.
- Lavender Aviation: Add a drop of lavender bitters… takes that floral note up a notch.
- Sparkling Aviation: Top with a splash of soda or prosecco… adds a little fizz, keeps it light.
- Cherry Forward: Double up on the maraschino liqueur… sweetens it up, deepens the color.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange liqueur… cuts the floral, ups the citrus.
- No Crème de Violette: Skip it for a sharper, less floral version… still classic, just different.
Need inspiration for some other gin based cocktails? Why not try an Emerald Isle, a Southside or a Negroni?
To pin for later:
Aviation Cocktail Recipe
Experience timeless elegance with the Aviation cocktail! A perfect mix of gin, maraschino liqueur, and citrus for a refreshing sip.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Gin
- 15 ml Maraschino Liqueur
- 15 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 8 ml Crème de Violette
- Ice
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling a cocktail glass by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and crème de violette. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain: Empty the ice water from your cocktail glass and strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Add a maraschino cherry on top for a classic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Zero-Proof Aviation: Swap the gin for a non-alcoholic botanical spirit. Use cherry syrup instead of maraschino liqueur to keep that sweet note. Replace Crème de Violette with a violet or lavender syrup for that floral touch.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 0g
This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.
