Aviation Cocktail

The aviation cocktail is a classic gin-based American cocktail that was created during the golden age of air travel in 1916. A refreshing mix of gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette liqueur, this cocktail was often made without the crème de violette because Prohibition prevented it from being imported from Europe. To me, it’s a key element in this classic libation, though, adding a floral note and a touch of sweetness to the cocktail. Once you get your hands on some crème de violette, it’s easy to shake an aviation up at home yourself.

An aviation has the dry herbal notes of gin, bright citrus flavor from lemon juice, and sweetness and floral fun from maraschino cherry liqueur and crème de violette liqueur. It’s served straight-up, so make sure the cocktail is icy-cold and pour it into a cold glass so the drink stays cold longer.

Crème de violette is a European liqueur flavored with violet flowers, which add floral flavors and the darker purple color. Rothman & Winter is a commonly found brand, although other brands like The Bitter Truth also produce it now.

Aviation gin is a brand of American gin. American gins tend to have less juniper than London dry gins. Although the aviation was created with London dry gin, I’ve also made the cocktail with American gin and found the differences in flavor negligible. Just use what you have!

• Chill the glass. Because this drink is served straight-up, refrigerate or freeze the cocktail glass first, or fill it with ice and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Measure out the ingredients. Fill a cocktail shaker with gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette. I like a heavier dose of maraschino than violette for a more balanced drink.
• Shake until ice cold. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until the outside of the shaker is nice and frosty.
• Strain and garnish. Strain the drink into the glass and garnish with a lemon twist and maraschino cherry if desired.