Aviation Cocktail

Nearly forgotten for half of a century, the Aviation cocktail recipe is making its way back into cocktail bars around the country. This gin-based drink is strongly floral, a bit fruity and a whole lot of fun. And once you’ve tried the best Aviation cocktail recipe, creme de violette just might become your new favorite cocktail ingredient.

What is an Aviation cocktail?

This pre-Prohibition drink first appeared on the scene in the early 1900s, when violet-flavored sweets were all the rage. Its creation is credited to Hugo Ensslin, then the head bartender at New York’s Hotel Wallick. He included the cocktail in his book Recipes for Mixed Drinks, published in 1916. The drink was largely forgotten after the arrival of Prohibition in 1920.

Creme de violette lends the cocktail its light bluish-purple hue, reminiscent of the sky’s horizon as seen from an airplane. Unfortunately, creme de violette went out of production in the 1960s. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that this floral liqueur made its way back to the United States. The gold standard is Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette, an Austrian-made product that helped spark Aviation’s recent comeback.

Ingredients for Aviation Cocktail

• Gin: Purchase a nice bottle of gin for this Aviation cocktail recipe. Save the leftovers to make more of these cocktails, or try out other gin cocktails to see which is your favorite.
• Cherry liqueur: A fruity, sweet and tart cherry liqueur melds with the botanical flavors of gin and creme de violette.
• Lemon juice: Always use fresh lemon juice, never bottled. It’s easy to juice lemons without making a huge mess, especially when you have the right tools.
• Creme de violette: This liqueur adds a floral note and a gorgeous pale purple hue to the Aviation cocktail.
• Cherries: Spear a maraschino or brandy-soaked cherry and place it on top of your Aviation cocktail to complete the presentation.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

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Fill a cocktail shaker three-fourths full with ice. Pour in the gin, cherry liqueur, fresh lemon juice and creme de violette.

Step 2: Shake the cocktail

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Put the lid back on and shake the cocktail until condensation forms on the outside of the cocktail shaker.

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Step 3: Strain the cocktail

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Strain the Aviation cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with the maraschino or brandied cherries.

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Recipe Variations

• Try a different base liquor: If you’re not a fan of gin, try an unflavored vodka instead. The smoother the better, so grab a high-quality vodka from the store. However, the drink won’t have the same botanical notes when you use vodka.
• Swap the creme de violette: Can’t find this liqueur? Substitute another floral liqueur like Creme Yvette (made with violet petals and berries) for creme de violette if needed.
• Add another garnish: The only other garnish that can be as perfect for the Aviation cocktail as a cherry is a violet flower. Violets are edible flowers, so they’re safe to include as a decoration. Opt for either fresh violet or candied violet.

Can I store an Aviation cocktail?

Yes, you can store an Aviation cocktail or prepare it in advance to shake up, strain and serve later. Simply pour the gin, cherry liqueur, fresh lemon juice and creme de violette into a mason jar and stick the mixture in the fridge for up to four days.

When you’re ready to enjoy an Aviation cocktail, pour the drink into a cocktail shaker that’s three-fourths full of ice. Shake everything together until condensation forms. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass and garnish it with a cherry.

Aviation Cocktail Recipe Tips

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What does creme de violette taste like?

Creme de violette is made from an infusion of violet buds and blossoms, so as its name suggests, it has a pronounced floral flavor. Citrus and herb aromas are also noticeable. Stick with the measurements in our recipe for the Aviation cocktail. Add too much creme de violette and it will taste like you’re drinking perfume.

What glass should I serve an Aviation cocktail in?

Serve an Aviation cocktail in a coupe glass or Nick and Nora glass. You can also serve it in other types of cocktail glasses like a martini or rocks glass. However, avoid pouring an Aviation cocktail into a large glass as it only has a small amount of liquid. Save the highball and Collins glasses for something like a mojito.