To make an aviation cocktail, you will need:
- 50ml gin
- 25ml lemon juice
- 10ml maraschino liqueur
- 10ml crème de violette
- Cherry or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette to the shaker.
- Shake well until the ingredients are well combined.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist and serve.
Note: If you can’t find crème de violette, you can omit it from the recipe or use another floral liqueur, such as crème de casis or crème de rose, as a substitute.
History of Aviation
The aviation cocktail is a classic cocktail that was popular in the early 20th century. It is made with gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette, and it is known for its distinctive pale blue color.
The origins of the aviation cocktail are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been created around the time of World War I. One theory is that the cocktail was named after the Aviation Corps, a division of the United States Army that was responsible for military aviation during the war. Another theory is that the cocktail was named after the Aviator, a brand of gin that was popular in the 1920s.
Regardless of its exact origins, the aviation cocktail has a long history and continues to be a popular choice at bars and restaurants around the world.
Variations of Aviation
There are many variations of the aviation cocktail that you can try. Here are a few:
- Classic aviation: Follow the recipe above to make the traditional aviation cocktail.
- Raspberry aviation: Replace the lemon juice with raspberry liqueur and add a splash of grenadine for a fruity twist.
- Pineapple aviation: Replace the lemon juice with pineapple juice and add a splash of grenadine for a tropical twist.
- Cherry aviation: Replace the lemon juice with cherry liqueur and omit the crème de violette for a sweeter, fruitier version of the cocktail.
- Blueberry aviation: Replace the lemon juice with blueberry liqueur and omit the crème de violette for a fruity, colorful twist on the classic aviation.
- Lavender aviation: Replace the crème de violette with lavender liqueur for a floral twist on the classic cocktail.
- Gin fizz aviation: Add an egg white and a splash of club soda to the shaker when mixing the other ingredients for a foamy, fizzy version of the aviation.
These are just a few examples of the many variations you can try. Feel free to get creative and come up with your own unique aviation cocktail flavours!
Best Gin for Aviation
The best gin for an aviation cocktail is a high-quality, dry gin with a juniper-forward flavor profile. Some popular brands of gin that work well in an aviation include Bombay Sapphire, Hendricks, and Tanqueray.
Keep in mind that the aviation cocktail has a relatively simple recipe, so the gin you choose will play a significant role in the overall flavor of the cocktail. A good rule of thumb is to use a gin that you enjoy drinking on its own, as it will likely work well in the aviation.
If you’re not sure which gin to use, you can try experimenting with different brands and styles to find the one that you like the best. You can also ask your bartender for recommendations, as they may have some suggestions for gins that work well in an aviation.