Aviation cocktail

Aviation cocktail

Aviation is a classic cocktail that is part of the sours family of mixed drinks. It is traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette. The cocktail is known for its unique pale sky-blue color, which is achieved by the addition of crème de violette.

History

The Aviation cocktail was created in the early 20th century, during the golden age of cocktail-making. The first published recipe for the Aviation appeared in 1916 in the book "Recipes for Mixed Drinks" by Hugo Ensslin, who was the head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City. The original recipe called for equal parts of gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and a dash of crème de violette.

In the 1930s, the recipe for the Aviation was altered in the famous Savoy Cocktail Book, with the crème de violette being omitted. This version of the cocktail, made only with gin, lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur, became the standard recipe for many years.

The original recipe, including the crème de violette, has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to the revival of classic cocktails and the availability of more artisanal spirits.

Preparation

To prepare an Aviation cocktail, the ingredients are combined in a cocktail shaker with ice. The mixture is then shaken and strained into a chilled cocktail glass. The cocktail is traditionally garnished with a cherry.

Variations

There are several variations of the Aviation cocktail. Some bartenders add a splash of simple syrup to balance the tartness of the lemon juice. Others replace the gin with vodka for a smoother taste. There is also a version called the "Blue Moon", which omits the maraschino liqueur and uses more crème de violette for a stronger floral flavor and a deeper blue color.

See also

• List of cocktails
• Cocktail glass
• Maraschino