The Aviation cocktail is an elegant and aromatic drink that originated during the classic cocktail era in America in the early 20th century. It was first recorded in 1916 by Hugo Ensslin, a German-born bartender working at the famous Hotel Wallick in New York City. Ensslin's cocktail book is considered the first known written source of the Aviation recipe.
The name of the cocktail is inspired by the era of aviation, which was booming at the time. The early 1900s was a time when airplanes and aviation fascinated people. The Aviation cocktail is so named because its slightly purplish color evokes the shades of the sky.
“Dreams are as wide as the sky; sometimes even a glass can take you there”
One of the most important ingredients that determines the character of the cocktail is the creme de violette, or violet liqueur. This liqueur gives the drink both a light floral aroma and an elegant color. Maraschino liqueur adds depth to the cocktail with its light cherry flavor.
Over time, creme de violette was dropped from some recipes because this liqueur had become a hard-to-find commodity. But with the revival of modern cocktail culture, the original recipe has become popular again.
Today, Aviation is considered one of the most elegant recipes in the history of classic cocktails. Thanks to its balance of citrus, herbal and floral aromas, it is a favorite among many cocktail enthusiasts.
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Ingredients
Unit System
45 mlGin
15 mlMaraschino Liqueur (cherry liqueur)
10 mlCreme de Violette (violet liqueur)
15 mlfresh lemon juice
SomeIce
CocktailCherry
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Method
1
Add plenty of ice to the shaker.
2
Add gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette and fresh lemon juice.
3
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5
Serve garnished with a maraschino cherry.
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Bartender Tips
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The right violet liqueur - Creme de Violette (violet liqueur) gives the cocktail both color and floral aroma, be careful not to overuse it.
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Use fresh lemon - Freshly squeezed lemon juice noticeably improves the balance of the cocktail.
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Gin selection - Using a gin with a balance of citrus and botanical flavors enhances the character of the cocktail.
Hanky Panky - An aromatic and powerful classic cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca. It offers a deep and characterful drink with herbal notes.
