Aviation

The story

The Aviation cocktail emerged in the early 20th century, with its first known recipe appearing in Hugo Ensslin's 1916 book, 'Recipes for Mixed Drinks.' The drink gained popularity due to its unique combination of gin, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette, which contributed to its distinctive color and flavor. Its revival in the 21st century has solidified its status as a classic cocktail.

How it tastes

The Aviation offers a balanced flavor profile with floral notes from the maraschino liqueur and a tartness from the lemon juice, complemented by the herbal qualities of gin. It is best served as a pre-dinner cocktail or at spring and summer gatherings.

Getting it right

The key to a successful Aviation lies in the balance of ingredients and proper shaking. Ensure the shaker is filled with enough ice to chill the mixture thoroughly, and shake vigorously to achieve a well-integrated cocktail with a frothy texture.

Variations

• Aviation No. 2 — This variation replaces crème de violette with a dash of orange bitters, altering the flavor profile while maintaining the classic gin and maraschino base.
• Aviation with Crème de Violette — A more traditional version that includes crème de violette, giving the drink a floral aroma and a pale purple hue.

Substitutions

• Maraschino Liqueur — If maraschino liqueur is unavailable, consider using Luxardo cherry liqueur, which offers a similar cherry flavor.
• Crème de Violette — In the absence of crème de violette, a splash of violet syrup can provide a floral note, though the color will differ.

Questions

What gin is best for an Aviation?

A London dry gin is typically recommended for an Aviation, as its juniper-forward profile complements the other ingredients. Brands like Tanqueray or Beefeater work well.

Can I make an Aviation without maraschino liqueur?

Yes, you can omit maraschino liqueur, but this will significantly change the flavor. You might substitute with a cherry brandy or a different fruit liqueur.

Is the Aviation cocktail sweet?

The Aviation has a moderate sweetness due to the maraschino liqueur, balanced by the tartness of lemon juice, resulting in a refreshing and complex flavor.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026