The Classic Aviation Cocktail: An Elegant Gin Drink with Floral Violette & Maraschino

As the year draws to a close or any special occasion beckons, there’s no better way to celebrate life’s cherished moments than with a cocktail that embodies elegance and timeless appeal: the Aviation. This exquisite gin-based concoction, renowned for its delicate floral notes and enchanting violet hue, is more than just a drink; it’s a sensory experience, a toast to sophistication, and a perfect symbol of warmth and gratitude.

My admiration for all things violet has been a recurring theme, as many of you might recall from my recipes for candied violets and sparkling violet wine. Today, that passion takes a new, spirited form in this classic cocktail. The Aviation is remarkably easy to prepare, making it an accessible luxury for any home bartender eager to impress or simply indulge.

Are you ready to discover the magic behind this stunning drink and elevate your cocktail game?

Before we delve into the specifics, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to you, my wonderful readers. Your unwavering support, kind words, and shared enthusiasm for delectable flavors and creative recipes mean the world to me. To my family, my friends, and to everyone who has joined me virtually from kitchens and living rooms around the globe—thank you. It’s truly a joy to connect with you through our shared love of good food and drinks.

So, let’s embark on this delightful journey together. We’ll shake up this elegant Aviation cocktail, savor its bright, complex, and floral flavors, and raise a glass to the joy of the present moment and the hope that the future holds. Here’s to health, happiness, and another year of creating something special together. Cheers!

The Enchanting History of the Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation cocktail is a true relic of the Golden Age of cocktails, a period of remarkable innovation and artistry in mixology. It was first conceived in the early 20th century by Hugo Ensslin, a pioneering bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. His original recipe, published in his 1916 book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks,” introduced the world to this unique blend of gin, Maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and the then-uncommon Crème de Violette.

For many years, Crème de Violette became scarce in the United States, leading to variations of the Aviation that omitted this crucial ingredient. Without it, the drink lost its signature pale blue-violet hue and much of its delicate floral character, transforming it into a more standard gin sour. However, thanks to the resurgence of classic cocktail culture and the renewed availability of artisanal liqueurs, the original Aviation recipe, with all its ethereal charm, has been gloriously rediscovered and restored to its rightful place among the pantheon of great cocktails. Its name itself evokes the romance and wonder of early flight, perhaps a nod to its sky-blue color or the elevated experience it offers.

🎥 Video: See How to Craft Your Aviation Cocktail!

🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Aviation Cocktail

Crafting the perfect Aviation cocktail requires a quartet of high-quality ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its balanced and distinctive flavor profile:

• Gin: The backbone of the cocktail. A classic London Dry gin is recommended for its crisp, juniper-forward character, which beautifully complements the floral and fruity notes.
• Maraschino liqueur: A clear, dry, cherry-flavored liqueur that adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of almond. It’s crucial for the cocktail’s complexity and balance, often distinct from the sweet maraschino cherry juice.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Essential for brightness and acidity. Always use fresh juice to ensure a vibrant, well-balanced drink. For tips on maximizing your yield, check out our blog post about “how much lemon juice is in one lemon”!
• Crème de Violette: The star ingredient that gives the Aviation its characteristic pale purple hue and delicate floral aroma. If unavailable, consider a substitute like Monin Violette liqueur. See more substitutes below!
• Cubed ice: For chilling your ingredients thoroughly in the shaker. Quality ice is key for proper dilution and temperature.
• A maraschino cherry: The traditional garnish, adding a touch of color and a hint of fruity sweetness to the presentation.

For precise measurements and proportions, refer to the full recipe card further down this page.

🍸 Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Aviation Cocktail

Follow these simple steps to mix up your own elegant Aviation cocktail. The process is straightforward, ensuring a perfectly balanced drink every time:

💜 Crème de Violette Substitutions & Variations

Crème de Violette is undeniably the Aviation cocktail’s heart and soul. Its ethereal violet hue and delicate floral flavor provide an unparalleled elegance that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. Made from infused violet petals and a neutral spirit, this liqueur weaves a soft, aromatic sweetness into the drink, creating that iconic lavender-tinted glow. It’s truly the secret ingredient that transforms an Aviation from a mere cocktail into an unforgettable experience. For anyone who appreciates a touch of magic in their glass, Crème de Violette is simply irreplaceable for the authentic Aviation experience.

🤷‍♀️ But, what if you don’t have Crème de Violette at home?

Don’t fret! You can still enjoy a delicious, violet-inspired drink with the following substitutions 👇

1. La Liqueur de Monin Saveur Violette (16% Vol)

If you have La Liqueur de Monin Saveur Violette on hand, you’re already on the right track! This delightful liqueur delivers a lovely floral flavor and that signature violet hue, albeit often a touch lighter and sweeter than traditional Crème de Violette. Its sweetness is well-balanced, making it a fantastic and readily available option for a beautiful Aviation cocktail, providing both taste and visual appeal without requiring extra adjustments.

2. Homemade Violet Syrup + Vodka

Feeling a bit adventurous and creative? Try making your own blend of violet syrup and vodka! This simple and budget-friendly alternative to Crème de Violette allows for customization. The syrup provides that gorgeous floral sweetness, while the vodka adds just enough alcoholic strength to balance it out. To make, mix equal parts concentrated violet syrup (easily found online or made with violet flowers and sugar) and neutral vodka. Tip: Since this homemade version is typically sweeter, you might want to slightly reduce the amount of lemon juice in your cocktail recipe to maintain perfect harmony and prevent it from becoming overly sweet.

3. Parfait Amour

If you’re looking for something with a little extra flair and a unique twist, Parfait Amour is a delightful choice! This elegant liqueur, meaning “perfect love,” is floral and sweet, often incorporating subtle hints of vanilla, rose, and orange blossom, which can add an intriguing layer of complexity to your drink. It’s a bit more indulgent and will certainly take your Aviation in a slightly new direction—what a festive and romantic way to mix things up! Tip: Because Parfait Amour typically leans sweeter and has additional flavor notes, you might want to reduce the Maraschino liqueur slightly to ensure the other beautiful flavors of the Aviation still shine through without overwhelming the palate.

4. Blue Curaçao + Violet Syrup

For a truly vibrant and visually striking twist, why not combine blue curaçao with violet syrup? This combination will create a cocktail that’s bold in color and deliciously unique. The blue curaçao introduces a hint of sweet orange citrus, while the violet syrup keeps that essential floral charm front and center, creating a fascinating depth of flavor and a stunningly rich purple hue. Tip: Since both blue curaçao and violet syrup contribute sweetness, consider using a touch less lemon juice than the classic recipe calls for to balance everything beautifully and avoid an overly sugary drink.

5. St-Germain (Elderflower Liqueur) + Violet Syrup

If you’re aiming for an extra touch of sophistication and nuanced flavor, St-Germain (an elderflower liqueur) paired with violet syrup is a match made in cocktail heaven! St-Germain’s delicate, honeyed elderflower flavor complements the floral sweetness of violet syrup wonderfully, creating a unique and subtly fragrant take on the classic Aviation. This combination offers a complex bouquet that is both refreshing and elegant. Tip: Both St-Germain and violet syrup bring plenty of sweetness, so taste-test this mix before adding the Maraschino liqueur. Adjusting the Maraschino or even the lemon juice can help ensure every sip is perfectly balanced and not overly sweet.

🍽 Essential Bar Equipment

To successfully craft an Aviation cocktail, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cocktail shaker: Essential for thoroughly chilling and mixing your ingredients. A Boston shaker or Cobbler shaker both work well.
• Sharp knife & cutting board: For preparing your fresh lemon juice and slicing any garnishes.
• Measuring tools / Jigger: Accurate measurements are crucial for a balanced cocktail.
• Fine strainer: To ensure a silky-smooth drink, free of ice shards or small particles.
• Cocktail glass: A coupé glass or martini glass is traditional and elegant for serving. Remember to chill it beforehand!

Tips for a Perfect Aviation Cocktail Every Time

Achieving a perfectly balanced and visually stunning Aviation cocktail is easy with a few key techniques:

• Always Use Fresh Lemon Juice: This cannot be stressed enough. Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright, zesty flavor and aroma that fresh lemon provides, which is essential for balancing the liqueurs.
• Chill Your Glass: A chilled cocktail glass will keep your drink colder for longer, enhancing the drinking experience. Place your glass in the freezer for 15-20 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
• Shake Vigorously with Plenty of Ice: Shaking not only chills the drink but also provides essential dilution. Shake until the outside of your shaker is frosted, typically 15-20 seconds.
• Fine Strain: Even if you’re using a shaker with a built-in strainer, a separate fine mesh strainer will catch any small ice shards or pulp, ensuring a perfectly smooth and clear cocktail.
• Quality of Ingredients: While we’ve discussed substitutions for Crème de Violette, using good quality gin and Maraschino liqueur will elevate your cocktail significantly.

When to Serve the Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation cocktail’s elegant presentation and complex flavor profile make it suitable for a variety of occasions:

• Special Celebrations: Its unique color and sophisticated taste make it perfect for New Year’s Eve, anniversaries, birthdays, or any celebratory gathering.
• Dinner Parties: Serve it as a chic aperitif to welcome your guests, setting a refined tone for the evening.
• Quiet Evenings: Enjoy it as a sophisticated nightcap or a thoughtful indulgence after a long week.
• Spring and Summer Gatherings: Its floral notes and refreshing lemon make it a delightful choice for warmer weather, even though it’s often associated with colder months due to its elegance.

If you embark on this culinary adventure and make this Aviation cocktail recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please let me know how you liked it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback is truly awesome and incredibly helpful to me and other readers! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive delicious recipes weekly, or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss your beautiful creations!

📖 Recipe

Aviation Cocktail Recipe

Nora

The Aviation cocktail is a timeless classic that combines gin, lemon, Maraschino liqueur, and Crème de Violette for a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Its floral notes and delicate violet hue make it a true showstopper, perfect for any occasion.

5 from 6 votes

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Prep Time

5 minutes
mins

Total Time

5 minutes
mins

Course
Alcoholic beverage, Cocktails, New Years Cocktail

Cuisine
American

Servings

1
Serving

Calories

150
kcal

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Sharp knife & cutting board
• Measuring tools / Jigger
• Fine-strainer
• Cocktail Glass

Ingredients

 

 

• 1.5
  oz
  Gin
• 0.5
  oz
  Maraschino liqueur
• 0.5
  oz
  Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1
  barspoon
  Crème de Violette
  Monin violette liqueur, or parfait amour
• Cubed ice
  for the shaker
• 1
  Maraschino cherry
  as a garnish

Instructions

 

• Add 1.5 oz Gin, 0.5 oz Maraschino liqueur, 0.5 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 barspoon Crème de Violette to a cocktail shaker.
  1.5 oz Gin,
  0.5 oz Maraschino liqueur,
  0.5 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice,
  1 barspoon Crème de Violette
• Add Cubed ice
  Cubed ice
• Close the shaker tightly and shake well until the cocktail is well mixed and chilled.
• Pour (and fine strain) into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a 1 Maraschino cherry.
  1 Maraschino cherry

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Keyword
aviation, Aviation cocktail, cocktail with maraschino liqueur, maraschino cherry

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Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

Serving:
1
Serving

|

Calories:
150
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
8
g

|

Protein:
0.1
g

|

Fat:
0.04
g

|

Saturated Fat:
0.01
g

|

Sodium:
1
mg

|

Potassium:
17
mg

|

Fiber:
0.2
g

|

Sugar:
7
g

|

Vitamin A:
3
IU

|

Vitamin C:
5
mg

|

Calcium:
4
mg

|

Iron:
0.1
mg

⛑️ Food Safety and Responsible Drinking

While the Aviation cocktail is a delightful indulgence, it’s important to keep food safety and responsible drinking practices in mind, especially when preparing any food or beverage at home. Here are some general guidelines:

• Always ensure all ingredients are fresh and stored properly.
• Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after preparing drinks.
• Do not leave perishable ingredients or drinks sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• If preparing drinks with food components (like syrups or garnishes), cook or prepare them to appropriate temperatures (e.g., a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for any food items that require cooking, though typically not applicable to cocktails).
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw ingredients without proper cleaning.
• Never leave cooking food unattended if you are preparing snacks alongside your cocktails.
• When using a gas stove or any open flame for cooking, always ensure good ventilation.
• Enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly. Do not drink and drive, and ensure that all who consume are of legal drinking age.

For further information on general safe food handling practices, please check the Safe Food Handling – FDA website.