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This classic Aviation Cocktail is a little sweet and a little tart and absolutely gorgeous. The creme de violette gives it the traditional purple hue, maraschino cherry liqueur adds a little sweetness, and fresh lemon juice gives it the balance so it’s not too sweet. You can add a maraschino cherry and float some edible flowers on top to make it pretty.
I discovered this lovely cocktail several years ago, and now it’s one of my favorites. I’ve found that a lot of bars don’t stock the ingredients, so my husband, who aspires to be a mixologist, makes it for me at home.
The original recipe for this cocktail was a ratio: one-third lemon juice, two-thirds gin, two dashes of maraschino liqueur, and two dashes of crème de violette. This came from a book titled Recipes for Mixed Drinks by bartender Hugo Ensslin, back in 1916.
Testing results for the aviation cocktail recipe
- I’m giving you the classic recipe below, but that’s not the way I drink it. I don’t like sweet cocktails, and so we reduce the amount of crème de violette. I like a higher proportion of tart than sweet. This does mean it’s not quite as purple, but it still has color and is pretty, and it works for my taste buds.
I hope you make this recipe. I think you’ll love it!
I love to serve cocktails with these classic Southern Cheese Straws. They’re a great party snack and perfect for most drinks.
Ingredient notes
Here are a few things to know about the ingredients in this recipe.
➡️➡️➡️ The full ingredient amounts and instructions are listed below on the printable recipe card. Scroll below the recipe card for frequently asked questions and tips for success.
Maraschino liqueur: Any brand will do, but I suggest a quality brand. Don’t just grab the cheapest one you see.
Créme de violette: This is what gives the cocktail its famous purple hue. You really can’t make a true aviation cocktail without this, and many bars don’t stock it. When you find one that does, you’ve probably found a good craft cocktail bar.
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Aviation Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- ice
- 2 ounces gin
- ½ ounce maraschino liqueur
- 1/4-1/2 ounce créme de violette
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
- edible flowers or brandied cherry to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette and lemon juice.
- Stir until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels very cold.
- Strain into a cocktail glass. Add edible flowers or a brandied cherry to garnish.
