Aviation Drink Recipe: Ever looked at a cocktail and thought, “Wow, that’s almost too pretty to drink?” That’s the Aviation cocktail for you. A delicate sky-blue hue, a refreshing citrusy taste, and a flavor that’s both floral and sophisticated—this drink isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a full-on experience. Originating in the early 20th century, the Aviation has flown under the radar for decades, only to make a roaring comeback in modern mixology.
But what makes it so iconic? The color, for one. That signature pale purple-blue color comes from Crème de Violette, a violet-flavored liqueur that gives the drink its unforgettable look and floral note. Combined with gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, it creates a cocktail that’s crisp, balanced, and completely unlike anything else on your bar cart.
If you’re looking to shake up something elegant and classic, the Aviation is the perfect place to start. Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or someone who’s just getting into the cocktail scene, this guide will take you step-by-step through crafting the perfect Aviation—from ingredients and tools to technique and presentation.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the heart of the recipe—everything you need to make an authentic Aviation cocktail. These ingredients are essential for nailing that perfect balance of floral, tart, and sweet.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 oz Gin – Go for a high-quality London Dry or floral gin for best results.
- 0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur – This cherry liqueur adds complexity and depth.
- 0.25 oz Crème de Violette – This is what gives the drink its gorgeous hue.
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable.
- Ice Cubes – For shaking and chilling.
- Maraschino Cherry (Optional) – For garnish.
Ingredient Notes:
- Gin: A dry gin like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire is ideal, but you can experiment with softer, more floral gins like Hendrick’s or The Botanist for a twist.
- Maraschino Liqueur: Luxardo is the classic and most widely used brand.
- Crème de Violette: Brands like Rothman & Winter make a beautiful, authentic version.
- Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice will alter the flavor significantly.
- Garnish: A single Luxardo cherry dropped into the glass is the traditional finish.
These ingredients aren’t hard to find if you know where to look. Most liquor stores now carry the more exotic liqueurs like Maraschino and Crème de Violette. If not, check online. Sites like Drizly or Total Wine often deliver directly to your door.
Essential Bar Tools for the Perfect Aviation
Before you get into the shaking and pouring, let’s talk tools. A cocktail is only as good as the care you take in making it—and having the right bar gear ensures every pour is on point.
Must-Have Tools:
- Cocktail Shaker: Essential for mixing and chilling the ingredients quickly.
- Jigger: Precision is key in cocktail making. A jigger lets you measure exact amounts.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Optional but great for a smoother pour.
- Bar Spoon: For stirring or lifting your garnish gently into the glass.
- Coupe or Martini Glass: The classic Aviation is served “up” in a chilled coupe.
Want to take your setup to the next level? Keep your glassware in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving. A cold glass keeps your cocktail colder longer and prevents dilution.
Understanding Each Ingredient
Let’s break down why each component is critical to the final flavor.
Gin: The Backbone of the Drink
Gin brings herbal, floral, and piney notes. London Dry gins are the go-to, but don’t be afraid to test other styles. Think of gin as the stage upon which all other flavors perform.
Maraschino Liqueur: The Secret Star
Despite being a cherry-based liqueur, Maraschino isn’t overly sweet. It’s slightly nutty and dry, giving depth and complexity to the cocktail.
Crème de Violette: The Color Magic
This violet-flavored liqueur is what gives the Aviation its iconic bluish-purple color. It’s also where the floral notes come in. A little goes a long way.
Lemon Juice: The Balancer
Fresh lemon juice brings acidity that balances the sweetness and floral tones. It’s like the high note that pulls everything together.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Aviation Cocktail
Alright, ready to craft the perfect Aviation? Follow this step-by-step and you’ll be sipping in style in no time.
Step 1: Chill the Glass
Start by placing your cocktail glass—preferably a coupe or martini glass—in the freezer or fill it with ice water for a few minutes. A chilled glass keeps your drink crisp and elegant from the first sip to the last.
Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz gin, ½ oz maraschino liqueur, ¼ oz crème de violette (for that signature lavender hue), and ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice. Accuracy matters, so use a jigger for perfect balance.
Step 3: Shake It Right
Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is icy cold and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Strain into the Glass
Discard the ice from your chilled glass, then strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth pour.
Step 5: Garnish Like a Pro
Finish with a Luxardo cherry or a twist of lemon peel. Sip and enjoy the Aviation’s floral, tart, and timeless charm.
Tips for the Perfect Aviation Every Time
Making a good cocktail is an art, but making a great Aviation is about attention to detail. Here are a few expert tips to elevate your cocktail game from average to outstanding.
1. Get the Balance Right
The Aviation is a delicate dance between sweet, sour, and floral. Too much Crème de Violette, and it becomes perfumy. Overdo the lemon juice, and it gets too tart. Always stick to the classic ratios unless you’re intentionally tweaking it.
Pro tip: If your drink tastes too sour, add a tiny dash more Maraschino. If it’s too floral, cut back slightly on the Crème de Violette.
2. Use Quality Ice
Believe it or not, ice plays a huge role in your final result. Cheap, cloudy ice melts faster and dilutes the drink. Use large, clear ice cubes when shaking. They chill effectively without watering down the flavors.
3. Fresh Juice or Bust
There’s no substitute for freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice contains preservatives and lacks the brightness needed to balance this drink.
4. Serve It Cold
Always chill your glass beforehand and serve immediately after shaking. The Aviation is meant to be sipped slowly, and starting with an ice-cold glass preserves that perfect temperature longer.
5. Presentation Matters
An Aviation isn’t just about flavor—it’s a visual masterpiece. Use a coupe glass for that classic vintage look, and always garnish with a quality maraschino cherry like Luxardo. Avoid those neon red maraschino cherries; they’re overly sweet and artificially colored.
Aviation Variations You Should Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Aviation, it’s time to have some fun. There are a few interesting spins on the original that are just as delicious and perhaps even more intriguing.
1. The Blue Moon
This is the Aviation without Maraschino liqueur. You still get the floral hit from Crème de Violette, but the taste is cleaner and more floral-forward.
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz Crème de Violette
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
It’s a more minimalist, violet-heavy drink and perfect if you want something a little different.
2. Violet Aviation
In this variation, you slightly increase the Crème de Violette and use a more floral gin. It’s great for spring parties or brunches.
3. The Paper Plane (inspired by Aviation)
Although it doesn’t include violette or maraschino, it has a similar name and balance concept.
- Equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice
- Shaken and served up
This is for those who enjoy bolder, more bitter flavors.
Alcohol-Free (Mocktail) Aviation Recipe
Want the Aviation experience without the alcohol? Here’s how to replicate that classic flavor in a mocktail version.
Mocktail Ingredients:
- 2 oz Non-alcoholic Gin (like Seedlip Garden or Monday Gin)
- 0.5 oz Cherry Syrup (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 0.25 oz Violet Syrup or Lavender Simple Syrup
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice
- Shake well for 15 seconds
- Strain into a chilled coupe
- Garnish with a cherry or edible flower
The result? A refreshing, elegant drink with the same floral, tart, and subtly sweet vibe as the original—no booze needed.
Pairing Suggestions with Aviation
What’s a great drink without a great snack to go with it? The Aviation’s light and floral profile pairs surprisingly well with a variety of foods.
Appetizers:
- Goat cheese crostini
- Smoked salmon on rye crisps
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon
These offer salty, tangy, or creamy contrasts to the floral and tart drink.
Desserts:
- Lavender shortbread cookies
- Lemon tart
- White chocolate mousse
Light, zesty desserts highlight the violet and lemon tones in the cocktail.
Seasonal Pairings:
- Spring/Summer: Pair with fresh berries, cucumber sandwiches, and herbed cheeses.
- Autumn: Try figs, brie, and toasted nuts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced bartenders can mess up an Aviation if they’re not careful. Here are a few things to watch out for.
1. Skipping Crème de Violette
Some recipes omit Crème de Violette entirely—please don’t. That’s like making a martini without vermouth. You’ll miss out on the cocktail’s signature color and a lot of its charm.
2. Overpouring Maraschino
A little goes a long way. If you pour too much, your drink becomes syrupy and overly cherry-heavy. Stick to the recipe.
3. Using Bottled Lemon Juice
This one can’t be stressed enough: bottled lemon juice will ruin the drink’s brightness. It’s worth the extra minute to squeeze fresh.
4. Bad Shaking Technique
Don’t just swirl it around. Shake it hard for at least 15 seconds to chill, mix, and slightly aerate the drink for a smooth texture.
Aviation Cocktail Nutrition Facts
Here’s a rough breakdown of what’s in a single Aviation cocktail.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-200 |
| Sugar | 5-7g |
| Carbohydrates | 8-10g |
| Alcohol by Volume | 22-25% |
| Fat | 0g |
This cocktail is relatively low in calories compared to creamy or sugary options. It’s a light drink—perfect for those watching their intake but still wanting a little elegance.
Is the Aviation Drink for Everyone?
Well, not exactly. The Aviation is unique—and not everyone is into floral or tart cocktails. But for those with an adventurous palate or a love for vintage cocktails, it’s absolutely worth a try.
This drink is ideal for:
- Gin lovers
- Floral cocktail fans
- Those into craft or vintage drinks
- Impressing guests at dinner parties
If you’re usually into margaritas or sweet cocktails, the Aviation might take a little getting used to—but once you fall for it, you’re hooked for life.
Serving Aviation at Events
Want to serve the Aviation at your next get-together? It’s totally doable with a little prep.
How to Batch It:
Mix in advance (multiply the ingredients per number of servings), store in the fridge, and shake individual portions with ice before serving. Don’t add ice to the batch mix, or it’ll water down.
Example for 10 drinks:
- 20 oz gin
- 5 oz maraschino
- 2.5 oz crème de violette
- 7.5 oz lemon juice
Shake each serving individually with ice and strain into chilled glasses.
Presentation Tips:
- Use glass serving trays
- Pre-garnish with cherries
- Add a floral napkin or coaster for a classy touch
History of the Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation cocktail isn’t just a pretty face—it has a rich, fascinating backstory that makes it even more enjoyable to sip.
The Origins: A Pre-Prohibition Gem
The Aviation was first created by Hugo Ensslin, the head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City. His original recipe appeared in his 1916 book Recipes for Mixed Drinks, which is now a coveted collector’s item for cocktail enthusiasts.
Ensslin’s version included:
- Gin
- Lemon juice
- Maraschino liqueur
- Crème de Violette
It was the Crème de Violette that gave the drink its distinctive pale blue color, reminiscent of the sky—hence the name Aviation. Ensslin’s naming wasn’t just poetic; it was intentional. During the early 1900s, aviation was still a new, daring adventure. The drink captured the spirit of that time—a bit of elegance mixed with a sense of flight and freedom.
The Disappearance and Comeback
When Prohibition hit, ingredients like Crème de Violette became hard to find in the U.S. As a result, post-Prohibition recipes began to leave it out altogether. Famous bartender Harry Craddock’s version in The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930) excluded the violette, making the drink much more tart and less floral.
For decades, the Aviation was made “incomplete,” and many drinkers didn’t even realize it.
It wasn’t until the 2000s cocktail renaissance that bartenders and enthusiasts started digging up old recipes. With Crème de Violette making its return to the market, the original recipe came soaring back—and the fully restored Aviation became a staple once again in craft cocktail bars.
Modern Revival
Today, thanks to the boom in craft spirits and classic cocktails, the Aviation is a symbol of sophistication and retro-cool. You’ll find it on the menu at high-end bars, trendy lounges, and even at wedding receptions. It’s not just a drink—it’s a conversation starter, a visual masterpiece, and a toast to history.
FAQs about Aviation Drink Recipe
1. Can I make Aviation without Crème de Violette?
Yes, but it won’t be the traditional version. Without Crème de Violette, the drink loses its signature color and floral notes. Some versions omit it and still taste great—but they’ll be more tart and citrus-forward.
2. What gin works best for Aviation?
London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire is a solid choice. However, floral gins like Hendrick’s or The Botanist can enhance the violet notes, giving the drink a softer, more fragrant profile.
3. Why is it called Aviation?
The name likely comes from the sky-blue color that the Crème de Violette gives the drink. At the time of its creation (early 1900s), aviation was a new, exciting frontier—just like this innovative cocktail.
4. Can I make it less sour?
Absolutely! If the lemon juice is too intense for your taste, slightly reduce the amount or add a touch more maraschino liqueur to balance the tartness with sweetness. But don’t eliminate the lemon altogether—it’s essential to the drink’s structure.
5. Is it a strong cocktail?
Yes, the Aviation is a spirit-forward drink. With 2 oz of gin and two liqueurs, it packs a punch—typically around 22–25% ABV. It’s strong but well-balanced, which makes it pleasantly sippable without being overpowering.
Conclusion
The Aviation cocktail is more than just a beautifully hued drink—it’s a vintage classic that bridges the gap between elegance and adventure. From its delicate balance of flavors to its sky-kissed appearance, it stands out as one of the most unique and memorable cocktails you can craft at home.
By following the detailed step-by-step guide, understanding the role of each ingredient, and learning a bit about its storied past, you’re not just mixing a cocktail—you’re reviving a piece of history.
So next time you’re looking for something a little more elevated than your average gin and tonic, shake up an Aviation. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet evening solo, it’s a drink that promises style, flavor, and just a touch of nostalgia in every sip.
