Aviation
Ingrédients
- Gin 4.5 cl
- Lemon Juice 1.5 cl
- maraschino liqueur 1.5 cl
Instructions
Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.
The Aviation is an IBA-recognized Unforgettable classic that combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur for a balanced, complex sour cocktail with floral and cherry undertones. At 23.71% ABV, it is a spirit-forward but highly refined drink that showcases gin's botanical character enhanced by the cherry and almond notes of maraschino. The original recipe also calls for crème de violette, which gives it its iconic lavender hue when included.
History & Origins
The Aviation was created around 1916 by Hugo Ensslin, the head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York, and appeared in his 1916 book Recipes for Mixed Drinks. The original recipe included crème de violette, which gave the drink its sky-blue color — hence the aviation name — but this ingredient was omitted in many 20th-century versions due to its limited availability. The IBA officially recognized it in its Unforgettables category, cementing its place as one of the great American gin cocktails.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Bright lemon and gin botanicals lead, with the sweet cherry and almond notes of maraschino in the background. Palate: Crisp and sour from the lemon juice, with the gin's juniper and botanical character providing body and depth; maraschino contributes a distinctive sweet, slightly nutty cherry flavor. Finish: Clean and medium-length, with a pleasant interplay of citrus and cherry.
Pro Tip
Use genuine Luxardo or a quality maraschino liqueur — not maraschino syrup — as the liqueur's distinct flavor is central to the cocktail's character.
Techniques utilisées
Compare Aviation
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