The Aviation

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The Aviation—where gin takes flight, violets bloom, and every sip feels like a journey through the clouds

JUMP TO RECIPE

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The Aviation – A Cocktail That Takes You to the Clouds

The Aviation cocktail—a drink that doesn't just sit idly in your glass but soars with the grace of a vintage biplane, whisking you off to a world where elegance, adventure, and a touch of floral mystery reign supreme. Now, why do I love this cocktail? Allow me to take you on a journey—no boarding pass is required.

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A Flight Through Time

The Aviation cocktail first made its mark in the early 1900s, back when bartenders were more akin to alchemists, blending potions of sophistication and intrigue. However, it nearly vanished from the world, lost to history like an undiscovered map to a secret treasure. Why? Because its most intriguing ingredient—crème de violette—went the way of forgotten legends, disappearing from production for decades. Fortunately, some cocktail-loving heroes revived it, and now we get to sip on a piece of history.

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The First Sip—Like Drifting Through a Lavender-Scented Cloud

Take a moment to appreciate it. A pale lavender hue, soft and inviting, like the sky at dusk. Bring the glass to your nose—a delicate bouquet of violets, citrus, and cherry-kissed maraschino wafts upwards. It’s alluring, and mysterious, like a Parisian jazz club in the 1920s.

Then, the first sip. Gin lays down a crisp, botanical runway while maraschino liqueur weaves in a subtle, bittersweet cherry note. Fresh lemon juice gives the drink a vibrant lift, a bright acidity that cuts through the richness. And then comes the star of the show—crème de violette. A whisper of florals, an echo of something almost ethereal, just enough to intrigue without overwhelming. Done right, it doesn’t taste like soap—no, no. It tastes like a summer breeze through a lavender field, the ghost of a forgotten romance, a fleeting touch of elegance.

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Why the Aviation is the Thinking Person’s Cocktail

It’s not just a drink—it’s an experience, a statement, a mood. Unlike some other cocktails that shout, the Aviation whispers with sophistication, nudging you to appreciate the finer things in life.

Too much crème de violette? You’re in “drinking perfume” territory.

Too much lemon? You’ve created a tart gin sour.

But get the balance just right? And my dear friend, you’re sipping on liquid poetry.

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A Final Note

It’s a cocktail that makes you feel as if you should be wearing a silk scarf, boarding the Orient Express, or exchanging witty repartee at a smoky piano bar. It’s a drink for those who appreciate nuance, a little drama, and a splash of forgotten grandeur.

So, the next time you want to impress your palate—and possibly those around you—order an Aviation. Just be prepared for knowing glances from the bartender. You, my friend, are now in the club.

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The Classic Aviation Cocktail

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Ingredients:

2 ounces London dry gin

¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

½ ounce crème de violette

¼ ounce maraschino liqueur

¼ ounce simple syrup

Garnish: cocktail cherries

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, crème de violette, maraschino liqueur, and simple syrup.

2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and fully blended.

3. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass, ensuring a silky, refined pour.

4. Garnish with cocktail cherries, allowing their subtle sweetness to complement the drink’s delicate floral and citrus notes.

5. Serve immediately and savor a cocktail that is both timeless and enchantingly elegant.