The Aviation is a classic cocktail dating back to pre-prohibition times. Due to the difficulty of finding Creme Yvette and Creme De Violette, the Aviation fell out of favor, and only began to regain it’s popularity with the resurgence of prohibition style cocktails. Now it’s pretty easy to at least come across creme de violette either at the liquor store or the bar, and if you do, an Aviation is worth a try.
The Aviation
The Aviation is one of my favorite prohibition cocktails. The striking balance between the herbal character of the gin and the spicy character of the maraschino is complimented by the brightness of the lemon. The final pop of the violet comes through – giving a pretty floral ending to this blue hued classic.
Drink Notes & Recommendations
When I first encountered this drink, there would be common variation where the Creme de Violette was poured with a layering spoon into the bottom of the glass. For the love of all that is good in cocktails, please spare yourself this unbalanced mess of a cocktail. I will readily admit I’ve done it, but it doesn’t add anything other than aesthetics, and instead makes the drink less balanced. Ultimately, it becomes a shot of floral syrup hiding at the bottom of your drink.
The original calls for Creme de Yvette. This previously defunct liqueur is still not widely available, but if you can find it, I’ve heard it’s worth the hunt. There is more complexity and berry notes than straight violette.
- Gin – Sacrilege though it maybe, I wouldn’t be opposed to some Old Tom Gin in mine. That said, your favorite London Dry Gin will do just fine. We use Beefeater here.
- Maraschino Liqueur – Although I am certain other brands exist, Luxardo is our go to. Becareful, over pour and this cherry spiced liqueur becomes a bully.
- Violet Liqueur / Yvette – Just like Maraschino, the odds of this becoming a bully from overpouring are significant, so be gentle. From a brands perspective my favorite is the Bitter Truth, but Rothman & Winter is great as well.
- Lemon Juice – As always, squeeze your own.
5 thoughts on “The Classics: The Aviation”