The Aviation Cocktail is a beautiful purple cocktail that tastes like parma violets. Find out how to make this classic cocktail below.
Classic cocktails
I've decided to go back to basics and learn how to make some of the classic cocktails that everyone knows and loves. The Aviation is a cocktail that first appeared in cocktail manuals back in 1914 and has been enjoyed in cocktail bars ever since.
What is the Aviation Cocktail?
The Aviation is a beautiful cocktail that is the most wonderful shade of purple thanks to crème de violette.
Some variations leave out the crème de violette but in my opinion it's not an Aviation if this key ingredient (or at least a violet syrup) is missing! How else would it get that signature colour!?
It supposedly got the name, not because it was purple, but because the original brand of crème de violette that was used made the cocktail sky blue!
Air travel was a luxury at the time (the early 20th century) and so the cocktail was named "Aviation".
In my opinion it tastes a lot like parma violets so if you love the sweet you'll love the cocktail! I also love the purple colour, I don't mind that mine isn't blue.
What ingredients do you need to make an Aviation?
There are four ingredients that go into making an Aviation cocktail. They are:
- Gin;
- Creme de Violette;
- Maraschino liqueur; and
- Lemon juice.
What is Crème de Violette?
Crème de violette is a type of alcohol made with either a neutral spirit base or brandy that has been both flavoured and coloured by violet flowers.
It can be a little tricky to find anywhere other than specialist retailers. You might have more luck finding a violet flavoured syrup - for example the one made by Monin.
Alternatively you could make your own!
Crème de violette and violet syrup both have a distinctly floral flavour that also has a hint of citrus about it. It's also bright purple or blue (depending on the brand) which makes for some fun, colourful cocktails just like this one.
What is Maraschino liqueur?
Maraschino is a liqueur that is made from Marasca cherries.
You might have seen jars of Maraschino cherries on the shelves or bars or in the supermarket. The syrup encasing these bright red cherries can be used as a substitute if you can't get hold of the liqueur.
How to garnish an Aviation cocktail
The classic garnish for this particular cocktail is a piece of lemon peel that has been flamed.
But, I like to use a less traditional garnish, edible flowers. I think there's something special about using violet flowers to garnish the cocktail. Pansies work well too!
You could also use a maraschino cherry if you like.
The recipe
Aviation Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 50 ml gin
- 25 ml maraschino liqueur
- 25 ml crème de violette liqueur
- 10 ml lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 ice cubes
- 4 edible flowers to garnish
Instructions
- Add the gin, liqueurs and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker along with with a few ice cubes.
- Shake well then pour directly into a cocktail glass.
Nutrition
Can I make the Aviation Cocktail non-alcoholic?
The great thing about this cocktail is that it is easy to make non-alcoholic!
An Aviation Mocktail uses the same violet syrup I mention above, a non-alcoholic gin, the syrup from a jar of Maraschino cherries and lemon juice.
My favourite brand of non-alcoholic gins is Seedlip. It's now readily available in supermarkets across the UK so you don't have to spend a lot of time or money hunting it down. I like their citrus version for this Aviation Mocktail.
It really is an impressive looking mocktail to serve to your guests who don't drink alcohol.
More cocktail recipes
Drinks archive
For the full range of drinks recipes check out the archive.
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