The Aviation is a pre-Prohibition classic known for its striking blue-purple hue and floral, citrusy profile. Made with gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of crème de violette, this cocktail is both visually captivating and elegantly refreshing.
📋 Cocktail Overview
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🍸 Style: Classic / Pre-Prohibition
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🌿 Flavor Profile: Floral, tart, slightly sweet
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🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
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🥃 Glassware: Coupe or Martini glass
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🧊 Method: Shaken
[cooked-sharing]
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Fine mesh strainer
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Citrus juicer or reamer
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Coupe or Martini glass
1. Chill the Glass
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Place the coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while preparing the cocktail.
2. Mix the Cocktail
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In a cocktail shaker, combine:
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1½ oz gin
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½ oz maraschino liqueur
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½ oz fresh lemon juice
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¼ oz crème de violette
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Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain & Serve
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Discard the ice water from the glass.
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Double strain the cocktail into the chilled glass for a silky texture and smooth finish.
4. Garnish & Finish
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Garnish with a maraschino cherry dropped into the glass or a delicate lemon twist perched on the rim.
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Color Control: Adjust the amount of crème de violette to control the shade of blue. A little goes a long way.
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Sweeter Version: Increase the maraschino liqueur slightly for a richer, sweeter profile.
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No Crème de Violette? The original recipe did not include it. Skip it for a lighter, more citrus-forward cocktail.
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Dry Aviation: Use a dry gin to keep the drink crisp and clean.
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Cherry Forward: Add a splash of cherry syrup or a bar spoon of maraschino cherry juice for added sweetness and a deeper color.
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Appetizers: Smoked salmon canapés, lemon-garlic shrimp, or blue cheese crostini
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Snacks: Almond biscotti, candied violets, or dark chocolate truffles
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Dessert: Lemon tart, lavender shortbread, or vanilla panna cotta