Behold the Aviation, a beautiful cocktail that garners its amethyst hue from an integral dose of Crème de violette. Do not be fooled by the latter’s dairy-like name – it’s a purple cordial that is not in the least bit creamy. As for the cocktail, it’s an old classic that has withstood several incarnations over the years. Recipes vary, but I’ll provide a starting standard to get you going if you’re interested in a tart and floral gin-based beauty.
The Aviation
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Gin
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (strained)
- ¾ ounce Maraschino liqueur (Luxardo)
- ¾ ounce Crème de violette
- Maraschino cherry to garnish
Shake with ice and strain into the prettiest cocktail glass you have on hand.
Given its tendency to change over the years, this is a pretty forgiving cocktail, and you should adjust and modify the ration of ingredients to your wish and whim. (There’s nothing better than cocktail experimenting, as long as you have no place to go afterward.)
This is a great drink for spring; its violet color and floral accents are the perfect accompaniment to seasonal gatherings. When our violets come into bloom, I may use a few of their blossoms to replace the cherry as a garnish. I’m just that precious. You can be too.
