This once-retro violet-hued gine cocktail is back for good.
But it’s easy to make at home, provided you’re willing to track down the right ingredients!
One of them was the Aviation.
Nancy Mitchell
The first Aviation recipes bandied about had just three ingredients: gin, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice.
But thenanotherAviation recipe was discovered, with a mysterious fourth ingredient:creme de violette.
Why Is the Cocktail Called an Aviation?
Nancy Mitchell
What Is Creme de Violette?
Creme de violette is a liqueur that’s made from (and tastes like) violets.
Depending on where you live, tracking down creme de violette may prove to be a challenge.
Nancy Mitchell
Until 2007 there was no way to buy creme de violette in the United States.
But thenHaus Alpenzbegan importing theRothman & Winter creme de violette, and the Aviation exploded in popularity.
In a pinch, you could substituteCreme Yvette, although the final cocktail color will be a little different.
Is it really essential to the drink?
This floral liqueur adds a new twist to what would otherwise be a gin sour.
What Maraschino Liqueur Should I Use?
Think of it as your ticket into the world of classic cocktails!
The Luxardo maraschinois by far the easiest to find, and the one I use in all my cocktails.
Youll find it in the distinctive straw-wrapped green bottle.
Other brands, likeMaraskaandLazzarroni, are less common but equally nice (and slightly less expensive).
Not Sure About the Special Liqueurs?
Which Gin Should I Use?
That being said, a very nice gin can really elevate (see what I did there?)
It blends beautifully with the other liqueurs.
What’s Up With That Bright Purple Color?
This, I am sorry to say, is wrong.
It’s the color of the sky at dusk, which allegedly inspired the name of the drink.
Add ice and shake for about 30 seconds, or until a frost forms on the shaker.
Double strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a cocktail cherry or lemon twist.
