There are experiences that transform a simple trip into a memorable journey, and for me, one such moment unfolded during an exclusive mixology class at the iconic Monte Carlo in Las Vegas. Under the tutelage of master mixologist Phillip Dow, we embarked on a delightful exploration into the world of classic cocktails, culminating in the creation of a truly magnificent drink: the Aviation Cocktail. This isn’t just any cocktail; it’s a vibrant symphony of flavors and a visual masterpiece, instantly captivating with its mesmerizing color. The class offered more than just a recipe; it was a deep dive into the rich history behind this classic libation, coupled with invaluable tips and techniques that elevate home bartending to an art form. If you’re looking to impress guests, expand your cocktail repertoire, or simply indulge in a perfectly balanced and visually stunning drink, the Aviation Cocktail is an absolute must-try. Its unique blend of floral, citrus, and cherry notes makes it a standout choice, embodying elegance and a touch of mystique.
The Allure of the Aviation Cocktail: History and Aesthetics
The Aviation cocktail, with its distinctive pale violet hue, is more than just a pretty drink; it’s a piece of cocktail history, dating back to the early 20th century. First documented by Hugo R. Ensslin, head bartender at New York’s Hotel Wallick, in his 1916 book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks,” the Aviation quickly soared to popularity. Its name is said to evoke the golden age of flight, with the ethereal blue-purple color reminiscent of the sky at dusk or dawn. For many years, however, a key ingredient, crème de violette, became difficult to source, leading to variations that omitted it entirely. This resulted in a colorless drink that, while still pleasant, lost much of its original charm and visual appeal. Fortunately, in recent decades, crème de violette has seen a resurgence, allowing enthusiasts and bartenders alike to recreate Ensslin’s original vision and experience the Aviation as it was truly intended.
This cocktail perfectly balances gin’s botanical complexity with the sweet, tart notes of maraschino liqueur and fresh lemon juice, all harmonized by the delicate floral whispers of crème de violette. The interplay of these ingredients creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and subtly complex, making it a sophisticated choice for any occasion. It’s a cocktail that tells a story with every sip, transporting you to an era of elegance and innovation, and proving that some classics are truly timeless for a reason.
Crafting the Perfect Aviation: A Master Mixologist’s Insights
Creating an Aviation Cocktail is an exercise in precision and balance. While the recipe itself is straightforward, the quality of your ingredients and your technique are paramount to achieving that perfectly ethereal and harmonious drink. Our experience at the Monte Carlo, guided by Phillip Dow, highlighted these nuances, emphasizing that even seemingly minor details can dramatically impact the final product. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to craft this timeless classic, along with insights that will guide you in selecting the best components to ensure an authentic and delicious result every time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Aviation Cocktail: The Building Blocks of Flavor
Each component of the Aviation Cocktail plays a vital role in its distinctive character. Understanding the purpose and characteristics of each ingredient is key to appreciating the cocktail’s genius and recreating it flawlessly.
- Gin: The Aromatic Foundation
The quality and type of gin you choose are absolutely crucial for an outstanding Aviation. While many gins can work, a classic London Dry Gin or a Plymouth Gin—known for its slightly softer, earthier, and more citrus-forward profile—are ideal choices. Look for a gin that offers a good balance of juniper, citrus, and other botanical notes, ensuring it provides a robust backbone for your cocktail without overpowering the more delicate flavors of the liqueurs. Avoid overly botanical or experimental gins that might introduce conflicting flavors and disrupt the traditional harmony of the Aviation. The gin should complement, not dominate, the other spirits. - Maraschino Liqueur: Sweetness with a Sophisticated Edge
It’s important to distinguish true maraschino liqueur from the bright red, sugary syrup typically associated with maraschino cherries. Authentic maraschino liqueur, such as Luxardo Maraschino, is a clear, dry, cherry-flavored liqueur distilled from the fermented pulp of Marasca cherries and their crushed pits, which impart a subtle almond-like bitterness. This unique complexity provides a sophisticated sweetness and a nuanced bitterness that is indispensable to the Aviation. Its depth of flavor contributes significantly to the cocktail’s overall balance, acting as a crucial bridge between the crisp gin and the floral crème de violette. Do not substitute this with cherry syrup, as it will fundamentally alter the drink’s profile. - Fresh Lemon Juice: The Brightening Element
This cannot be stressed enough: always, always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of brightness, acidity, and vibrant flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice cuts through the sweetness of the liqueurs, adding a crisp, vital tang that balances the drink and makes it incredibly refreshing. The natural acidity also elevates and highlights the botanicals present in the gin, creating a more cohesive and lively flavor profile. Invest in a good citrus juicer for the best results. - Crème de Violette: The Signature Hue and Floral Aroma
Crème de violette is the magic ingredient that gives the Aviation its signature pale blue-violet color and its delicate floral aroma and taste. This violet-flavored liqueur, though subtle in quantity, is absolutely essential for the authentic Aviation experience. It adds an ethereal, almost otherworldly quality that truly sets this cocktail apart and justifies its name. Without it, you simply have a Gin Sour with cherry notes, losing the defining visual and aromatic characteristics. When selecting, opt for a reputable brand to ensure a true, unadulterated violet flavor that will shine through.
Garnish: The Finishing Touch – A Brandied Cherry
A single brandied cherry not only adds a touch of visual elegance but also provides a burst of rich, dark fruit flavor that beautifully complements the maraschino liqueur and the underlying cherry notes. It’s the perfect final flourish for this sophisticated drink, making each sip a complete sensory experience.
Master the Art of the Shake: Essential Cocktail Tips
One of the most valuable lessons imparted by Phillip Dow during our mixology session was the critical importance of ice. It might seem like a minor detail, but using fresh, high-quality ice and employing proper technique can truly make or break your cocktail. Here’s why paying attention to your ice is paramount:
Never Use Old Ice: Ice that has been sitting in your freezer for too long is prone to absorbing odors and flavors from other items in the freezer. This stale ice will undeniably transfer those unwanted tastes to your drink, compromising its freshness and overall quality. Always opt for fresh, clean ice for the purest and most vibrant taste.
Two Types of Ice for Shaking and Serving: A professional tip for any shaken cocktail is to have two distinct batches of ice: one specifically for the shaker and another, completely fresh batch, for the serving glass. The ice in the shaker is meant to vigorously chill and dilute your ingredients to the perfect balance. As you shake, this ice will naturally begin to melt and break down, becoming “tired” and overly diluted itself. If you were to pour this diluted, exhausted ice directly into your serving glass, it would rapidly melt further, quickly over-diluting your cocktail and making it watery and bland before you can even fully enjoy it. Instead, always use fresh, solid, clean ice for your serving glass. This ensures your drink remains perfectly chilled, and its integrity of flavor is preserved as you savor it slowly. The cold, fresh ice also helps to keep your glassware itself cold, enhancing the overall drinking experience and maintaining the drink’s crispness.
The Perfect Shake: Beyond the ice, the technique of shaking is also incredibly important for an Aviation. When preparing this delicate cocktail, you want to shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This intense agitation achieves several crucial things: it not only chills the drink quickly and efficiently but also thoroughly integrates all the ingredients, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors. Additionally, vigorous shaking adds a desirable aeration that lightens the cocktail’s texture and contributes to a pleasant mouthfeel. You’ll know you’ve achieved a good shake when the outside of your cocktail shaker becomes frosty to the touch, indicating optimal chilling.
Beyond the Glass: The Monte Carlo Mixology Experience
Our mixology journey at the Monte Carlo was far more than just learning to follow a recipe; it was an immersive experience guided by Phillip Dow, a true master of his craft. Phillip brings years of unparalleled mixology experience to his classes, making each session incredibly informative, engaging, and deeply personal. He doesn’t just show you how to mix; he delves into the fascinating history of each cocktail, explaining the cultural context in which it was created, the evolution of its ingredients, and the scientific reasons behind specific techniques. Understanding why certain ingredients are used together or why a particular method is employed adds a profound layer of appreciation to every sip, transforming a simple drink into a story.
We were captivated by stories of classic cocktails from around the world, tracing their origins and learning how beloved drinks came to be staples in bars globally. This rich historical perspective, combined with Phillip’s practical expertise and hands-on demonstrations, made for an unforgettable educational and entertaining afternoon. The passion Phillip has for mixology is truly infectious, transforming complex concepts into easily digestible and enjoyable lessons for participants of all skill levels, from novice enthusiasts to more seasoned home bartenders.
The class itself was held in the elegant and vibrant atmosphere of the Hit Bar and Lounge within the Monte Carlo Resort. The sophisticated setting perfectly complemented the refined nature of the cocktails we were crafting, providing an ideal environment for hands-on learning, insightful discussions, and social interaction. If you’re planning a visit to Las Vegas and harbor a desire to deepen your understanding of craft cocktails, or simply want to enjoy a unique, hands-on activity, seeking out one of Phillip Dow’s classes is highly recommended. It’s an exceptional opportunity to gain invaluable insights from an industry expert and leave with not just a recipe, but a newfound appreciation for the intricate art of mixology.
Your Guide to a Vegas Mixology Adventure
For those interested in experiencing this exceptional class themselves, a few specific details are worth noting to ensure a smooth and successful booking. To sign up for one of Phillip Dow’s exclusive mixology sessions at the Monte Carlo, it’s typically required that you are an MLife Rewards Sapphire member. This loyalty program, common across MGM Resorts properties, offers various tiers, and reaching the Sapphire level unlocks access to unique, premium experiences such as these specialized cocktail classes. It’s highly advisable to contact the Mlife Concierge prior to your visit to Las Vegas to inquire about Phillip Dow’s specific class schedule and make all necessary arrangements for your participation. Planning ahead is crucial, as these popular classes can fill up quickly, ensuring you secure a coveted spot and don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the best mixologists in the business. Confirming availability, specific booking requirements, and any current MLife promotional offers with the concierge well in advance is always a good practice, especially during peak travel seasons in Las Vegas.
Aviation Cocktail Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 ¾ Ounce Gin
- 1 Ounce Maraschino Liqueur
- 1 Ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ Ounce Creme de violette
- Brandied Cherry Garnish
Instructions
- Add all liquid ingredients (gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and crème de violette) into a cocktail shaker filled generously with fresh, high-quality ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled and frosty on the outside. This ensures optimal dilution and aeration.
- Strain the chilled cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer into a pre-chilled martini or coupe glass. Double-straining ensures a smooth, ice-chip-free drink.
- Garnish elegantly with a single brandied cherry, carefully placed at the bottom or on the rim. Serve immediately and enjoy the exquisite flavors!
Kitchen Tools
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger or Precise Measuring Tools
- Strainer (Hawthorne or Julep, preferably with a fine-mesh strainer for double-straining)
- Martini or Coupe Glass
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 9
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This Aviation Cocktail recipe was originally shared on April 10, 2015. It has since been comprehensively updated in December 2020 and again in 2024 to provide the most current information, enhanced details, and a refined user experience, ensuring it remains a timeless and valuable guide for cocktail aficionados and home bartenders alike.