The Aviation Cocktail: A Timeless Elixir of Elegance and Flavor
Embark on a captivating journey into the world of classic cocktails with the Aviation – a drink as visually stunning as it is historically rich. During an exclusive mixology class at the iconic Monte Carlo in Las Vegas, under the tutelage of master mixologist Phillip Dow, we uncovered the secrets behind crafting this exquisite concoction. The Aviation is not merely a drink; it’s an experience, celebrated for its unique flavor profile and its mesmerizing, delicate purple hue, which sets it apart from other gin-based classics. From its intriguing origins to the subtle nuances of its core ingredients, mastering the Aviation Cocktail offers a delightful venture for any aspiring home bartender or cocktail enthusiast.
The Fascinating History of the Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation cocktail, with its distinctive name and appearance, carries a storied past dating back to the early 20th century. First appearing in print in Hugo R. Ensslin’s 1916 “Recipes for Mixed Drinks,” the Aviation was originally conceived as a celebration of the nascent age of aviation. Its creator, Ensslin, was a well-respected bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. The original recipe featured gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and the crucial Crème de Violette – an ingredient that imparts the drink’s signature sky-blue or lavender tint, reminiscent of the vast open skies it was named after.
However, Crème de Violette was not always an easy spirit to come by, particularly after Prohibition and throughout the latter half of the 20th century. This scarcity led to many recipe variations that omitted the violet liqueur entirely, resulting in a clearer, less visually striking cocktail. For decades, the Aviation was largely made without its signature floral component, leading to a somewhat incomplete interpretation of Ensslin’s original vision. Fortunately, with the resurgence of classic cocktail culture and the wider availability of artisanal spirits, Crème de Violette made a triumphant return. Today, enthusiasts can once again enjoy the Aviation as it was originally intended: a perfectly balanced, vibrant, and aromatically complex drink that truly lives up to its elegant name.
Crafting Your Own Aviation Cocktail: The Essential Ingredients
The beauty of the Aviation cocktail lies in its elegant simplicity, relying on just a few high-quality ingredients to achieve its intricate balance of flavors. Each component plays a vital role, contributing to the drink’s aromatic complexity, subtle sweetness, and refreshing tartness. To truly honor this classic, selecting the right spirits and fresh produce is paramount.
Aviation Gin Cocktail Ingredients:
- Gin: The backbone of the Aviation. A London Dry Gin or Plymouth Gin works wonderfully, providing a crisp, botanical base without overpowering the delicate floral notes. Look for gins with a balanced juniper profile and subtle citrus or spice notes that will complement, rather than compete with, the other ingredients.
- Maraschino Liqueur: Often misunderstood, this is not the syrupy liquid from a jar of bright red cherries. True maraschino liqueur, like Luxardo Maraschino, is a clear, dry, subtly sweet, and complex cherry-flavored liqueur. It provides a crucial nutty and bittersweet counterpoint to the gin and lemon, adding depth and a hint of sophistication.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled alternatives simply cannot replicate the bright, zesty, and essential tartness that balances the sweetness of the liqueurs and lifts the entire cocktail. The acidity of fresh lemon is non-negotiable for a well-made Aviation.
- Creme de Violette: Buy it here. This is the star of the show, responsible for the Aviation’s iconic pale violet hue and its delicate floral aroma. Crème de Violette is a liqueur made from violet flowers, imparting a unique perfumed sweetness. It’s what gives the Aviation its “sky-like” appearance and its distinctly enchanting character.
- Garnish: Brandied Cherry: A single brandied cherry (such as a Luxardo Maraschino cherry, though true brandied cherries are superior) provides a final touch of elegance and a burst of fruity sweetness to round out the experience. Its dark color contrasts beautifully with the cocktail’s purple shade.
Mastering Your Mixology: Expert Tips for the Perfect Aviation
Beyond the ingredients, technique is key to elevating your cocktail game. Here are some essential tips, honed by master mixologists like Phillip Dow, to ensure your Aviation (and any shaken cocktail) reaches its full potential:
The Art of Ice: Don’t Compromise on Chill
One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, elements in cocktail preparation is the ice. As we learned in our Monte Carlo class, a cardinal rule is to **never use old ice**. Ice that has been sitting in your freezer for too long can absorb odors, affecting the purity of your drink’s flavor. More importantly, old ice can have a higher water content or irregular shapes, leading to faster dilution. For a truly professional-grade cocktail, always ensure you have plenty of fresh, dense ice.
A vital tip for any shaken drink, especially one like the Aviation that’s served “up” (without ice in the glass), is to use separate ice for shaking and for chilling your glass. Fill your cocktail shaker generously with fresh, solid ice to achieve maximum chill and proper dilution during the shake. Simultaneously, fill your serving glass (a chilled coupe or martini glass is ideal) with ice water while you prepare the drink. This pre-chills the glass, preventing the delicate cocktail from warming too quickly once poured. Just before straining, discard the ice water from the serving glass and pat it dry. This two-pronged approach ensures your Aviation is perfectly cold from the first sip to the last, without becoming watery.
The Importance of Freshness and Balance
Always prioritize fresh ingredients. As mentioned, freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount. The difference between fresh and bottled juice is stark and immediately noticeable in the final product. Similarly, using quality spirits, particularly a good gin and authentic maraschino liqueur and Crème de Violette, will profoundly impact the cocktail’s flavor and aromatic complexity. Remember, a cocktail is only as good as its weakest ingredient.
Achieving balance is another hallmark of a master mixologist. The Aviation is a delicate dance between sweet, tart, and floral. Taste your ingredients beforehand if you’re experimenting with new brands. Understand that the ratios provided are a guideline; sometimes, a slight adjustment to the lemon or maraschino can tailor the drink to your personal preference or the specific profile of your gin.
The Monte Carlo Mixology Experience with Phillip Dow
For those visiting Las Vegas and eager to delve deeper into the craft of mixing truly great cocktails, we highly recommend checking with the Monte Carlo Resort’s Mlife Concierge. You might just be in luck to find Master Mixologist Phillip Dow teaching classes during your stay. Phillip brings years of unparalleled mixology experience to his sessions, transforming a simple class into an immersive educational experience. During his classes, you don’t just learn recipes; you uncover the rich history behind classic cocktails, understanding why certain ingredients were chosen, and how their interactions create iconic flavor profiles. It was truly amazing to hear about the global history of cocktails and witness how some of our most beloved drinks came into existence.
Our class was held at the stylish Hit Bar and Lounge at the Monte Carlo resort, an ideal setting for learning and enjoyment. To sign up for such an exclusive experience, it’s typically recommended to be an MLife Rewards Sapphire member and to consult with the Mlife Concierge well in advance of your visit. This opportunity not only refines your bartending skills but also offers a unique insight into the artistry and tradition of professional mixology, leaving you with newfound appreciation and confidence in crafting exceptional drinks.
Aviation Cocktail Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 ¾ Ounce Gin
- 1 Ounce Maraschino Liqueur
- 1 Ounce Lemon Juice
- ½ Ounce Creme de Violette
- Brandied Cherry Garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with fresh, solid ice. Add gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and Crème de Violette to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a single brandied cherry. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger (for measuring)
- Strainer
- Coupe or Martini Glass
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 9
More Cocktail Inspiration
If you’re looking to expand your cocktail repertoire, here are some other fantastic recipes to try:
- Quick Fix Cocktail
- Tiramisu Martini
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Watermelon Martini
- Restorative Basil Drop
Do you love discovering new and exciting recipes? Be sure to explore our diverse collections, including our copycat recipes for recreating restaurant favorites, decadent dessert recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes for easy meals.
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Recipe originally shared on April 10, 2015. Updated December 2020.