Aviation
A floral, sky tinted gin sour layering maraschino and violet.
Base spirit
Gin
Style
Sour
Glassware
Coupe
Technique
Shake
The Aviation combines gin, maraschino, lemon, and crème de violette into a pale blue-gray sour with bright acidity. Maraschino adds almond–cherry depth while violet contributes a light floral note when used sparingly. Shaken and served up, it should feel lean and aromatic. Hugo Ensslin’s 1916 book preserves the original recipe, while the later Savoy version omits violet, influencing mid century practice.
Ingredients
Servings
- • 2 oz gin
- • 0.5 oz maraschino
- • 0.25 oz creme de violette
- • 0.75 oz lemon juice
- • Brandied cherry
Did you know?
“Ensslin’s 1916 book records the original formula; the Savoy omission shaped later variants.”
Source:Savoy Cocktail Book; Wondrich Imbibe!; PunchDrink archives
Bartender's Note
Use violette sparingly.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Aviation
- 1Add gin, maraschino, creme de violette, and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice
- 2Shake until well chilled
- 3Strain into a coupe
- 4Garnish with brandied cherry and serve
