Aviation


A floral, sky tinted gin sour layering maraschino and violet.


Base spirit
Gin
Style
Sour
Glassware
Coupe

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.


A coupe of Aviation with a faint lavender tint and a brandied cherry.

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.

How to make the Aviation

  1. 1Shake with ice.
  2. 2Strain into coupe.
  3. 3Garnish.

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