The Aviation cocktail is a pre-Prohibition era gem, celebrated for its delicate floral notes and beautifully balanced tartness. Using Aviation Gin is a nod to its namesake and a fantastic choice for this drink. Let's learn how to make this iconic cocktail.
Aviation cocktail ingredients:
- 2 oz (60 ml) Aviation Gin
- 0.75 oz (22.5 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) Maraschino Liqueur (like Luxardo)
- 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) Crème de Violette or Creme Yvette (for a slightly warmer spice note)
- Optional: Brandied Cherry or Lemon Twist, for garnish
Simple aviation recipe - Step-by-step:
Step 1: Gather Your Aviation cocktail ingredients
Make sure you have all your ingredients and tools ready. You'll need a jigger (for measuring), a shaker, ice, and a cocktail glass (coupe or martini).
Step 2: Combine the ingredients in a shaker
Pour the Aviation Gin (2 oz / 60 ml), fresh lemon juice (0.75 oz / 22.5 ml), maraschino liqueur (0.5 oz / 15 ml), and Crème de Violette or Creme Yvette (0.25 oz / 7.5 ml) into your cocktail shaker.
Step 3: Add ice
Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice.
Step 4: Shake well
Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
Step 5: Strain into a chilled glass
Double strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer into a chilled coupe or martini glass to remove any small ice shards.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a brandied cherry dropped into the glass or a delicate lemon twist expressed over the drink and then placed on the rim.
Enjoy your beautifully crafted Aviation cocktail!
Aviation cocktail history:
The Aviation cocktail is believed to have been created sometime around the early 20th century. The first known printed recipe appeared in Hugo Ensslin's 1916 recipe book, "Recipes for Mixed Drinks." This original recipe included crème de violette, which gives the drink its signature pale purple hue and floral aroma, reminiscent of the early days of aviation and the vast blue sky.
Aviation cocktail variations:
While the classic recipe is beloved, there are a few Aviation cocktail variations:
- Cloudy Aviation: Some prefer a slightly less floral version and might reduce or omit the crème de violette altogether. This results in a tarter, more gin-forward drink.
- Yvette Aviation: Using Creme Yvette will impart a slightly spicier and more berry-like floral note compared to the more purely violet flavor of crème de violette.
- Adding Egg White: For a silky texture and foamy head, some bartenders add egg white to the shaker (dry shake first, then with ice).
Best aviation recipe:
The best aviation recipe is subjective and depends on your personal preference. However, the classic recipe outlined above, using high-quality ingredients like Aviation Gin and fresh lemon juice, provides a well-balanced and delightful experience. The key is to use the Aviation cocktail ingredients in the correct proportions.
Answers to your questions:
What are the ingredients in the Aviation drink?
The standard ingredients in the Aviation drink are gin (often Aviation Gin), fresh lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette (or sometimes Creme Yvette).
How to drink Aviation Gin?
Aviation Gin is a versatile spirit and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- In classic cocktails: It shines in the Aviation, Gin & Tonic, Martini, and Negroni.
- Neat or on the rocks: For those who appreciate the nuances of the gin itself, it can be sipped neat or over ice.
- With simple mixers: Try it with soda water or a quality tonic water for a refreshing drink.
How to make the best Aviation?
To make the best Aviation:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and a good quality gin like Aviation Gin make a significant difference.
- Measure accurately: Use a jigger to ensure the correct Aviation cocktail recipe ml measurements for a balanced flavor profile.
- Don't over-shake: 15-20 seconds of vigorous shaking is usually sufficient.
- Chill your glass: This helps keep the cocktail cold for longer.
- Experiment with garnish: Try both a brandied cherry and a lemon twist to see which you prefer.
- Adjust to your taste: If you find it too floral, slightly reduce the crème de violette.
What does Aviation drink taste like?
The Aviation drink offers a complex and delightful flavor profile. It is:
- Tart and refreshing: Thanks to the fresh lemon juice.
- Slightly sweet and subtly cherry-like: From the maraschino liqueur.
- Floral and aromatic: The crème de violette or Creme Yvette contributes delicate violet or a mix of floral and berry notes.
- Underpinned by the botanical notes of the gin: Aviation Gin's specific blend of botanicals complements the other ingredients beautifully.
The overall taste is a balanced harmony of sweet, sour, and floral, making it a sophisticated and intriguing cocktail.
0 Comments