Aviation
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into chilled glass
Alcohol
Mixers
Measurement Guide
All measurements are shown in shots for easy bartending at home. Use these conversions at your bar.
Fun Facts
Origin
The Aviation was created by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York, in the early 20th century. First appearing in Ensslin’s 1916 recipe book "Recipes for Mixed Drinks," the Aviation is a classic cocktail made from gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice, known for its distinctive pale sky-blue color
Popularity
The Aviation enjoyed moderate popularity during the cocktail renaissance of the early 20th century but fell into obscurity post-Prohibition as crème de violette became hard to find in the United States. It regained popularity in the early 2000s when the ingredient became more widely available, and cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders rediscovered classic recipes
Culture & History
The resurgence of the Aviation is emblematic of the broader revival of pre-Prohibition cocktails that has swept through the bar scene globally. This renewed interest highlights a cultural shift towards heritage and craft in cocktail making. The Aviation's unique flavor profile and striking appearance have cemented its status as a classic cocktail, representing the sophistication and experimental spirit of early 20th-century mixology. It now occupies a cherished place in the repertoire of classic cocktails that continue to influence contemporary bartending
