The Aviation, a legendary cocktail created in 1916
Created by Hugo Ensslin, a bartender at New York’s Wallick Hotel, the Aviation is an iconic cocktail from the pre-Prohibition era. Its name pays tribute to the rise of aviation, a symbol of modernity and adventure. Also nicknamed the Blue Moon for its distinctive blue hue, it owes its colour to violet liqueur, a key ingredient that nearly vanished from history.
The turbulent history of the Aviation
- 1916: Born in Hugo Ensslin’s Recipes for Mixed Drinks.
- 1930: Harry Craddock features it in The Savoy Cocktail Book, but without violet liqueur, due to Prohibition.
- 1990s: Paul Harrington revives it—still without violet.
- 2003: The rediscovery of the original recipe and the return of violet liqueur reignite the debate: with or without violet?
Original Aviation cocktail recipe
Ingredients (for 1 drink)
- 45ml London Dry gin (the backbone of the cocktail)
- 15ml violet liqueur (for the blue tint and floral aroma)
- 15ml maraschino liqueur (for the almond and fruity notes)
- 15ml fresh lemon juice (the acidity that balances everything)
Equipment
- Shaker
- Strainer
- Chilled cocktail glass (place in the freezer or fill with ice before preparing)
- Ice (preferably large cubes to minimise dilution)
The perfect balance: The secret of the Aviation
- Lemon: Provides the acidic edge; press just before serving to avoid an overpowering finish.
- Gin: Structures the cocktail with its botanical notes.
- violet liqueur : Adds the floral aroma and blue colour; dose precisely.
- Maraschino: Contributes an almond and fruity nuance—too much or too little changes everything.
Variations & expert tips
- With or without violet ? The original includes it, but some prefer to omit it for a drier taste.
- Ice: Use large, cold cubes for controlled dilution.
- Serving: A very chilled glass enhances the experience from the first sip.
Why is the Aviation a must in cocktail bars?
- A revisited classic: A symbol of craft mixology, it embodies the return to authentic recipes.
- A visual cocktail: Its blue colour makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.
- A technical challenge: Precision in dosing, ingredient freshness, and temperature are crucial.
Ready to take on the challenge? To your shakers!