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Aviation

Gin, lemon, maraschino and a touch of violet liqueur, the colour of a pale sky.

Strength
18% ABV
Standard drinks (US)
1.7
Calories
198 kcal
In the glass
5⅔ oz
Method
Shaken
  • London Dry Gin
  • Lemon Juice
  • Maraschino Liqueur
  • Crème de Violette

How to Make an Aviation

  1. Add the London dry gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and crème de Violette to a shaker.
  2. Fill with ice and shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds.
  3. Double strain into a chilled coupe.
  4. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.
Print the Pour GuideA true-scale card for your boston shaker glass with a line for every pour. Free Pour With Your CameraLine up your glass and pour to the lines on screen. Tilt Pour With Your PhoneStrap your phone to the bottle. It counts every pour and buzzes at the measure.

About the Aviation

Hugo Ensslin published it in his 1916 book Recipes for Mixed Drinks. Crème de violette disappeared for decades, so most 20th-century Aviations were made without it.

Created 1916 in New York, USA. Listed as an official cocktail by the International Bartenders Association.

Bartender's tip: Go easy on the violette. Too much tastes of soap.

Taste Profile

Sweet
Sour
Bitter
Strong
Fresh

Good to Know

What glass is an Aviation served in?
A coupe. The stem keeps your hand away from the cold drink, and the curved rim makes it far harder to spill than a V-shaped martini glass.
Is an Aviation shaken or stirred?
Shaken. It contains citrus, juice, cream or egg, which need the force and aeration of shaking.
How strong is an Aviation?
About 18% ABV after dilution, or roughly 1.7 US standard drinks (24 g of alcohol) per serve.
How many calories are in an Aviation?
Roughly 198 kcal per drink, most of it from alcohol.
Can I make an Aviation without London dry gin?
Yes. Vodka is the closest substitute, though the drink will taste different.

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