The Aviation Cocktail

It’s SPRING-time, SPRING-time! Finally, SPRING-time.

SPRING-time calls for pretty things, a flowers, and budding trees, and lovely purple cocktails!

The Aviation became a cult favorite in 1916 when it first appeared in “Recipes for Mixed Drinks”, by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at Times Square’s Hotel Wallick. Ensslin’s original formula called for the drink to include crème de violette, as I have here, which tints the drink this lovely color.

The Aviation also appears Harry Craddock’s “Savoy Cocktail Book” from 1930 where you find a version of the Aviation without the crème de violate – but what would be the point of that!?

I used an Amarena Cherry as garnish, but a maraschino cherry or a lemon twist would work just as well.

Try it, the doldrums of winter will slowly slough off and you’ll be doing a happy spring dance!

• 2 ozs gin
• 3/4 oz maraschino liqueur
• 1/4 oz creme de violette
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

Shake with ice.

Strain.

Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.

Pretty!