Aviation — Dreamy sky blue floral and fruity classic gin cocktail ✈️🌸🍋

The Aviation is a classic cocktail originating in the United States in the early 20th century. It's a gin-based cocktail blended with Maraschino cherry liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette. Named for the dreamy pale blue color imparted by the liqueur, reminiscent of an indigo sky, it's a retro cocktail that's seen a resurgence in popularity in bars across Hong Kong and around the world. We highly recommend this drink for its stunning aesthetic, layered flavors, and elegant flavors, perfect for photo opportunities and sharing with friends.

Aviation classic material formula

• Gin 45-60 ml

• Maraschino Liqueur 15ml

• 7 ml of Crème de Violette (this can be omitted in some versions, but the blue sky effect will not be enough)

• 15-20 ml fresh lemon juice

• Cherries or lemon zest for garnish

Classic production method

1. Pour all liquid ingredients into a shaker and add plenty of ice.

2. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to mix the wine thoroughly and chill it.

3. Strain into a pre-chilled martini/cocktail glass.

4. Garnish the rim of the glass with a maraschino cherry or lemon peel to add aroma and visual depth.

Taste characteristics

Aviation offers a balanced sweet and sour taste. The lemon juice adds a fruity and refreshing tartness, the Maraschino cherry liqueur offers a subtle fruity and nutty flavor, and the violet liqueur imparts a captivating floral aroma and a dreamy color. The overall experience is complex, with a refreshing and elegant taste and a lingering finish. It's perfect for an afternoon drink in Hong Kong, a post-work tipple, or a drink with friends. I think this glass is both beautiful and flavorful; one sip of this "Sky Blue Dream" instantly captivated me!

Historical and cultural fun

• The earliest record of aviation can be found in a 1916 cocktail book by Hugo Ensslin, a bartender at New York's Hotel Wallick. The recipe at the time included violet liqueur, but later, because the liqueur was difficult to find, bars around the world mostly used the "violet-free version".

• The classic design of Aviation lies in its blue-purple color, which looks like the flying sky. It was the beginning of the aviation dream at that time, hence the name Aviation.

• It was lost for a time after World War II and was revived in the past two decades, becoming the modern "ceiling of bar appearance."

• Many bars in the United States hold Aviation-themed parties, and the Hong Kong cocktail community also loves this classic American cocktail.

Editor's Tips

• If you want to create the most beautiful blue, you must use Crème de Violette (violet liqueur), which adds a layer of floral fragrance.

• Selected gin brands can add plant and citrus aromas according to personal preference, and niche brands are recommended to create new styles.

• It is recommended to use authentic Maraschino for cherry wine, which has a fruity aroma that is not too sweet and has a subtle bitterness.

• Lemon juice must be freshly squeezed to be refreshing and invigorating, and to enhance overall balance.

• Aviation is not only a must-have for afternoon tea or party check-ins, but also the best entry point for cocktail lovers to explore the aroma of floral and fruity wines.

Aviation is a dream cocktail steeped in history, beauty, and flavor. Hong Kong friends can mix one at home, or order the sky-blue "Aviation" at a trendy bar and experience a taste bud journey soaring into the sky! ✈️🌸🍋