Renaissance Gained Momentum
Known for its gorgeous, light-purple hue, we have a gin cocktail that looks as good as it tastes. While it follows the classic gin sour template—gin and lemon juice balanced by sugar! Brace yourselves!
The Aviation, a classic gin cocktail dating back to the turn of the 20th century. However, over the ensuing decades, the Aviation fell into obscurity due to the disappearance of one of its primary ingredients: crème de violette liqueur. This violet-hued liqueur vanished from the market during the 1960s.
The newfound availability of this liqueur led to the Aviation making a comeback on bar menus across the world. Bartenders rediscovered the classic recipe, which combines gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and crème de violette. The result is a unique and floral cocktail.
Gin provides a sturdy base, while maraschino liqueur contributes its trademark bittersweet cherry notes. The lemon juice adds necessary acidity. It's crucial to use crème de violette sparingly; too much, and your Aviation might taste like a bowl of potpourri.
While some purists argue that a proper Aviation must include the violet-hued liqueur, enterprising drinkers continued to enjoy the cocktail even during its absence. As, the Aviation is an intriguing cocktail, but to experience the original recipe, you'll need the purple stuff.
Why the Aviation works?
The Aviation cocktail owes its appeal to the use of violet liqueur. This deeply purple elixir, crafted from natural or artificial violet flavours. To create it, fresh violet petals are immersed in brandy or a neutral spirit, left to infuse in an airtight container for several days, and then strained and sweetened. The result is a floral, aromatic liqueur with a stunning violet hue.
When incorporated into the Aviation, this floral liqueur harmonizes with the natural acidity of fresh lemon juice and the sweet, aromatic maraschino liqueur. Gin, with its botanical-forward character, balances the richness of these two potent liqueurs. While crème de violette is a key ingredient, its intense perfume notes can dominate the cocktail. Adjusting the amount—from the specified 1/4 ounce to a teaspoon or even a few dashes—allows you to tailor the drink to your taste. Cheers!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2-ounce maraschino liqueur
- 1/4-ounce crème de violette (violet liqueur)
- 1 sour cherry (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette.
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
Double strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a sour cherry or brandied cherry.
From the July 2024 issue of FHM India.
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