The Aviation cocktail is a classic drink with an interesting backstory. The recipe dates back to the early 1900s, when it was created by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender of the Hotel Wallick in New York City. This delightful concoction has stood the test of time, and today it’s still enjoyed around the world. If you’re looking for a unique cocktail to make at home, this one just might be for you! Read on to find out more about its history and how to mix up your own Aviation cocktail.
The History Of The Aviation Cocktail
It all started in 1916 when Hugo Ensslin published his first book called “Recipes For Mixed Drinks”. In this work he included his recipe for what he called “Aviation Cocktail” which was made with equal parts cognac, maraschino liqueur and orange bitters. Ensslin claimed that he had invented this drink himself but there is some debate as to who really created it.
However, regardless of who came up with it first, the Aviation quickly became popular among high society circles around New York City during Prohibition era America. These days it is still enjoyed by many people across the globe – testament indeed to its timeless appeal!
Ingredients Needed To Make An Aviation
Making an aviation isn’t complicated – all you need are three ingredients: Cognac (or brandy if preferred), Maraschino liqueur (a type of cherry flavoured liqueur) and Orange Bitters (an aromatic liquid used for adding flavour). Once these have been gathered together simply follow our instructions below…
Instructions For Making An Aviation Cocktail
Firstly add 1 ½ ounces each of cognac/ brandy and maraschino liqueur into your mixing glass or shaker filled with ice cubes then stir until chilled.
Secondly add ¼ ounce orange bitters then stir again before straining into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass.
Finally garnish with either a lemon twist or fresh cherries before serving.
Variations On The Classic Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous why not try experimenting with different variations on the classic aviation? You could use gin instead of cognac or swap out subtle botanical notes such as elderflower cordial in place of maraschino liqueur – whatever takes your fancy! It’s also possible to vary amounts depending on personal preference; if you like things sweet try increasing amount maraschino while decreasing amount orange bitters accordingly – experiment away!
Serving Suggestions For Your Perfect Aviation
Whether served neat over rocks ice-cold from a vintage coupe glass; sipped slowly whilst enjoying good conversation; or even blended up into frozen frappe style slushies perfect for sharing amongst friends– however way choose enjoy always ensure quality ingredients are used so that can experience true taste sophistication..
Aviation Cocktail
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - 2 parts gin
- - 1/2 part lemon juice
- - 1/4 part maraschino liqueur
- - 2 dashes of crème de violette optional
- Optionally add a few drops of orange bitters.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and crème de violette into the shaker if desired. If using orange bitters, add them now as well.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker has frosted over slightly from condensation on the metal surface - this indicates that it is very cold inside!
- Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass and enjoy!
Glassware
Aviation cocktails typically involve a tall glass such as a highball, collins or hurricane. A highball is a short tumbler with straight sides and an open top; it’s perfect for holding the longer Aviation cocktail that includes two ounces of gin, one ounce each of maraschino liqueur and lemon juice, plus half an ounce of crème de violette. The Collins glass has similar characteristics but is taller than the Highball; it’s also used to create Aviations. Lastly, the Hurricane glass is shaped like an hourglass and can be used to make Aviation cocktails if desired.
Flavors
The Aviation cocktail is an iconic American classic, and their flavor profile is unique in its sweetness and complexity. The main ingredients of this drink are gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette (a sweet floral flavored liqueur), lemon juice, and simple syrup.
The first sip of the Aviation cocktail will introduce a tartness from the lemon juice that is quickly balanced out by a subtle sweetness from both the maraschino liqueur and crème de violette. These two ingredients together create a delicate fragrant aroma that lingers on your tongue while still allowing for the gin to shine through with its smooth botanical notes.
The Aviation cocktail can be enjoyed either shaken or stirred depending on preference; however it should always be served up in a chilled stemmed glass as any ice melted down would water down this delightful concoction too much resulting in an unbalanced flavor profile.
Despite having only five simple ingredients, each one has been carefully selected to contribute to creating this perfected balance between sour and sweet which makes it easy to understand why this timeless classic continues to remain popular today.
