The Aviation

The Aviation is a classic cocktail belonging to the category of "Gin Cocktails." It was first crafted in the early 1900s by a bartender named Hugo Ensslin in New York City, and its name is inspired by its light blue hue reminiscent of the sky, as well as its association with aviation. The Aviation is composed of Gin, Luxardo Maraschino Originale, and lemon juice, creating an elegant and balanced blend of sweet and sour notes. The cocktail features a distinctive light blue color, obtained by adding Crème de Violette, a violet-hued liqueur made from violets. The Aviation was highly popular in the 1910s and 1920s, regarded as one of the classic cocktails of the era. Although Crème de Violette disappeared from many recipes in the 1950s causing the cocktail to lose some of its popularity, the Aviation has experienced a revival in recent years as Crème de Violette became available again and the cocktail saw a renaissance in modern cocktail culture. Today, the Aviation is a classic gin cocktail cherished by bartenders around the globe.