Aviation Cocktail

Aviation Cocktail Recipe

Featuring Little Juniper Signature Gin from our Adelaide Hills Distillery

A Timeless Colourful Classic Cocktail

The Aviation Cocktail is a stunning gin cocktail with a rich history, delicate floral notes, and a signature sky blue/lavender hue. This Aviation cocktail, which emerged in the early 20th century and is one of the well-known options chosen by gin lovers to go with their cocktails even today. it is perfectly suited to our Little Juniper Signature Gin.

Ingredients for an Aviation Cocktail

• 50 ml Little Juniper Signature Gin
• 15 ml Maraschino liqueur
• 15 ml Creme de Violette
• 15 ml Fresh lemon juice
• Ice
• A Maraschino cherry to garnish

How to make an Aviation Cocktail

1. Shake it up: Add Little Juniper Signature Gin, Maraschino liqueur, Creme de Violette, fresh lemon juice, and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.

2. Strain: Strain and pour the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass. 

3. Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with a Maraschino cherry, sit back, and enjoy the flight!

The Aviation Cocktail was invented in 1916 by a German bartender named Hugo Ensslin at New York's Hotel Wallick. Like most beverages of the time, it was a staple during the golden age of cocktails. He crafted it with gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette, making it iconic. Its signature pale blue tint was reminiscent of the skies during dawn. 

Gradually, crème de violette became scarce, leading to a simplified version of the gin cocktail without its floral essence. However, with the revival of classic cocktails in the early 2000s, Crème de Violette made a comeback, restoring the Aviation Cocktail to its original glory.