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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Aviation Cocktail

Aviation Cocktail

Celebrating Flight’s Romantic Past

Traveled by air lately?  Not really an inspirational experience, eh?  After spending what seems like forever going through security (where you have to remove your shoes, and maybe have security people poke you with a handheld scanner), you finally get to board an overcrowded plane.  Assuming your flight hasn’t been cancelled, of course.  If you get hungry, good luck.  Maybe they’ll sell you some stale peanuts.

Harried travelers may find it hard to believe, but flying once seemed daring and romantic.  When the Wright brothers made their first flight at Kitty Hawk in December 1903, they unleashed the imaginations of would-be adventurers everywhere. 

The Aviation Cocktail was invented not too long after that — perhaps to celebrate humanity’s conquest of the skies.

The drink has a clean, sophisticated flavor that evokes a glorious past. And unlike air travel, it still seems fresh and exciting. Not to mention civilized.



Aviation Cocktail

Recipe: The Aviation Cocktail

Although the first written recipe for The Aviation was recorded in 1916, the drink actually dates back to 1911 — or so cocktail historian extraordinaire David Wondrich tells us in his book, Imbibe.

Good as this drink is, it’s not well known. Like The Last Word, The Aviation fell out of favor in the second half of the 20th century, only to be revived by cocktail enthusiasts in recent years.

The drink contains gin, lemon juice, and Maraschino liqueur. That last ingredient is a clear liquid with a slightly bitter flavor — the polar opposite of the red juice that sweet maraschino cherries are packed in (so the two are definitely not interchangeable).

The original recipe also contained a bit of Crème de Violette, a purplish liqueur flavored by the flower of the same name. This ingredient was dropped from the drink by the 1930s (in part because Crème de Violette became hard to find). It’s not part of today’s standard recipe, though some people insist it should be (in the Notes, I provide a recipe that includes it).

Because The Aviation contains citrus juice, it is a “sour” (that is, a drink in the same class as a Whikey Sour or a Classic Daiquiri). As with any sour, you may want to adjust the ratio of citrus and liquor to match your taste. I think David Wondrich’s recipe for this drink is perfectly balanced, and his is the one I use here.

This recipe provides one serving, and takes about 5 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients
  • 2 ounces dry gin (I like Beefeater’s for most cocktails; but Plymouth gin is particularly nice in this drink)
  • 2 teaspoons Maraschino liqueur (the Luxardo brand is widely available and of excellent quality)
  • ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • maraschino cherry or lemon twist for garnish (optional)
Procedure
  1. Combine all ingredients (except garnish) in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice.  Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds, until the drink is cold.
  2. Strain into a cocktail glass (preferably one that has been chilled).
  3. A maraschino cherry or lemon twist is an attractive addition (though I often serve this cocktail without a garnish).

Ingredients for the Aviation Cocktail

Notes
  • Because this drink contains citrus, you should shake it to mix thoroughly.  Citrus will make the drink cloudy, so the bubbles you generate by shaking won’t matter, and shaking is the best way to incorporate citrus into a cocktail. For more info on when to stir and when to shake, see Cocktail Basics
  • Some recipes call for 2 ounces of gin, and ½ ounce each of lemon juice and Maraschino liqueur. I don’t like the balance of this, but you might. 
  • Robert Hess has a nice video with instructions on how to mix The Aviation. He uses Crème de Violette in his version: 2 ounces of gin, ½ ounce Maraschino liqueur, ¼ ounce Crème de Violette, and ½ ounce lemon juice. 
  • Crème de Violette does provide a lovely lilac tint. But I think the drink tastes better without it. And it’s not an ingredient I have much reason to use otherwise, so I’ve decided not to stock it in my liquor cabinet. 
  • Maraschino liqueur is Italian, and is made from Marasca cherries, including the crushed cherry pits. As noted above, it’s not the sweet stuff you put on ice cream! 
  • No one is really sure how The Aviation got its name. Eric Felten suggests that it might derive from a newspaper’s tongue-in-cheek comment “that aviation was a good name for a cocktail given that airplanes and alcohol both got one high.”
Aviation Cocktail

Seasonally Appropriate

Mrs. Kitchen Riffs took a sip of her Aviation.  “Great cocktail,” she said.  “But do you think it’s really appropriate for our holiday ‘Cookies and Cocktails’ series?”

“Sure,” I said.  “Seems perfect to me.  I mean, so many people fly home to see loved ones over the holidays, right?”

“Right,” agreed Mrs K R.  “But do we really want to taunt people with reminiscences about the romance of flight while they’re struggling to get their shoes back on in the security line?” 

“Um, yeah, I see your point,” I said.  “But maybe that just makes it even more important to feature some decent cocktails.  People could probably use a stiff drink after fighting their way through the airport.”

“True,” she said, brightening.  “Maybe we should hoist a glass to all those road warriors.”

“Good idea,” I said. “Would you like to propose a toast?”

“Absolutely,” said Mrs K R, lifting her drink.  “To the middle seat!”

Cheers.  I think.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Cocktail Basics
Ward Eight Cocktail
Whikey Sour
Sidecar
Last Word Cocktail
Manhattan Cocktail
Martini
Pegu Club
Classic Daiquiri
Income Tax Cocktail
Negroni Cocktail
Sazerac Cocktail
Margarita
Corpse Reviver Cocktail
Pimm's Cup
Simple Syrup

62 comments:

  1. Lol, cute story and great cocktail!

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    1. Hi Alyssa, ;-) Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for commenting.

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  2. Sounds refreshing! And I really like the white background photo. Cookies and Cocktails. It has a nice ring to it.

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    1. Hi Abbe, I like the sound of Cookies and Cocktails too! Thanks for the comment.

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  3. Flying is definitely not the glamorous experience it once was, that's for sure! This cocktail looks fabulous!!

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    1. Hi Ali, it's really a refreshing and tasty cocktail. And alas, flying really has become like going to the dentist. Thanks for the comment.

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  4. Lovely cocktail. I sure would need and want one if I need to get through the airport security! LOL

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    1. Hi Amy, no joke about airport security - it's become thoroughly unpleasant. Cocktails all around! Thanks for the comment.

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  5. John, you and Mrs. KR are so much fun: to the middle seat, ha?! I think this coctail should be served BEFORE people get in line to go through security... :)

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    1. Hi Marina, Mrs K R and I do have a bit of fun, I must admit. And you're right that one should have this cocktail before security! Thanks for the comment.

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  6. I've got this cocktail in my editorial calendar for mid February; my father was a pilot in WWII and I thought it would be fitting to do a tribute to him on his birthday with this cocktail. I've yet to pop for the Crème de Violette and now maybe just might consider I don't have to!

    Lovely photos.

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    1. Hi Barbara, I'm usually a stickler for using obscure ingredients, but just couldn't bring myself to use Crème de Violette. Although I suspect at some point in the future I'll break down and try it. Your post will be a great tribute to your dad. Thanks for the kind words, and the comment.

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  7. Love the little cherry in the bottom - so cute :) Great photos!

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    1. Hi Christine, the cherry does look cute, doesn't it? ;-) Which is the main reason I included it! Thanks for the kind words and the comment.

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  8. Oh the dreaded middle seat. If you want to hark back to yesteryear, fly first class with Emirates or Singapore Airlines or even JAL. I never got an aviation cocktail though - nor did I ask for one. :) This looks so pretty.

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    1. Hi Maureen, I was never lucky enough to fly any of those airlines, but back in the day even most of the US lines had quite good transatlantic service. Now flying is pure drudgery, alas. You definitely should try an Aviation sometime if you have a chance - it tastes even better than it looks. Thanks for the comment.

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  9. I love your conversations with the Mrs. - they're always so entertaining! Cheers to you both, and to your delicious cocktail!

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    1. Hi Kristy, thanks for the kind words (and for commenting)! I always find those conversations a lot of fun, too, as does Mrs K R!

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  10. Flying economy is pretty ghastly depending on the plane but this cocktail would help ease the pain.

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    1. Hi Suzanne, all flying has become ghastly (good word, and not one I see used often enough!). But one or two of these would certainly make the experience better! Thanks for the comment.

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  11. Delightful story! Your aviation cocktail looks perfectly delicious!

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    1. Hi Judy, it's a great cocktail! Thanks for the kind words, and the comment.

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  12. I love your posts. They're so interesting. My husband loves gin, so this drink is for him, that's for sure.

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    1. Hi Kristin, if your husband likes gin, this is right up his alley - it's a great drink. Thanks for your kind words, and for commenting.

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  13. I didn't even get pretzels on my last flight. Sigh. When I landed, I could have used one of those Aviations. LOL But I settled for bottled water.

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    1. Hi Carolyn, flying has become awful, hasn't it? One of these would be great after a flight! Although one gets so dry, bottled water is often more refreshing. Thanks for the comment.

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  14. Sounds like a delicious cocktail. I will be flying next week, too bad they won't serving this on the flight.

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    1. Hi Dawn, sorry you won't have this on next week's flight! Maybe afterwards? ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  15. I'll pass on the gin cocktails, John, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the lesson. That is one classic-looking cocktail, though, I must admit. :)

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    1. Hi John, this cocktail isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, I know (a lot of people don't like gin). It is a great looking cocktail, I agree. Thanks for commenting.

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  16. I think it's perfect for your series! I just dropped the hubby off at the airport and I'm sure he would love one by the time he gets halfway to his destination. I used to be a huge gin lover, but somehow moved over to bourbon and vodka. IF I can find the maraschino liquor this would be a very interesting drink to try. It seems quite simple and I love gin and citrus. So there you go. Thanks for another great cocktail and history lesson John!

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    1. Hi MJ, I'm sure he would! Heck, these days just thinking about having to fly gets me looking over at the liquor cabinet! Finding the Maraschino liqueur can be difficult — not every liquor store is going to carry it. But it's a really good drink. Thanks for the comment.

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  17. What a beautiful, chic cocktail. I'm flying tomorrow...hope won't need one to calm my nerves ;)

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    1. Hi Lizzy, I'm sure you wouldn't actually "need" this cocktail when you fly, but it'd be fun to have! Thanks for the comment.

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  18. I get air sick so I don't do alcohol during flight however, once my feet hit the tarmac I'm ready to hit the bar. A deliciously refreshing combination with your chocolate pepper cookies! Beautiful photos!

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    1. Hi Rebecka, it's so easy to get dehydrated while flying that avoiding alcohol is probably a good idea while aloft. But back on the ground? The way most flights are these days, some recovery is needed! And yes, this drink would go quite well with the Chocolate Pepper Cookies! Thanks for the comment.

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  19. Ah, the good old times... A fantastic retro beverage. So refined and pretty.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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    1. Hi Rosa, the good old times indeed! Isn't this such a nice cocktail? Thanks for your comment.

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  20. Please send my hellos to Mrs. Kitchen Riff as she always brings such light heartedness to your posts. "Aviation cocktail therapy" is much required these days. When they put the rubber gloves on in security screening section, the nurse in me just quivers....To calm you nerves for the terrible flight experience and prep yourself for the upcoming family events, this is the perfect drink to set you straight. Actually you best make that a double. Take Care, BAM

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    1. Hi Bam, I'm glad you enjoy Mrs K R's contributions! And a double probably is the most appropriate prescription. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  21. What a beautiful drink!

    As much as I love to travel, I must admit that flying (and airports, and security lines) add a lot of stress to the equation. I just keep reminding myself what a privilege it is to travel - then I cross my fingers and hope to get there and back without too many problems.

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    1. Hi Beth, isn't it pretty? Travel is actually comparatively inexpensive and quite speedy, but the hassle factor is out of this world. We've actually cut back on flying on pleasure trips simply because the whole experience (especially the way airlines seem to go out of their way to alienate their customers) is unpleasant. Thanks for your comment.

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  22. Great cocktail anything sour always taste good. Nowadays you do need an aviation drink. Firstly, to forget how much you paid for your ticket and secondly you can't feel your knees, because it's so tight in the plane. Cheers

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    1. Hi Frank, yeah, that knee problem is ridiculous! The airlines really pack us in, don't they? Thanks for the comment.

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  23. I love this post. I have never tried Maraschino liqueur before, but that sounds really delicious!

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    1. Hi Kristi, Maraschino liqueur is pretty good on its own, but IMO it really shines when used as an ingredient in a drink. It's really worth trying sometime. Thanks for the comment.

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  24. I always reading your conversation with Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. :) You two have loving and caring conversation behind the food/drinks. Very interesting name cocktail but it's beautiful. :)

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    1. Hi Nami, Mrs K R and I are rather fond of each other, and I guess it does show in these dialogues. ;-) Plus they're fun! And isn't this cocktail gorgeous? Thanks for the comment.

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  25. gorgeous drink! your presentation is ALWAYS so lovely!

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    1. Hi cakewhiz, isn't it a pretty drink? Thanks for your kind words, and the comment.

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  26. I always avoid the middle seat! I much prefer sour cocktails to the sickly sweet ones. I did a post earlier this year on the demise of airline travel and talked about my memories of yesteryear when it was such a glamorous and exciting and luxurious thing to do. These days the only thing you have to look forward to is your destination xx

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    1. Hi Charlie, those middle seats are killer — totally the worst. I prefer sour drinks, too. And as you say, flying used to be glamorous, but those days are long gone, alas. Thanks for the comment.

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  27. You both make me giggle! Cheers to safe travels, and delicious drinks! I am surprised this drink is not popular still, it sounds delicious! BUT I am a maraschino cherry addict......so I may ask for seconds on this drink:-) Loved learning about this drink, Thank you! Hugs, Terra

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    1. Hi Terra, those dialogues are fun to write! Probably the reason this drink fell out of favor is Maraschino liqueur fell out of favor — and sometimes it's rather difficult to find (not every liquor store will have it). But it's worth looking for, because this is a terrific cocktail. Thanks for the comment.

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  28. Such a pretty picture! I'm funny because I still get excited at the thought of flying, despite all the inconveniences now days and the hassle - it's just fun for me to experience new horizons! Your picture should be in a magazine!

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    1. Hi Chris, with the great photos your husband takes, your compliment truly means a lot! Thanks so much!

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  29. I hope they serve this in airlines, looks like a really good cocktail

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    1. Hi Raymund, it'd be great if they'd serve this on airlines! It really is a nice cocktail. Thanks for your comment.

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  30. I love the resurrection of these lesser known cocktails John. You are right, the age of travel has changed markedly and the glamour gone with it. Can you actually get peanuts on a flight anymore?! Brilliant job highlighting this unique cocktail and as always your photos are stellar.

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    1. Hi Toni, too about about travel been such a drag these days, because it's always fun going to new places. Thanks for your kind words, and comment.

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  31. I was a bartender for years but I just missed out on all the fun cocktails that have started to be pushed by mixologists. Never heard of this but sounds like a great mix. I'm super interested in the Crème de Violette; never heard of it and I'd love to give it a shot. What's its flavor like?

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    1. Hi Food Jaunts, I've never tasted Crème de Violette by itself, just as an ingredient in cocktails but it seems to add some nice floral notes. If you're interested in old cocktails, you should pick up a copy of Ted Haigh's Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails — it's a wonderful book. Thanks for the comment.

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