Blood Orange Aviation Cocktail Recipe

The Blood Orange Aviation is a twist on the classic Aviation cocktail, which was created in the early 20th century by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. The original Aviation was a gin-based cocktail that was a favorite among the high society. The Blood Orange Aviation, however, adds a modern twist with the addition of blood orange juice, giving it a vibrant color and a unique citrusy flavor. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour in their drinks, with a slight bitterness from the gin.

The Blood Orange Aviation is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The blood orange juice gives it a unique, tangy sweetness, while the gin adds a hint of bitterness. The maraschino liqueur and crème de violette add a subtle sweetness and floral notes, balancing out the sourness of the lemon juice.

• The Blood Orange Aviation is a modern twist on the classic Aviation cocktail.
• The addition of blood orange juice gives it a vibrant color and a unique citrusy flavor.
• This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour in their drinks.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, blood orange juice, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a blood orange wheel.

• Use fresh blood orange juice for the best flavor.
• Chill your cocktail glass before serving for a colder drink.
• Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to fully mix the ingredients.

Appetizers

• Cheese platters: A selection of mild cheeses, such as goat cheese or brie, complements the citrus and botanical notes of the cocktail without overpowering it.
• Seafood: Light seafood dishes, especially those with a citrus or herb focus, like shrimp ceviche or grilled calamari, will match the cocktail’s freshness.

Desserts

• Sorbet: A lemon or berry sorbet could be incredibly refreshing and would tie in nicely with the cocktail’s fruity and floral components.
• Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate can provide a pleasant contrast to the sweet and tart flavors of the Blood Orange Aviation.

• Gin: You can substitute the gin with vodka for a less bitter taste.
• Blood Orange Juice: If you can't find blood oranges, you can use regular oranges or grapefruit.
• Maraschino Liqueur: You can substitute with another cherry liqueur or omit it altogether.
• Crème de Violette: If you can't find it, you can omit it, but it will change the color and taste of the cocktail.

Ginger Blood Orange Aviation

Add 0.5 oz of ginger liqueur to the original recipe. It'll introduce a spicy kick that contrasts delightfully with the sweet and floral notes, creating a warming sensation that's perfect for cooler weather.

Herbal Blood Orange Aviation

Muddle a few fresh basil leaves in the shaker before adding the ingredients. This herb will infuse the cocktail with a fresh, peppery note, giving it an herb garden freshness that's uplifting and pairs brilliantly with the existing botanical elements.

Sparkling Blood Orange Aviation

Top the strained cocktail with a splash of chilled Prosecco. The effervescence adds a new texture and lightness to the drink, turning it into a celebratory libation that’s fantastic for toasting special occasions.