Cucumber Aviation Cocktail Recipe
Cucumber Aviation Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:7g
Alcohol:25%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Cucumber Aviation is a refreshing twist on the classic Aviation cocktail. The original Aviation was created in the early 20th century and is named after the sky-blue color it gets from crème de violette. The Cucumber Aviation, with its added cucumber, is a modern variant that's perfect for those who enjoy a crisp, refreshing cocktail with a hint of floral sweetness.
How Cucumber Aviation Tastes?
The Cucumber Aviation is a delightfully balanced cocktail. It's crisp and refreshing from the cucumber, slightly tart from the lemon juice, subtly sweet from the maraschino liqueur, and has a hint of floral notes from the crème de violette.
Interesting facts about Cucumber Aviation
- The Cucumber Aviation is a modern twist on the classic Aviation cocktail.
- The addition of cucumber gives it a refreshing and crisp taste.
- The cocktail gets its name from the sky-blue color it gets from crème de violette.
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 1
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Maraschino liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Crème de violette: 0.25 oz(8ml)
A few good options for Cucumber Aviation are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Cucumber
Using cucumber in a cocktail brings a fresh, green crispness that can cool and balance the more intense flavors of spirits and liqueurs. In this recipe, the muddled cucumber harmonizes with the botanicals of the gin and provides a refreshing backdrop. Without it, you'd miss the garden-fresh essence.
Mary Mitkina
Gin
Gin is the backbone of the Aviation cocktail. It contributes botanical complexities that are complemented by the other ingredients. Choosing a quality gin is crucial, as it greatly influences the final taste. Too much gin can overpower, too little, and the drink loses its structure.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, acidic component that's essential in balancing the sweetness of the liqueur and the earthiness of cucumber. Freshness is key—bottled juice won't have the same zing.
Alex Green
Maraschino Liqueur
This sweet, slightly nutty liqueur brings a hint of cherry flavor that adds depth. It's not overly cloying, which is why it's important to measure properly—too much could make the drink too sweet, overshadowing the gin and cucumber.
Mary Mitkina
Crème de Violette
This is the floral whisper in the background of our Aviation—the hint of violet is subtle but brings a layer of complexity. Too much could easily overwhelm the drink, turning it into a perfume rather than a beverage.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Cucumber Aviation Drink
- Muddle the cucumber in a shaker.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Make sure to shake the cocktail well to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.
- Garnish with a fresh cucumber slice for added freshness.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Sashimi: The delicate flavors of raw fish complement the fresh cucumber and floral notes of the cocktail.
- Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomato and mozzarella balances the gin’s botanicals.
Main Courses
- Grilled White Fish: A light, non-oily fish would go well with the refreshing characteristics of this cocktail.
- Herbed Chicken: Herbs will echo the herbal nature of the gin while the lemon in the cocktail cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Desserts
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness would be a perfect follow-up to the cocktail's zesty lemon component.
- Lavender Honey Ice Cream: The subtle floral notes will pair beautifully with the crème de violette.
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What you could change in Cucumber Aviation
- Gin: You can substitute the gin with vodka for a less botanical flavor.
- Crème de Violette: If you can't find crème de violette, you can use a splash of violet syrup or omit it entirely for a less floral taste.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Cucumber Basil Aviation
- Replace one cucumber slice with a few basil leaves in the muddling process. This introduces an aromatic herbal twist that pairs splendidly with gin.
- Follow the original recipe after applying this change.
- The basil will insert an additional layer of herbaceous flavor, giving the cocktail a more complex garden-fresh profile.
Spicy Aviation
- Add a small slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the shaker with the cucumber. This twist provides an invigorating heat that contrasts with the cucumber's coolness.
- Proceed with the original recipe after adding the heat element.
- The added spiciness will create a vibrant, zesty experience, offering a lively kick that's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a thrill in their sip.
Elderflower Aviation
- Substitute maraschino liqueur with elderflower liqueur, using the same measurement. This swap incorporates a different floral sweetness, less nutty and more summery.
- Continue with the rest of the original recipe.
- The elderflower addition subtly changes the flavor dynamics, presenting a lighter and more fragrant version of the Aviation, perfect for a summer evening.
In case you forgot basics how to make Cucumber Aviation
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Cucumber Aviation
What is the ideal type of gin to use for a Cucumber Aviation?
A dry gin is ideal for a Cucumber Aviation because of its balanced botanical flavor which pairs well with the cucumber and floral notes from the crème de violette.
Can other fruits be used in place of cucumber in the recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other crisp and refreshing fruits like watermelon or grapefruit. However, changing the fruit might alter the taste and the signature freshness of the cocktail.
How is maraschino liqueur made?
Maraschino liqueur is made from Marasca cherries. The cherries and their pits are crushed and fermented, then distilled. After distillation, the liqueur is aged in wooden casks for two years before it is mixed with a cane sugar syrup.
What would be a good food pairing for the Cucumber Aviation cocktail?
A light appetizer like a fresh salad or a seafood dish can complement the refreshing and slightly sweet flavors of the Cucumber Aviation cocktail.
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