Lavender Aviation Cocktail Recipe
Lavender Aviation Nutrition Facts
Calories:182
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:7g
Alcohol %:28
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 Aviation is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century, first appearing in Hugo R. Ensslin's 1916 book 'Recipes for Mixed Drinks'. It was originally made with crème de violette, which gave the drink a sky-blue color, hence the name 'Aviation'. The Lavender Aviation is a modern twist on this classic, adding a floral note that complements the gin and lemon beautifully. It's a favorite among those who appreciate a well-balanced, slightly sweet, and aromatic cocktail.
How Lavender Aviation Tastes?
The Lavender Aviation is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and floral notes. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the lemon juice adds a tart freshness. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lavender simple syrup introduces a delicate floral aroma and flavor that lingers on the palate.
Interesting facts about Lavender Aviation
- The Aviation cocktail was nearly forgotten during Prohibition and only made a comeback in the 21st century when crème de violette became more widely available.
- The Lavender Aviation is a modern twist on the classic Aviation cocktail.
- The lavender in the Lavender Aviation is not traditional in the original recipe but adds a unique floral note.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Maraschino liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lavender simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
A few good options for Lavender Aviation are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
The classic spirit base for your Aviation, gin brings a complex botanical profile that stands up to the unique flavors of the other ingredients. Using 2 oz makes sure the gin is present but not overpowering. Without it, well, you'd just have a lemony syrup drink. No gin, no Aviation! If you go less, the cocktail might lack backbone; more, and you might as well be flying solo.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Fresh is best! At 0.5 oz, the lemon juice adds a fresh, bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness and provides balance. Skimp on it, and the drink could become too sweet; too much, and you'll pucker up more than desired. Swap it for lime juice for a tarter edge.
Alex Green
Maraschino Liqueur
Sweet, with a hint of cherry and almond, the 0.5 oz of maraschino liqueur rounds out the cocktail, giving it depth and a touch of sophistication. Without it, the drink loses complexity. More could overwhelm the delicate balance, less could render the drink a tad flat.
Emma Rose
Lavender Simple Syrup
0.5 oz is just the right kiss of floral to make this drink swoon-worthy. Lavender's inclusion elevates the Aviation to a place of serene skies. More syrup and you're in a flower field, less and the bouquet fades away. Honey syrup could be an alternative, offering a different kind of sweet floral note.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Lavender Aviation Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and lavender simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a sprig of lavender.
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality gin for the best flavor.
- Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
- Chill your glass before serving for the best experience.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses like goat cheese or brie complements the floral notes of the Lavender Aviation.
- Seafood: Light seafood dishes such as shrimp cocktails or scallop ceviche balance well with the cocktail's citrus tones.
Desserts
- Lemon tart: The tartness of the lemon in the dessert pairs nicely with the cocktail's lemon juice component.
- Berries and cream: The sweetness of berries and the creaminess of the whipped cream work well with the subtly sweet and floral lavender notes of the cocktail.
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What you could change in Lavender Aviation
- Gin: You can use vodka for a less juniper-forward flavor.
- Maraschino Liqueur: You can substitute with another cherry liqueur or cherry brandy.
- Lavender Simple Syrup: You can use regular simple syrup and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
Explore all drinks starting with L here
And of course - twists🍹
Rose Aviation
- Gin: 2 oz
- Lemon Juice: 0.5 oz
- Maraschino Liqueur: 0.5 oz
- Rose Syrup: 0.5 oz
Recipe: Follow the same steps but replace the lavender syrup with rose syrup. Expect a romantic bloom in your glass, with the rose playing up the gin's floral botanicals quite boldly. It's a gentle garden party in a glass.
Thyme Aviation
- Gin: 2 oz
- Lemon Juice: 0.5 oz
- Thyme Simple Syrup: 0.5 oz
- Crème de Violette: 1 tsp (to keep with Aviation tradition)
Recipe: The same as the original, but with thyme syrup adding an earthy and slightly savory note. The crème de violette brings back the classic purple hue. It's like a fragrant walk through a herb garden mid-flight.
Blackberry Aviation
- Gin: 2 oz
- Lemon Juice: 0.5 oz
- Blackberry Simple Syrup: 0.5 oz
- A couple of fresh blackberries
Recipe: Muddle the blackberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This version is both visually stunning and decadently fruity, adding an extra layer of berry sweetness that complements the botanicals in the gin.
In case you forgot basics how to make Lavender Aviation
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd 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 strainGarnishing 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).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Lavender Aviation
What is the alcohol content of this cocktail?
The actual alcohol content of the cocktail can vary based on the specific brands and amounts of alcohols used. However, considering the standard serving size, the Lavender Aviation cocktail can average around 28% alcohol by volume.
What type of gin is best for this cocktail?
While any gin can be used, it's recommended to use a high-quality dry gin as it will pair well with the floral notes of the lavender and the tartness of the lemon.
Is this cocktail served with ice?
No, typically the Lavender Aviation is strained into a glass without ice after being shaken with ice in a cocktail shaker.
Is Lavender Aviation a sweet cocktail?
The sweetness of Lavender Aviation can be subjective depending on individuals' tastes. While it does have a noticeable sweetness from the maraschino liqueur and lavender simple syrup, the sour notes from the lemon juice help balance it out.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Certainly! You can substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit and follow the rest of the recipe as is. It might not be an exact match, but it will give you a refreshing and flavorful drink.
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