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 It was originally made with crème de violette, which gave the drink a sky-blue color, hence the name 'Aviation'.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.
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.
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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.
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.