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#Aviation
• 2 ounces #gin
• 3/4 ounce #maraschino liqueur
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
Garnish: Cherry
Shake with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass.
This cult favorite first appeared in 1916, in "Recipes for Mixed Drinks", by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at Times Square’s Hotel Wallick.
…some may fault me for not including crème de violette in this recipe, that was not an unintentional omission.
The recipe first appears in 1916, in "Recipes for Mixed Drinks", by Hugo Ensslin. Ensslin’s original formula included crème de violette, which tints the drink a light sky blue. It is Harry Craddock's "Savoy Cocktail Book" from 1930 in which we find the version of the Aviation without the crème de violette, but otherwise it is the exact same recipe as Mr. Ensslins.
…I feel that the Savoy recipe (without crème de violette) is a better one, which is probably why this change was made. They certainly had crème de violette at the Savoy, so they didn’t need to omit it like we did in the early 2000’s when there were none available.
…I think the only reason to still include crème de violette in an Aviation, is to be strict about following the “original” recipe. But then if that is the case, you would need to make a White Lady with Creme de Menthe, Cointreau, and Lemon Juice.
@DrinkBoy As a great Aviation aficionado, I would say the best reason to add the Crème de Violette is the color. Without it, the drink has a rather ominous color. With it, it can come out more sky(ish) hence the aviation name. When making it for others, the purple definitely gets some oohs, whereas one without doesn’t garner the same interest. Taste wise, I’m not sure it matters much, but I’m one that values presentation as well.
@christopher
I agree that the purple hue does add some visual interest to the drink, but I also find that the violet does add a slightly “muddy” flavor as well, without it, I think the drink is crisper and more refreshing.
@DrinkBoy It’s fair, and I admit to liking them with a bit of a clean battery zap to them. If you go with a very dry gin, and maybe a bit more luxardo I don’t think the violette throws it off much, but I don’t think I’d complain either way and I feel like both are correct.
@christopher
I think it would be different if the violet version was popular for many decades and people expected that color.
@christopher @DrinkBoy I think I would miss more than just the color in my version (60 gin/30 lemon/25-ish maraschino/7-8-ish violette). I appreciate the floral aroma that floats lightly over everything else going on. That said, my interest is definitely piqued by the specs linked in the top post. 
@DrinkBoy I frequently forget how easy and tasty an Aviation is! Thanks for the reminder. I’ll make one when I get home.
