A Timeless Classic to End the Year: The Aviation Cocktail

As the year winds down, I couldn’t think of a better way to toast to the memories we’ve made together than with the elegant and timeless Aviation Cocktail. This beautiful drink, with its delicate floral notes and enchanting violet hue, feels like a celebration in a glass—a perfect reflection of the warmth and gratitude I feel as I look back on the past year.

Elegant cocktail glass filled with a delicious aviation cocktail and garnished with a maraschino cherry. Placed on a black slate plate.

My love for violets runs deep, as some of you may remember from my candied violet recipe and the sparkling violet wine. Today, that love finds a new expression in this classic cocktail that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.

Ready to mix up this stunning cocktail and raise a glass to another year of cherished moments?

Before we dive in, I just want to take a moment to thank you, my wonderful readers, for being part of this journey. Your support, kind words, and shared enthusiasm for delicious flavors and creative recipes mean the world to me. To my family, my friends, and to all of you who’ve joined me virtually from kitchens and living rooms across the globe—thank you.

So, let’s shake up this elegant Aviation Cocktail together, savor its bright and floral flavors, and toast to the joy of the present and the hope of the year to come. Here’s to health, happiness, and another year of creating something special together. Cheers!

🥘 Ingredients

Gin
Maraschino liqueur
Freshly squeezed lemon juice - check out our blog post about “how much lemon juice is in one lemon”!
Crème de Violette - or a substitute like Monin Violette liqueur. Check our more substitutes below!
Cubed ice for the shaker
A maraschino cherry as a garnish

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍸 Step-by-Step

Add cubed ice to the shaker. — Cubed ice

Add Maraschino liqueur to the shaker. — Maraschino liqueur

Add violett liqueur to the shaker. — Violet liqueur

Pour the drink into a chilled cocktail glass.

Spoon with a Maraschino cherry, placed over the aviation cocktail, while Maraschino cherry juice is dropping from the spoon. — Slide the Maraschino cherry

Maraschino cherry placed in the cocktail, while cherry juice is dropping from the spoon into the glass. — into your cocktail glass.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Add gin, Maraschino liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Crème de Violette to your cocktail shaker. This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Toss in a handful of ice cubes to chill your cocktail to perfection.

Step 3: Close the shaker tightly—give it a festive shake! Let the ingredients blend and chill into a smooth symphony of flavors.

Step 4: Fine strain the cocktail into a chilled glass, letting its enchanting violet hue shine.

Step 5: Garnish with a maraschino cherry for that classic, celebratory touch.

Cheers to a drink as elegant as the year we’ve shared!

💜 Substitutions

Crème de Violette is a classic Aviation cocktail’s heart and soul, and there’s nothing quite like it. Its dreamy violet hue and delicate floral flavor adds an elegance that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. Made from violet petals and a neutral spirit, this liqueur weaves a soft sweetness into the drink while creating that iconic lavender-tinted glow. It’s the secret ingredient that makes an Aviation more than just a cocktail—it’s an experience. For anyone who loves a little touch of magic in their glass, Crème de Violette is simply unforgettable.

🤷‍♀️ But, what if you don't have Crème de Violette at home?

Try the following substitutions 👇

1. La Liqueur de Monin Saveur Violette (16% Vol)

If you’ve been using La Liqueur de Monin Saveur Violette, you’re on the right track! This delightful liqueur brings a lovely floral flavor and that signature violet hue, though it’s a touch lighter than traditional Crème de Violette. Its sweetness is perfectly balanced, making it a wonderful option for an Aviation cocktail.

2. Homemade Violet Syrup + Vodka

Feeling a bit adventurous? Try making your own blend of violet syrup and vodka—it’s a simple and budget-friendly alternative to Crème de Violette! The syrup delivers that gorgeous floral sweetness, and the vodka adds just enough strength to balance it out. Mix equal parts syrup and vodka, and voilà—you’ve got a DIY liqueur that works beautifully in the cocktail.

Tip: Since this version is naturally sweeter, you might want to reduce the lemon juice to keep everything in perfect harmony.

3. Parfait Amour

If you’re looking for something with a little extra flair, Parfait Amour is a delightful choice! This liqueur is floral and sweet, with subtle hints of vanilla and orange that add an extra layer of complexity to your drink. It’s a bit more indulgent and might take your Aviation in a slightly new direction—but what a festive way to mix things up!

Tip: Because Parfait Amour leans sweeter, you might want to reduce the Maraschino liqueur slightly to let the other flavors shine.

4. Blue Curaçao + Violet Syrup

For a vibrant twist, why not combine blue curaçao with violet syrup? You’ll get a cocktail that’s bold in color and deliciously unique. The curaçao adds a hint of sweet citrus, while the violet syrup keeps that floral charm front and center.

Tip: Since this combo brings its own sweetness, consider using a touch less lemon juice to balance everything beautifully.

5. St-Germain (Elderflower Liqueur) + Violet Syrup

If you’re feeling extra fancy, St-Germain and violet syrup are a match made in cocktail heaven! St-Germain’s delicate elderflower flavor pairs beautifully with the floral sweetness of violet syrup, creating a unique and sophisticated take on the classic Aviation.

Tip: Taste-test this mix before adding Maraschino, as both St-Germain and violet syrup bring plenty of sweetness. This way, every sip is perfectly balanced.

🍽 Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Sharp knife & cutting board
Measuring tools/Jigger
Fine strainer
Cocktail glass

Other Recipes for You to Try

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📖 Recipe