32 Aviation Cocktails: Easy Recipes

The Aviation cocktail is one of my favorites, and it has such a cool backstory. This classic gin drink has been around since the early 1900s when a bartender at New York City’s Hotel Wallick first mixed it up. What makes it special is how it blends gin with maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice. The beautiful purple color and flowery taste really make it different from other old-school cocktails.

The Aviation has seen a revival after being forgotten for many years. Notable figures like Harry Craddock and Hugo Ensslin have kept its legacy alive by including it in their famous cocktail books. It’s fascinating to see how different variations like the Classic Aviation and Aviator #1 bring new twists to this pre-Prohibition favorite.

Aviation cocktails recipes

1. Original Aviation Drink

This cocktail features a gin-forward base with floral and tart notes, thanks to the Crème de Violette. It boasts a signature pale lavender hue.

Simple Recipe: Mix 2 oz gin, 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur, 1/4 oz Crème de Violette, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with a maraschino cherry or a lemon twist.

2. Anders Erickson’s Take on Aviation

I love Anders Erickson’s twist, which uses refined ingredients for a sophisticated sip.

Simple Recipe: Blend 2 oz Journeyman Distillery Bilberry Black Hearts Gin, 1/4 oz Rothman and Winter Crème de Violette, 1/4 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry and lemon zest.

3. Aviation Gin Fizz

This frothy cocktail is both refreshing and visually stunning, utilizing Empress 1908 Gin and orgeat.

Simple Recipe: Mix 1 ½ oz Empress 1908 gin, 1 oz lemon juice, 1/4 oz Crème de Violette, 1/4 oz orgeat, and 1 egg white in a shaker. Dry shake for 20 seconds, add ice, and shake for another 20 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

4. Arte De Volar

This modern twist uses tequila, offering a unique take on the traditional gin-based drink.

Simple Recipe: Combine 2 oz Patrón Silver, 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.5 oz lime juice, 0.25 oz Giffard Crème de Violette, and 0.25 oz Monin Lavender Syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime peel.

5. Aviator #1 Cocktail

A modern twist on a classic, this drink pairs gin with crème de cassis for an intriguing flavor profile.

Simple Recipe: Shake 2 oz Hayman’s London dry gin, 1/2 oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur, 1/2 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz pasteurized egg white with ice. Strain into a martini glass and add 1/4 oz Joseph Cartron Double Crème de Cassis in the center. Garnish with lemon zest.

6. Blueberration

Adding blueberries to this classic cocktail brings a fruity twist that’s hard to resist.

Simple Recipe: Shake 3 oz blueberry-infused gin, 1 oz maraschino liqueur, 1/2 oz Crème de Violette, and juice from half a lemon with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist and cocktail cherry.

7. Clean Aviation Drink

A unique twist on the classic, featuring absinthe for an added layer of complexity.

Simple Recipe: In a shaker, combine 15 ml Luxardo maraschino liqueur, 7.5 ml Crème de Violette, 15 ml fresh lemon juice, a dash of La Fée Parisienne absinthe, and ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

8. Blue Aviation Cocktail

For an extra splash of color and taste, this cocktail uses dried cornflowers and a paper plane garnish.

Simple Recipe: Combine 1.5 oz gin, 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur, 1/2 oz Crème de Violette, 3/4 oz lemon juice, and 1 egg white in a shaker. Dry shake vigorously, then add ice and shake until cold. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with dried cornflowers or a paper plane.

9. Cloudy Aviation

The egg white in this version gives it a fluffy, cloud-like appearance.

Simple Recipe: Mix 50 ml Hendricks Gin, 15 ml St Germain, 15 ml Edmond Liqueur De Voilette, 15 ml lemon juice, and one egg white in a shaker. Shake without ice (dry shake), then add ice and shake again. Strain into a coupe glass with a maraschino cherry and a few drops of Peychaud’s Bitters.

10. Coconut Aviation

For a tropical twist, this version uses coconut-infused gin.

Simple Recipe: Shake 2 oz coconut-infused gin, 1/2 oz cherry brandy, 1/2 oz lime juice, and a splash of Crème de Violette with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.

11. Deviation Drink

This after-dinner treat is perfect for a sophisticated end to the evening.

Simple Recipe: Shake 2 shots gin, 1 shot Crème de Violette, 1 shot maraschino liqueur, 2 shots lemon juice, and 2 egg whites with ice. Shake until foamy, then strain and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

12. Empress Aviation

This version is colorful and lush, fit for a royal.

Simple Recipe: Mix 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin, 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 oz Crème de Violette in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with a cherry.

13. Dry Aviation

A more refined, sophisticated take on the classic drink.

Simple Recipe: Combine 2 oz Gin New Amsterdam, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz lemon juice, and 1 tsp Crème de Violette Rothman & Winter. Shake with ice, strain into a cocktail coupe, and garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

14. Himbrimi

A nod to the early days of aviation, with a unique gin base.

Simple Recipe: Add 45 ml Himbrimi Winterbird Gin, 15 ml maraschino liqueur, 7 ml Crème de Violette, and 15 ml lemon juice to a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with lemon peel.

15. Hirschon Aviation

This recipe swaps lemon juice for lime juice for a slightly different kick.

Simple Recipe: Shake 2 oz Finnish Napue gin, 3/8 oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, 3/8 oz Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette, and 1 rosemary sprig with ice. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

16. Hugo Ensslin Aviation

A classic that pays homage to the drink’s creator.

Simple Recipe: Combine 45 ml Aviation Gin, 15 ml fresh lemon juice, and 15 ml maraschino liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors.

17. Frozen Aviation

Perfect for hot days, this version turns the classic into a refreshing frozen delight.

Simple Recipe: Blend 2 oz gin, 1/4 oz Crème de Violette, 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and a cup of ice until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

18. IBA Aviation

This drink, recognized by the International Bartenders Association, follows the official standards.

Simple Recipe: Shake 4.5 cl gin, 1.5 cl maraschino liqueur, 1.5 cl Crème de Violette, and 1.5 cl fresh lemon juice with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.

19. Improved Aviation

An updated take with added ingredients for a richer flavor.

Simple Recipe: Mix 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.5 oz Crème de Violette, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and a dash of bitters. Shake with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

20. Kentucky Flyer

A bourbon twist on the classic Aviation.

Simple Recipe: Combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, and 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with a cherry.

21. Lavender Aviation

This version adds a hint of lavender for a fragrant twist.

Simple Recipe: Shake 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.5 oz Crème de Violette, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 dash lavender bitters with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lavender sprig.

22. Larios OTR Aviation

A simplified take using Larios Gin.

Simple Recipe: Mix 2 oz Larios Gin, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, and 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass, and garnish with a cherry.

23. Maiden Flight

A lighter take on the Aviation, with a touch less sweetness.

Simple Recipe: Mix 1.5 oz gin, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz Crème de Violette, and 0.25 oz lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

24. Mezcal Aviation

For a smoky twist, this version uses mezcal instead of gin.

Simple Recipe: Combine 2 oz mezcal, 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz Crème de Violette, and 0.5 oz lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

25. Modern Aviation

An updated classic with a streamlined flavor profile.

Simple Recipe: Mix 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.5 oz Crème de Violette, and 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass, and garnish with a cherry.

26. Mystic Sky

This vibrant version uses blue curaçao for a striking color.

Simple Recipe: Shake 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz blue curaçao, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, and 0.25 oz lemon juice with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

27. Perfect Aviation

A balanced cocktail that’s easy to make and enjoy.

Simple Recipe: Combine 2 oz gin, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz Crème de Violette, 0.25 oz lemon juice, and 1 dash orange bitters with ice. Shake and strain into a glass, garnish with a cherry.

28. Pure Aviation

This no-frills version focuses on classic ingredients.

Simple Recipe: Shake 2 oz gin, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz Crème de Violette, and 0.5 oz lemon juice with ice. Strain and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

29. Sky Blue Aviation

A visually appealing cocktail using blue ingredients.

Simple Recipe: Mix 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz blue curaçao, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, and 0.5 oz lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake, strain into a glass, and garnish with lemon twist.

30. Takumi’s Take

Takumi’s variant uses unique Japanese ingredients.

Simple Recipe: Shake 2 oz Japanese gin, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz yuzu juice, and 0.25 oz Crème de Violette with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with yuzu peel.

31. Perfume-y Aviation

A fragrant twist with floral notes.

Simple Recipe: Mix 2 oz gin, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.25 oz Crème de Violette, and 0.25 oz lavender syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass, and garnish with a lavender sprig.

32. Alcohol-Free Aviation

For a non-alcoholic option that captures the essence of the classic.

Simple Recipe: Combine 2 oz non-alcoholic gin, 0.25 oz maraschino-flavored syrup, 0.25 oz violet syrup, and 0.5 oz lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake, strain into a glass, and garnish with a cherry.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Aviation Cocktail

Is an Aviation Cocktail the same as Aviation Gin?

No, the Aviation Cocktail isn’t related to the Aviation Gin brand. The drink itself goes back to the pre-Prohibition period.

What does the Aviation Cocktail taste like?

The Aviation Cocktail has a gin-centric taste, balanced with the sweet flavors of crème de violette. Lemon juice adds a tart and refreshing acidity, enhancing the floral notes.

When should I drink an Aviation Cocktail?

I think the Aviation is great for spring with its floral notes, making it a lovely choice for Easter. Its striking purple color makes it suitable for various seasons, including winter.