Cocktails have long been a favorite aong those who enjoy flying and aviation cocktails are especially popular. Aviation cocktails are a classic cocktail that has been around since the early 20th century, and its ingredients are just as timeless as its flavor.
The main ingredients in an aviation cocktail are gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette. Gin is a spirit made from juniper berries that is clear and has a distinct taste. The maraschino liqueur is made from Marasca cherries that have been steeped in alcohol for several months. This liqueur adds sweetness to the drink along with a hint of almond flavor. Lemon juice provides acidity to the drink whle adding some zesty and tart notes. And finally, the crème de violette adds an intriguing floral flavor while also giving the drink its signature blue-violet hue.
There are variations to this classic recipe, such as using lime juice instead of lemon juice or using different types of gin like London dry or Plymouth gin. Some recipes also call for orange flower water or bitters, which can be used to add complexity to the flavor profile of the cocktail. Additionally, some recipes use other types of liqueurs in place of crème de violette like crème de cassis or blue curaçao for a more vibrant color and sweeter taste.
Aviation cocktails are simple yet flavorful drinks that can be enjoyed by all kinds of people who love to fly! Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or something more complex and savory, these delicious drinks will definitey hit the spot!
What Does the Aviation Cocktail Taste Like?
The Aviation cocktail is a sour-sweet mix of floral and herbal notes. It starts with a base of gin, giving it an earthy flavor profile. This is then balanced with a combination of lemon juice, Maraschino liqueur, and simple syrup that work together to give the cocktail its tart and sweet taste. Finally, crème de violette adds a subtle hint of floral notes to the mix, wich gives the cocktail a unique complexity. The end result is an incredibly smooth drink that can be enjoyed any time of day.
The Origin of the Name ‘Aviation Cocktail'
The Aviation cocktail is so named due to the addition of crème de violette, which gives the cocktail a pale sky-blue colour. This cocktail dates back to the early age of aeronautics, when air travel was a glamorous and luxurious experience only available to the wealthy. The name of the drink pays homage to this time in history and serves as a reminder of the glamour associated with aviation during its heyday. Furthermore, choosing the right brand of crème de violette is essential for achieving both the desired colour and flavour of this classic cocktail.
Basic Ingredients for Cocktails
The basic cocktail ingredients include spirits, mixers, garnishes and bitters. Spirits are the alcoholic base of a cocktail, and typically include vodka, gin, tequila, rum and whiskey. Mixers add flavor and dilute the alcohol; popular options include lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup or triple sec. Garnishes are used to enhance the flavor or presentation of a cocktail; they can be anything from a lime wedge to an entire sprig of mint. Bitters are an aromatic flavoring agent made from herbs and spices that provide depth to a cocktail's flavor profile. All of thee ingredients combine to make delicious cocktails perfect for any occasion!
Alcohol Content in an Aviation Cocktail
An Aviation cocktail contains 27 percent ABV (54 proof), which is on the lighter side compared to oter popular cocktails. This is higher than the typical amount of alcohol in beer, which ranges from 4-6%, and lower than a gin martini, which typically contains 40% ABV (80 proof). The drink's light flavor belies its potency, so it's important to keep track of how much you're consuming if you plan on enjoying an Aviation.
The Seven Basic Cocktails
The 7 basic cocktails are essential drinks for any bartender or at-home mixologist. They are the foundation of classic cocktails and prvide a great starting point for any aspiring cocktail creator.
1. The Martini: This classic cocktail is made with gin or vodka and vermouth, and is garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon peel. It is traditionally served in a chilled martini glass.
2. The Manhattan: This flavorful drink consists of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, whih gives it its signature flavor and color. It is usually served on the rocks with a maraschino cherry as garnish.
3. The Negroni: This Italian concoction combines gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to create an aromatic and bitter-sweet drink that is best enjoyed over ice with an orange peel garnish.
4. The Old-Fashioned: Made with whiskey (traditionally bourbon) this timeless drink includes bitters and sugar or simple syrup to add sweetness to the drink's base spirit. It is typically served over ice with an orange slice or cherry as garnish.
5. Gin & Tonic: This easy-to-make cocktail features gin mixed with tonic water to create a refreshingly light beverage perfect for summer days on the patio or warm nights by the firepit!
6. Daiquiri: A popular favorite among tiki bar aficionados, the daiquiri consists of rum mixed with lime juice and simple syrup for a tart yet sweet flavor combination that can be enjoyed frozen or on the rocks!
7. Margarita: A classic tequila based cocktail made from mixing tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup (or simple syrup). It's best served on the rocks in a salt rimmed glass!
The Four Basic Cocktails
Sours: A Sour is a type of mixed drink that combines a base liquor (such as whiskey, gin, brandy, or rum) with lemon or lime juice and sugar. It may also include oher ingredients such as egg white, simple syrup, fruit juices, or liqueurs. Popular sours include the Margarita and the Whiskey Sour.
Fizzes: A Fizz is a type of mixed drink made with a base spirit (such as gin or rum) combined with soda water and citrus juice. It may also contan other ingredients such as syrups, cream, egg whites, or liqueurs. Popular fizzes include the Gin Fizz and the Ramos Gin Fizz.
Old-Fashioneds: An Old-Fashioned is a type of classic mixed drink that combines a base spirit (usually whiskey) with bitters (such as Angostura), sugar, water, and sometimes an orange peel for garnish. It is usually served over ice in an old-fashioned glass.
Three-Parters: A Three-Parter is a type of mixed drink that contains thee ingredients; one spirit (such as vodka or tequila), one sour mix (such as lime juice), and one sweetener (such as simple syrup). Popular three-parters include the Cosmopolitan and the Long Island Iced Tea.
The Distinctive Characteristics of Aviation Gin
Aviation Gin is a unique take on American-style gin that offers a softer, smoother flavor profile than traditional London dry gins. Its unique blend of botanicals includes cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper and two kinds of orange peel, provding a more subtle juniper flavor than its London dry counterparts. This creates a balanced blend of flavors that makes Aviation Gin stand out from the crowd.
Can Aviation Gin Be Drunk Straight?
Yes, it is possible to drink Aviation Gin straight. It has a smooth, creamy texture that makes it enjoyable when served neat in a chilled glass. The flavor of Aviation Gin is rich and lightly savory, with a spicy finish that adds complexity and depth to the spirit. It is best enjoyed chilled down and unadorned so that its natural flavors can shine through.
Conclusion
The ingredients used to make a classic aviation cocktail are gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette. The combination of thee ingredients creates a complex flavor profile of sweet and sour with a hint of floral notes. Gin provides the base alcohol content while the maraschino liqueur adds sweetness and subtle almond notes. Lemon juice adds tartness and brightness while crème de violette provides a light floral flavor that complements the other ingredients. This classic cocktail is an ideal choice for any occasion, sure to please all who try it.
