So, one of my buddies came over for 4pm Happy Hour yesterday, and we had a drink that I hadn’t made in over a year…and Aviation.
I forgot how good this drink is! It’s not for everyone, as it uses crème de violette (which my wife tells me smells and tastes like soap, but I really enjoy), so you may want to try that out before you jump in (but I’ll give you a few variants to substitute if the violette isn’t your bag).
If you know how to handle a shaker, you can make this drink. Also, play with the gins; for this drink I tend to use a dry gin (Beefeaters is just fine), but a more floral gin would definitely change the taste of this one.
At any rate, give it a try…it’s tasty!
Aviation
2 ounces gin
½ ounce maraschino liqueur
½ ounce crème de violette or crème yvette (although creme de cassis is yummy, as is elderberry liqueur)
½ to ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
Garnish: brandied cherry
Pour all contents into a shaker filled with ice and shake. Then pour shaken drinks into highball or martini glass. Garish each with a cherry and serve.
Enjoy!