The return of the Aviation cocktail signaled the rebirth of the classic cocktail. Using ingredients that were obscure a mere ten years ago, this drink is simple and snappy and speaks of the era surrounding Prohibition. The original Aviation cocktail was created in the early years of the twentieth century by one of us—a New York bartender, Hugo Ensslin, who was the head bartender at the Wallick Hotel. Probably his intention was to celebrate the Wright Brothers and other achievements in flight made at that time. Ensslin also published the recipe in his book, Recipes for Mixed Drinks, which appeared in 1916 and in which he called for dry gin, lemon juice, maraschino, and crème de violette. We must assume that the crème de violette Ensslin had at his disposal is different than the ones we have today, as the drink does not turn sky-blue. Harry Craddock left out the crème de violette in The Savoy Cocktail Book and so did many others. Only recently have we begun to see the emergence of really high-quality crème de violette on the market—but it still remains to be seen if it will catch on beyond cocktail geekery. We add a touch of aromatic bitters at the end to dazzle your nose and create depth.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　1 1/2 ounces Plymouth gin

　　1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

　　3/4 ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur

　　1/4 ounce simple syrup (page 154)

　　1 dash Angostura bitters

　　1 lemon wheel, for garnish

　　1 brandied cherry (see page 36), for garnish

　　

Step 1

Pour the gin, juice, liqueur, and syrup into a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add the bitters and garnish with the lemon wheel and cherry.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: juniper and citrus

　　

Step 3

Body: light, crisp citrus-driven

　　

Step 4

Dryness: medium to dry

　　

Step 5

Complexity: medium

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: maraschino cherry

　　

Step 7

Finish: medium, lingering with maraschino overtones

　　

Step 8

Glass: cocktail

　　Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.