Last night, as I was noodling on ideas for this week’s cocktail, the hubby requested something with gin. I was itching to use my new maraschino liqueur, too, since I was finally able to track it down.* The perfect combination was obvious: the Aviation, a classic cocktail I have tried and failed to replicate before.
* Spec’s, huzzah! Twin Liquors (a local chain) is great for run-of-the-mill stuff, but I’ve had to get the new lay of the land on speciality liquor stores since moving here.
You may remember that last time I went on the hunt for maraschino liqueur, I came home with Cherry Heering instead. I’ve enjoyed it, and I plan to experiment with it more, but it isn’t maraschino liqueur. With the real stuff (although still lacking Crème de Violette), I was able to make a real Aviation cocktail this time, and it was utterly delicious, if I do say so myself. The hubby agreed.
Now all I have to do is hunt down some Crème de Violette (or Crème Yvette, which is similar, and with which I am a little obsessed after reading Boozehound) to add the dash of sky blue color from which the Aviation derives its name.
- 2 oz dry gin
- ½ oz maraschino liqueur, such as Luxardo
- ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- two dashes Crème de Violette or Crème Yvette (optional)
- lemon twist, for garnish
- Combine the gin, maraschino liqueur and lemon juice in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Yes, please. I’ll be on the lookout for creme de violette.
SAHMmelier recently posted..Branching Out on the Trail
I love gin-based cocktails, so I will have to give this a try!
Michelle Collins recently posted..Homemade Croutons
Thanks for the mention! One of our favorite drinks. The Violette does play with the flavor, some like it, some don’t. The color will be cool…
Stewart Putney recently posted..Weekly Cocktail #41: The White Negroni
I think it’ll be worth it for the color alone, really.
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Both my husband and myself are obsessed with this cocktail! Our recipe is slightly different (less lemon juice, more Luxardo), so ours is a little sweeter. Here is our recipe: http://vwahlah.com/2013/02/08/aviation-recipe/
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