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Clean Aviation

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (88)
Clean Aviation image
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
1 3⁄4 fl oz Ketel One Vodka
1⁄2 fl oz Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
1⁄4 fl oz Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette Liqueur
1⁄2 fl oz Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 dash La Fée Parisienne absinthe
1⁄4 fl oz Chilled water/mineral water

Read about cocktail measures and measuring

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How to make

Glass

Photographed in an UB Retro Coupe 1910

Prepare

  1. Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
  2. Prepare garnish of lemon zest twist.

Method

  1. SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
  2. FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. EXPRESS lemon zest twist over the cocktail and use as garnish.

Flavour Profile

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
More cocktails with similar strength and taste profile

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition:

One serving of Clean Aviation contains 174 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 1.6 standard drinks
  • 20.68% alc./vol. (41.36° proof)
  • 21.7 grams of pure alcohol

Values stated for alcohol and calorie content, and number of drinks an ingredient makes should be considered approximate.

History

Created in November 2020 by yours truly as a result of a comment left by Julie Kovar on our Aviation page.

More cocktails by Simon Difford

Review

Named in homage to the laudable quest for a clean aviation fuel, this is a classic Aviation (usually based on gin) but made with vodka and given a touch of extra complexity with the merest hint of absinthe.

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$3.38 per cocktail*

Makes a minimum of 14 cocktails.
Shipping and applicable tax calculated at checkout.


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* May not include all ingredients. Price per cocktail is an estimate based on cost of one cocktail with ingredients shown above and does not include shipping.

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Gallery

Comments & Discussion

Ruth Harvey
I prefer this to the classic Aviation. It's less perfumed and more balanced.
score: 1
Tuber Magnatum Premium Member
Made this again and was less keen on it tonight. I agree with Charl Engela's comment below that it is lacking without the gin and therefore for me was a little too crème de violette forward. Also, maybe as it is end of week, I was looking for something a little stronger tasting, so as per John Carr's comment, maybe a tad too much water even with "dry" ice.
score: 1
John Hinojos Premium Member
Made this cocktail again. Still love it. Since we are both big absinthe fans, we added a spritz of absinthe on the top of the cocktail before serving. Added a lovely light herbal smell and flavour.
score: 0
John CARR Premium Member
A very nice aviation. Clean really describes it. And a very pleasant minerality from the vodka. I always serve aviations in a martini glass, as I feel is suited to the 1920s streamlined and modernist aesthetic of the drink.
score: 1
John CARR Premium Member
I may have over shaken and increased dilution, but I feel 5ml added water would be sufficient here.
score: 1
Jasmine Lee
Instead of adding the absinthe to the shaker, I did an absinthe rinse, inspired by my love of the Sunflower cocktail. Turned out well!
score: 3
Rüber Drinks
Lovely variation on the classic Aviation.

Given that we are in the season of Halloween, I would propose the following variation:

Hounds Black Vodka in place of the traditional clear, and a dusting of purple edible glitter, for effect. Variation name: Fly By Night.

Thank you for maintaining this site; I cannot count the number of people I have referred here for the best in cocktails.
score: 2
Simon Difford Verified User Premium Member
Many thanks for your kind words and for your suggestion.
score: 0
Charl Engela
Very nice indeed, but I think I prefer this with a citrusy gin rather than vodka. I also think I put in more than a dash of absinthe which is quite easy to do with the La Fée bottle with the integrated spout. Less next time.
score: 3
John Hinojos Premium Member
Of all the Aviation cocktails, this one is my first choice. Simple and clean. Good blending of flavours.
score: 2
Beverly Stanton
Very nice variation of an Aviation. The hint of licorice really was lovely.
score: 2

View 9 comments and discussion

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Difford’s Shop logo
$3.38 per cocktail*

Makes a minimum of 14 cocktails.
Shipping and applicable tax calculated at checkout.


Orders are processed by a licensed Fulproof retailer. The buy now button is added simply for convenience.

Checkout

* May not include all ingredients. Price per cocktail is an estimate based on cost of one cocktail with ingredients shown above and does not include shipping.

Visit Difford’s Shop USA

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