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Aviation Cocktail (Difford's recipe)
Citrus, floral gin with a slightly sour finish. The recipe above has been my preferred recipe for some years. However, in early 2020, I decided that...
Nathalie O'Flynn
19th August 2020 at 14:09
I was wondering what cocktail I was going to make today so suggested to my husband he looks up what Difford’s guide had in store for today and announced today was Aviation day, and this is one of my favourites. Although I tend to go for Harry Cradock’s recipe, I do stray Away with this one because of the amount of Maraschino liqueur. However the recipe my husband pulled up from the site when searching is just slightly different than the one just here above, but don’t miss the sugar syrup.
15th August 2020 at 21:03
I find the Maraschino overpowers the balance. Lowered to just a dash and 3/4 oz of Violette allows the florals and herbaceousness of the gin to come through.
20th June 2020 at 23:48
Mr. Difford, thank you for your reply. In my never-ending quest to keep the local economy chugging along, I received delivery today of Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette. Using my recipe, and with this in place of the Tempus Fugit, we think we've got it now!
21st June 2020 at 09:39
I made Aviations last night after receiving an email expressing a preference for my original recipe, and again this morning after seeing your comment. I tried with 60ml gin and this agreeably lifts botanical notes. However, I’ve found myself returning to where I started months ago. Benoit Serres is my preferred crème de violette.
20th June 2020 at 02:24
I still like your original recipe! It's a hit with friends, too. Perhaps my pallet will refine with time.
17th June 2020 at 01:23
After some experimentation, very happy with 2oz Sipsmith; 1/2oz each of lemon juice and Luxardo Maraschino, and 1/4 oz of Tempus Fugit Liqueur De Violettes. The only downside is the pink rather than blue hue ....
3rd July 2020 at 05:02
After some further experimentation, purely in the interest of science, I've increased the lemon juice to 3/4 oz, with the others remaining in place. So, 2 oz Sipsmith, 1/2 oz Luxardo Maraschino, 1/4 oz Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette, and 3/4 oz lemon juice. It now seems a bit more complex and slightly less sweet.
17th June 2020 at 07:17
I love Tempus Fugit liqueurs but not their Liqueur de Violettes. It's their weakest product and causing your colour issue. Your recipe is great!
9th June 2020 at 19:33
I notice you reduced the Maraschino and creme de violette and added the simple syrup in the past month or so. I'm curious what led you to make the adaptation?
10th June 2020 at 06:31
I mention this in my comment under the recipe but I have expanded this to show my own recipe and explain why (please see above). I retried my Aviation while working through all cocktail Hall of Fame recipes. It jumped out as not as harmonious as I remembered, hence the change. Be good to know your thoughts?
30th April 2020 at 18:08
Dizzying array of Aviation recipes/variations out there - our own take at home is fairly sturdy, in part to suit the modern trend for somewhat oversize glassware:
2 oz Gin - (we use Tanqueray 10)
3/4 oz Luxardo
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/4 oz creme de violette
1/4 oz St. Germain (our secret ingredient)
cherry garnish
We have never seen one made that is as purple-hued and clear as some of the photos found online - mb
2 oz Gin - (we use Tanqueray 10)
3/4 oz Luxardo
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/4 oz creme de violette
1/4 oz St. Germain (our secret ingredient)
cherry garnish
We have never seen one made that is as purple-hued and clear as some of the photos found online - mb
30th April 2020 at 18:48
Just tried your recipe and it's tasty. A tad sweeter but I really like the floral elderflower notes. Back in 2006, I went down a similar route with my Elder Aviator.