The world of cocktails is vast and varied, a swirling mix of tradition, innovation, and regional specialties. Among the classics, some drinks possess a certain mystique, their names whispering of elegance and bygone eras. The Aviation is undoubtedly one of those cocktails. But if you find yourself at a bar, ready to impress with your sophisticated palate, can you actually order an Aviation and expect the bartender to know what you’re talking about? Let’s delve into the details, exploring the Aviation’s history, its ingredients, potential hurdles in ordering it, and how to ensure you get the perfect rendition.
The Alluring History of the Aviation Cocktail
To understand why ordering an Aviation can be a bit of a gamble, it’s helpful to know its origin story. The Aviation was created in the early 20th century, around 1916, by Hugo Ensslin, the head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City. Its signature pale blue hue, reminiscent of the sky, comes from a unique ingredient: crème de violette.
The cocktail quickly gained popularity, appearing in early cocktail books and becoming a symbol of the burgeoning aviation age. Its blend of gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette offered a balanced sweet, tart, and floral flavor profile that was both refreshing and sophisticated.
However, the Aviation’s ascent to cocktail stardom wasn’t without turbulence. The crème de violette, the ingredient responsible for the drink’s characteristic color and subtle violet aroma, proved difficult to source. As a result, many bartenders began omitting it from the recipe altogether.
The Aviation’s Essential Ingredients: A Breakdown
The classic Aviation is a delicate balance of flavors, achieved through the precise combination of its core ingredients. Understanding each component is crucial when considering the likelihood of finding it at a bar.
-
Gin: The base spirit, typically London Dry gin, provides the backbone and botanical complexity. The quality of the gin greatly impacts the final taste.
-
Maraschino Liqueur: This cherry-flavored liqueur adds sweetness and a subtle almond note. Luxardo is a well-regarded brand, known for its authentic flavor.
-
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for providing acidity and balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. Bottled juice simply won’t do.
-
Crème de Violette: This is the star ingredient, the one that gives the Aviation its distinctive blue color and floral aroma. Finding a bar that stocks it can be challenging.
Without crème de violette, the drink becomes a different cocktail altogether, often referred to as an “Aviation without Violette.” While still enjoyable, it lacks the crucial element that defines the original Aviation.
The Challenges of Ordering an Aviation: Why It’s Not Always a Smooth Flight
While the Aviation is a well-known cocktail among cocktail enthusiasts, it’s not always a standard offering at every bar. Several factors contribute to this.
The Crème de Violette Conundrum
The primary obstacle is the availability of crème de violette. Many bars, especially those that focus on high-volume drinks or have a more limited cocktail menu, simply don’t stock it. It’s a relatively niche ingredient, and unless the bar has a dedicated cocktail program or a clientele that appreciates classic cocktails, it might not be worth the investment.
This means that even if you order an Aviation, you might receive a drink that lacks the crème de violette, effectively transforming it into a different (albeit related) cocktail.
Bartender Knowledge and Experience
Another factor is the bartender’s familiarity with classic cocktails. A bartender who is well-versed in cocktail history and techniques is more likely to know the Aviation and its proper preparation. However, if the bartender is less experienced or primarily focuses on simpler drinks, they might not recognize the name or know the correct recipe.
Ingredient Quality and Variations
Even if the bar does stock crème de violette and the bartender knows the recipe, the quality of the ingredients can vary significantly. Using subpar gin, bottled lemon juice, or a low-quality maraschino liqueur will undoubtedly impact the final taste of the cocktail. Some bartenders might also take liberties with the proportions, resulting in a drink that is either too sweet, too sour, or unbalanced in other ways.
Navigating the Cocktail Skies: Strategies for Ordering an Aviation Successfully
So, how can you increase your chances of successfully ordering an Aviation at a bar? Here are a few strategies to consider.
Do Your Research
Before heading to a bar with the intention of ordering an Aviation, do some research. Check online reviews or the bar’s website to see if they are known for their cocktail program or if they have a reputation for serving classic cocktails. Look for mentions of crème de violette or other obscure ingredients.
Inquire About the Cocktail Menu
If you’re unsure whether the bar serves Aviations, don’t hesitate to ask. You can call ahead or simply ask the bartender upon arrival if they can make the drink. This gives you a chance to gauge their knowledge and the availability of the ingredients.
Be Specific and Detailed
When ordering, be specific about what you want. Don’t just say “I’ll have an Aviation.” Instead, say “I’d like an Aviation, made with gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette.” This clarifies your expectations and ensures that the bartender knows you’re looking for the genuine article.
Ask About the Crème de Violette
Specifically inquire about the brand and quality of the crème de violette. This can give you an indication of the bar’s commitment to quality ingredients. If they don’t have crème de violette, you can decide whether you still want to try an Aviation without it or opt for a different cocktail altogether.
Be Prepared to Provide the Recipe
If the bartender is unfamiliar with the Aviation, be prepared to provide the recipe. You can easily find the classic recipe online or in a cocktail book. This can help the bartender create the drink correctly, even if they haven’t made it before.
Communicate Your Preferences
Don’t be afraid to communicate your preferences. If you prefer a drier or sweeter drink, let the bartender know. You can also specify the type of gin you prefer or ask for a particular garnish. This allows the bartender to tailor the cocktail to your individual taste.
Offer a Compliment
If the bartender successfully makes a great Aviation, be sure to offer a compliment. This encourages them to continue making quality cocktails and reinforces the value of knowing classic recipes.
Alternative Options: When the Aviation is Grounded
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, ordering an Aviation might not be possible. In such cases, it’s helpful to have some alternative cocktails in mind.
-
The Last Word: This equal-parts cocktail, made with gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice, offers a complex and balanced flavor profile similar to the Aviation.
-
The Bees Knees: This classic Prohibition-era cocktail, made with gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup, provides a refreshing and slightly sweet alternative.
-
The French 75: This elegant cocktail, made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne, offers a bubbly and sophisticated option.
These cocktails share some similarities with the Aviation in terms of ingredients or flavor profiles, making them suitable alternatives when the Aviation is unavailable.
The Future of the Aviation: Will It Take Flight Again?
The Aviation, despite its occasional elusiveness, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. As cocktail culture continues to evolve and more bartenders embrace classic recipes, the Aviation is becoming increasingly common on cocktail menus. The growing availability of crème de violette is also contributing to its revival.
With a little knowledge, preparation, and communication, you can confidently order an Aviation at a bar and enjoy this classic cocktail in all its floral and citrusy glory.
The Perfect Aviation Recipe: A Home Pilot’s Guide
If you cannot find a bar that can make a proper Aviation, why not make it yourself? Here’s a classic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Gin (London Dry)
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 0.25 oz Crème de Violette
- Cherry for Garnish (Optional)
Instructions:
- Chill a coupe or martini glass.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake well until chilled.
- Double strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a cherry, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Aviation!
What exactly is an Aviation cocktail, and what are its key ingredients?
The Aviation cocktail is a classic pre-Prohibition era drink known for its distinctive pale blue hue and complex flavor profile. It typically consists of gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. The gin provides a solid foundation, while the maraschino liqueur contributes a cherry sweetness. The crème de violette is what imparts the drink’s signature color and a floral aroma. Finally, the lemon juice balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing tartness.
The balance of these ingredients is crucial to a well-made Aviation. The crème de violette, in particular, can easily overwhelm the other flavors if used in excess. Some modern variations omit the crème de violette altogether, resulting in a less visually striking but still delicious cocktail, sometimes referred to as a “Purple Aviation” or a “Grey Aviation,” depending on the proportions of the other ingredients.
Why is it sometimes difficult to order an Aviation at a bar?
The Aviation cocktail’s relative obscurity in many modern bars stems from several factors. One primary reason is the availability of crème de violette. This liqueur, with its distinct floral flavor, was difficult to source for a long time, leading bartenders to either be unfamiliar with the drink or unable to make it. Even now, while more readily available, some bars may still choose not to stock it due to its limited use in other common cocktails.
Another contributing factor is the complexity of the cocktail and the potential for error. Balancing the gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette requires a skilled bartender. An improperly made Aviation, especially one with too much crème de violette, can be unpleasant. As a result, bartenders who are not confident in their ability to execute the drink perfectly may be hesitant to make it.
If a bar doesn’t have crème de violette, what are some acceptable substitutions for an Aviation cocktail?
While crème de violette provides the Aviation’s signature flavor and color, a skilled bartender might offer a suitable alternative if it’s unavailable. One common substitution involves using a small amount of blue curaçao. While it lacks the floral notes of crème de violette, it adds the desired blue hue and a subtle orange flavor that can complement the other ingredients. However, it’s important to note that using blue curaçao will significantly alter the cocktail’s flavor profile.
Another option, though less common, is to simply omit the crème de violette altogether and focus on balancing the gin, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice. This will result in a tart and refreshing drink that still retains some of the Aviation’s characteristics. It’s crucial to communicate your preferences clearly to the bartender, indicating your acceptance or preference for any substitutions or omissions.
What should you say when ordering an Aviation to ensure you get what you expect?
To ensure you receive a properly made Aviation, be as specific as possible when ordering. Start by clearly stating the cocktail name: “I’d like an Aviation, please.” Then, inquire about the ingredients. For example, you could ask, “Do you make it with crème de violette?” This confirms whether the bar stocks the crucial ingredient and indicates your knowledge of the drink.
Furthermore, you can specify your preferred gin. Certain gins, particularly those with strong botanical profiles, can dramatically impact the Aviation’s overall taste. If you have a preference (e.g., “I’d prefer it with a London Dry gin”), mentioning it can help the bartender tailor the drink to your liking. Also, don’t hesitate to inquire about the bartender’s experience making the Aviation; their confidence level can be a good indicator of the potential outcome.
Are there variations on the Aviation cocktail recipe that are commonly served?
While the classic Aviation recipe is fairly standardized, some bars may offer variations or modern interpretations. One common variation involves adjusting the ratios of the ingredients to better balance the flavors based on the specific gin and liqueurs used. For instance, some recipes may call for slightly more or less lemon juice to achieve the desired tartness.
Another variation involves using flavored gins, such as those infused with lavender or other floral botanicals. This can complement the crème de violette and enhance the cocktail’s floral notes. However, it can also overpower the other ingredients if not balanced carefully. It’s always a good idea to inquire about any variations before ordering to ensure you’re getting a drink that aligns with your preferences.
What makes a well-made Aviation cocktail stand out from a poorly made one?
A well-made Aviation cocktail is characterized by its balanced flavors and delicate floral aroma. The gin should provide a solid base, complemented by the subtle sweetness of the maraschino liqueur and the refreshing tartness of the lemon juice. The crème de violette should add a nuanced floral note and a beautiful pale blue color, without overwhelming the other flavors. The cocktail should be properly chilled and served in a coupe or martini glass.
A poorly made Aviation, on the other hand, often suffers from an imbalance of flavors. Too much crème de violette can result in a overly floral or even soapy taste. Insufficient lemon juice can make the drink cloyingly sweet. Using low-quality ingredients can also negatively impact the flavor. Furthermore, improper chilling or serving in the wrong type of glass can detract from the overall experience.
Is the Aviation cocktail experiencing a resurgence in popularity, and where might you find it?
Yes, the Aviation cocktail is indeed experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the renewed interest in classic cocktails and the increasing availability of crème de violette. Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts are rediscovering its unique flavor profile and elegant presentation. This has led to its inclusion on more cocktail menus and a greater awareness among consumers.
You are more likely to find the Aviation at cocktail-focused bars and establishments with a strong emphasis on classic drinks. These bars typically have a well-stocked liquor selection and bartenders who are knowledgeable about cocktail history and techniques. Online resources, such as cocktail databases and recipe websites, can also help you identify bars in your area that serve the Aviation.