There’s something magical about a well-crafted cocktail—the way flavors dance on your palate, the vibrant colors that tease your eyes, and the artistry behind each pour. If you’re looking to elevate your mixology game, the Aviation cocktail recipe is a must-try. With its dreamy lavender hue and perfectly balanced taste, this classic drink is just the beginning.
Today, I’m sharing 7 Aviation cocktail recipes that will transport your taste buds to new heights—from the timeless original to creative riffs that add a modern twist. Whether you’re a cocktail newbie or a seasoned home bartender, these recipes will inspire you to shake, stir, and sip like a pro.
1. The Classic Aviation Cocktail
The original sky-high sipper with a floral punch
Ingredients:
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2 oz gin (London Dry works best)
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz maraschino liqueur
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¼ oz crème de violette
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Luxardo cherry (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Fill a shaker with ice.
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Add gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette.
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Shake well until chilled.
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Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
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Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
What it tastes like: A delicate balance of gin’s botanicals, maraschino liqueur’s nutty sweetness, and crème de violette’s floral touch, finished with a bright citrus kick.
What it looks like: A pale, dreamy lavender—like a sunset over the clouds.
2. The Blue Aviation
A bolder, more vibrant take on the classic
Ingredients:
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2 oz blueberry-infused gin (steep fresh blueberries in gin for 24 hours)
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz elderflower liqueur (instead of maraschino)
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¼ oz crème de violette
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Blueberry skewer (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake all ingredients with ice.
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Double-strain into a coupe glass.
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Garnish with fresh blueberries.
What it tastes like: A fruitier, slightly sweeter version with blueberry-infused gin and a touch of violet magic.
What it looks like: A deep, mesmerizing indigo—like twilight in a glass.
3. The Smoky Aviation
A moody, mezcal-spiked variation
Ingredients:
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1½ oz mezcal
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½ oz gin
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz maraschino liqueur
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¼ oz crème de violette
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Lemon twist (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
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Shake and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
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Express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in.
What it tastes like: Earthy, smoky mezcal meets floral violette, creating a cocktail with depth and intrigue.
What it looks like: A dusky purple with a golden rim.
4. The Raspberry Aviation
A fruity, refreshing spin
Ingredients:
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2 oz gin
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz raspberry syrup (blend raspberries with sugar and strain)
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¼ oz crème de violette
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Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and crème de violette with ice.
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Strain into a Nick & Nora glass.
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Float a few raspberries on top.
What it tastes like: Tart raspberries mingle with gin and violette for a berry-forward delight.
What it looks like: A rosy lavender with a pinkish glow.
5. The Zero-Proof Aviation
All the flavor, none of the alcohol
Ingredients:
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2 oz non-alcoholic gin alternative (like Monday Gin)
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz elderflower syrup
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¼ oz violet syrup
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Soda water (to top)
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Edible flower (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake all ingredients (except soda) with ice.
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Strain into a flute glass.
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Top with soda water.
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Garnish with an edible flower.
What it tastes like: A bright, floral, and citrusy mocktail with the same elegance as the original.
What it looks like: A soft lilac hue.
6. The Spiced Aviation
Warm spices meet cool florals
Ingredients:
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2 oz spiced gin (infuse gin with cinnamon sticks & cardamom pods)
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz honey syrup
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¼ oz crème de violette
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Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
How to Make It:
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Shake all ingredients with ice.
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Strain into a coupe glass.
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Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
What it tastes like: A winter-friendly twist with cinnamon and cardamom warmth.
What it looks like: A muted mauve with a golden swirl.
7. The Tropical Aviation
A vacation in a glass
Ingredients:
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1½ oz gin
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½ oz coconut rum
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¾ oz pineapple juice
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½ oz maraschino liqueur
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¼ oz crème de violette
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Pineapple wedge (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a tiki glass over crushed ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Conclusion
There you have it—7 Aviation cocktail recipes that’ll make you the star of any home bar. Whether you stick with the classic or venture into smoky, fruity, or tropical variations, each sip promises a journey through flavor and color.
