The cocktail notebook · Gin
Aviation
Gin, cherry-like maraschino and floral violet. A advanced comparison study made by shake and strain.
- Base
- gin
- Method
- Shake & Strain
- Glass
- Cocktail coupe
- Yield
- One drink
Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. IBA specifies one bar spoon; house calibrates it at 5 ml. Use cracked shaking ice.
Aviation recipe
1 serving · IBA reference recipeMillilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 45 ml≈ 1.5 US fl oz | gin |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | Luxardo maraschino liqueur |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | fresh lemon juice |
| 5 ml≈ 0.25 US fl oz | crème de violette, calibrated house bar spoon |
Ice: Preparation ice only; no serving ice. Garnish: 1 maraschino cherry, optional.
Learning bar service? Find the Aviation in the free course's optional references →
How to make it
- Chill the serving glass and confirm the exact products and any dietary requirements.
- Measure all recipe ingredients into a shaker with fresh cracked ice.
- Shake to mix and chill; strain into the chilled serving glass; fine strain herbs or chilli where needed.
- Apply the specified garnish using clean tools; serve promptly.
Why it works: A small floral liqueur dose can dominate aroma. Compare violette products at the same calibrated volume and record colour separately from flavour.
Common mistakes, useful fixes
Unrecorded substitution
Explain that actual colour depends on the violette product; do not increase it just for colour.
Inconsistent finish
check the exact measures, products and preparation sequence.
Unclear guest expectation
explain this specification before preparing.
Serving the guest
What to tell the guest
Gin, cherry-like maraschino and floral violet. Explain that actual colour depends on the violette product; do not increase it just for colour.
Dietary and product checks
Check all exact product labels and relevant guest restrictions; no generic recipe guarantees safety.
Variations
- Any variant must be named and recorded. Explain that actual colour depends on the violette product; do not increase it just for colour.
Where does the Aviation come from?
Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)
The cited IBA page establishes this modern reference recipe, not a definitive country, inventor or date. This lesson keeps those historical questions open rather than repeating an unsupported origin tale. Its learning purpose is specific: A small floral liqueur dose can dominate aroma. Compare violette products at the same calibrated volume and record colour separately from flavour.
Aviation questions
What is the key decision in this study?
A small floral liqueur dose can dominate aroma. Compare violette products at the same calibrated volume and record colour separately from flavour.
The guest expects a vivid purple drink.
Explain that actual colour depends on the violette product; do not increase it just for colour.
From a recipe to a repeatable skill
Learn the method behind the order.
Aviation is an optional reference recipe in Advanced Cocktails & Refined Bar Service. Useful violet-liqueur dosing comparison; optional after equal-parts and modifier work.
The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.