Once you are known in your circle of friends and acquaintances as the “cocktail person,” interesting recipes seem to come your way. My friend Jo recently sent me a recipe for an Aviation that her son made for her when they visited over the holidays.

I had heard of the Aviation but had never tasted one or tried to make it. It’s a lovely shade of violet (due to the addition of Creme de Violette), but don’t let the easy on the eyes color fool you- it packs a wallop. Maybe because it also includes gin and maraschino liqueur (and a little, and I mean, a little bit of lemon juice). It’s a classically delightful, somewhat floral tasting cocktail that looks very fancy. It reminds me of something Lauren Bacall would drink in one of her film noir movies. It also might just be the perfect cocktail to prepare for your significant other on Valentine’s Day. Since it’s on a Monday this year, perhaps you can enjoy one this Saturday instead.

Forget Sunday, it’s Super Bowl and this is not a Super Bowl kind of drink.

Thanks to Jo for this fabulous recipe!

Aviation

1-1/2 oz good quality gin (I used Bombay Sapphire)

1/2 oz Luxardo Maraschino liqueur

1/2 ounce creme de violette

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice or to taste 

Luxardo Cocktail cherry for garnish

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then strain into a martini glass and garnish with the cherry. 

The Luxardo cherries are crazy expensive but super delicious. I found a knockoff brand on Amazon (shoutout to Susie!) for about half the cost. They are quite tasty cherries and I’m told they are just as good as the Luxardo.