Right then chaps – we’re going to be making something that’s very much en-vogue at the moment for this week’s #MasterofCocktails: an Aviation.
Essentially, this cocktail is just a gin-sour with a dab of Violet Liqueur in it, but the sum of the parts is so much more than this. Also, as it’s probably one of the least sweet sours you’ll come across, it can still legitimately be called an aperitif.
You’ll be needing these…
List of Ingredients
- 50ml Filliers Dry Gin 28
- 10ml Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
- 10ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 5ml Benoit Serres Liqueur à la Violette
So, you know the drill (even if I keep forgetting it at the start of my tweets) – put a Coupette glass in the freezer to chill.
Now, we’re going to take 50ml of the superb Filliers Dry Gin 28 to start with.
Into a cocktail shaker with it.
Closely followed by 10ml of fresh lemon juice.
Then 10ml Luxardo Maraschino. Some recipes advise 5ml, but this makes it too tart for my taste.
This is what the mixture will look like now:
Remember that, as the addition of ‘enough but not too much’ Creme de Violette is important. Talking of which – this is the one we’re using: Benoit Serres.
I’ve tried most of the UK-available ones, and this is by far the best in my honest opinion. We’re going for 5ml of this please.
This is what the drink looks like after the addition of the Violette:
As you can see, the tint should be extremely light. Don’t get me wrong, this *is* a blue drink, but only just.
Now pack the shaker with ice, and give it a light shake until it frosts up.
Finally, double-strain the drink into your pre-chilled Coupette Glass.
There we have it. The Aviation. I’ve served this one sans-garnish, but…
It’s also delicious with a Lemon Twist…
…and looks absolutely amazing with a Maraschino Cherry. Perhaps a bit too sweet though.
Enjoy!
Don’t forget to send your #MasterofCocktails Aviation pics to @MasterofMalt, and if you’re mixing along next week here are the ingredients we’ll be using:
Next week you’ll be needing these…
3D Whisky, Ardbeg Uigeadail, The King’s Ginger Liqueur, Honey and a Lemon
Ben