The Aviation Cocktail, A Journey Through Time with a Welsh Twist

When we think of classic cocktails, the Aviation often comes to mind—an elegant drink with a storied past, filled with intrigue and mystery. At Snowdonia Spirit Co, we’ve always appreciated the heritage behind these drinks, and with our love for crafting premium spirits, we couldn’t resist putting a unique, Welsh twist on this time-honoured recipe. What could be better than blending the history of Aviation Cocktail with the smooth, crisp notes of our very own Welsh Dry Gin?

In this post, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of the Aviation Cocktail, walk you through the traditional ingredients, and of course, showcase how our Welsh Dry Gin is the perfect base for this historic drink.

The Origin of the Aviation Cocktail

The origins of the Aviation Cocktail date back to the early 20th century, a period when the world of cocktails was experiencing an exciting revolution. The exact origins are, like many classic cocktails, somewhat debated. However, it’s widely believed that this drink was first created in the early 1900s by Hugo Ensslin, the head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. His 1916 recipe book, Recipes for Mixed Drinks, is the earliest known publication that features the Aviation Cocktail.

Ensslin’s recipe called for gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette, a delicate liqueur made from violet flowers. It was the crème de violette that gave the drink its signature pale blue hue, evoking the idea of a clear, open sky—hence the name ‘Aviation’. This floral and tart concoction quickly became a popular choice amongst discerning drinkers in the early 20th century.

However, as time went on, crème de violette became difficult to find, leading many bartenders to leave it out of the recipe altogether. By the mid-20th century, the Aviation had faded into relative obscurity, only to be revived in more recent years as the craft cocktail movement took hold. Today, the Aviation Cocktail has returned to bars and homes worldwide, celebrated for its unique blend of floral, tart, and slightly sweet flavours.

Our Welsh Twist, The Aviation Meets Snowdonia Spirit Co

At Snowdonia Spirit Co, we pride ourselves on creating spirits that embody the spirit (pun intended) of Wales. Our Welsh Dry Gin is no exception—crafted using locally foraged botanicals, it captures the rugged beauty and purity of the Snowdonia landscape. When we set out to recreate the Aviation Cocktail, we knew that our gin, with its crisp, juniper-forward notes and delicate hints of local botanicals, would be the perfect base.

The traditional Aviation recipe remains relatively simple, but with a premium gin like ours, the flavour profile is elevated to new heights. The earthiness of our botanicals pairs beautifully with the floral crème de violette, while the zesty lemon juice cuts through the sweetness of the maraschino liqueur.

Let’s take a look at how you can recreate this timeless cocktail with our very own Welsh Dry Gin.

How to Make the Perfect Aviation Cocktail (with a Welsh Twist)

Here’s what you’ll need to craft the perfect Aviation using Snowdonia Spirit Co’s Welsh Dry Gin:

Ingredients:

50ml Snowdonia Spirit Co Welsh Dry Gin
15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
10ml maraschino liqueur
5ml crème de violette (or a violet liqueur if crème de violette is unavailable)
Ice
Maraschino or Luxardo cherries or a twist of lemon for garnish

Method:

• Begin by filling a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add the Snowdonia Spirit Co Welsh Dry Gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette.
• Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. The goal here is to combine the ingredients well while chilling the mixture to the perfect serving temperature.
• Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
• Garnish with either a maraschino cherry or a twist of lemon peel, depending on your preference.
• Sip and enjoy the delicate balance of flavours that make the Aviation Cocktail such a revered classic.

By incorporating our Welsh Dry Gin, you’ll notice an added layer of complexity. The herbal undertones from our foraged botanicals provide a fresh counterbalance to the drink’s sweetness, while the citrus notes in our gin harmonise beautifully with the tartness of the lemon juice.

Why the Aviation is Making a Comeback

Over the past decade, the world of cocktails has experienced something of a renaissance, with a particular focus on reviving classic recipes. Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike are drawn to drinks like the Aviation for their simplicity, elegance, and historical significance. It’s a drink that speaks to a different era, evoking the glamour and sophistication of early 20th-century cocktail culture.

Moreover, with crème de violette making a return to liquor shelves, many have rediscovered the Aviation in its original form. It’s a drink that feels both familiar and exotic, with its striking colour and balanced flavours offering a sensory experience unlike any other.

For us at Snowdonia Spirit Co, the Aviation’s revival is something we’re thrilled about. Not only does it give us the opportunity to showcase our Welsh Dry Gin in a classic context, but it also allows us to celebrate the rich history of cocktails—a history that we’re proud to contribute to with our small-batch, handcrafted spirits.

The Welsh Spirit Behind Our Gin

At Snowdonia Spirit Co, we believe that the best spirits come from an authentic connection to the land. Our Welsh Dry Gin is distilled in Wales using the finest botanicals. This commitment to premium ingredients gives our gin a unique character that stands out in any cocktail, but especially in a drink like the Aviation, where the quality of each ingredient truly shines through.

Bringing the Aviation Cocktail Home

One of the best things about the Aviation Cocktail is how easily it can be made at home. With just a few ingredients and a bottle of our Welsh Dry Gin, you can transport yourself to another era and enjoy a taste of cocktail history, with a modern Welsh twist.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something elegant, yet refreshingly simple, why not give the Aviation a try? Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a well-deserved drink, the Aviation with Snowdonia Spirit Co Welsh Dry Gin is sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

The Aviation Cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a piece of cocktail history that has stood the test of time. At Snowdonia Spirit Co, we’re proud to offer our own take on this classic, using our handcrafted Welsh Dry Gin to bring a taste of Snowdonia to this beloved recipe.

As the craft cocktail movement continues to grow, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating the art of mixology by making your own Aviation at home. With the right ingredients, a little bit of history, and a lot of Welsh spirit, it’s a cocktail that’s sure to take your tastebuds on a journey.

Iechyd da! to a classic reborn—with a Welsh twist!