The Aviation is a classic cocktail that was created by Hugo Ensslin in the early 1900s while he was the head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York City, New York. It’s most well-known for its color and a special ingredient that was impossible to find for close to half a century before it was just reintroduced back in 2007—crème de violette. The recipe pairs this floral liqueur with botanical gin, maraschino cherry liqueur, and tart lemon.
Add gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, crème de violette, and cubed ice to a shaker.
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with cherry.