Modern Aviation Cocktail

If you’re wondering what gives this drink it’s distinctive Willy Wonka hue, it’s a combination of factors. The classic Aviation cocktail is always a pleasant shade of violet thanks to the inclusion of Crème de Violette. In addition to the colour, this liqueur brings a potent floral component to this cocktail with its distinctive notes of violets, lavender and rose.

I’ve amplified the vibrancy by opting for the Empress 1908 gin from Victoria, British Columbia that is made with butterfly pea extract – giving it a stunning indigo shade. When the gin is mixed with citrus, the colour turns a lighter pinky-purple hue.

I’ve added a couple dashes of Cherry Masala Chai bitters from Carroll and Co. to shore up the cherry flavour from the Luxardo Maraschino liqueur and add a very subtle note of spice to serve as a counterpoint to the floral notes.

If you haven’t sampled Crème de Violette before, you might be surprised by the intensity of its floral flavour. It’s something I generally use sparingly but plays nicely with the juniper in the gin and maraschino liqueur in this classic cocktail

This is a great drink to celebrate International Women’s Day today. I don’t talk about it very much on the blog but I have a master’s degree in women’s and gender studies from the University of Toronto. I am passionate about advancing gender equality at home and abroad.

We’ve seen a huge uptick in feminist activism since the Me Too and Time’s Up movements have become central to our public discourse. There is still so much work to be done in achieving gender equality – from closing the wage gap to advancing trans rights or making sexual harassment and violence a distant memory.

I hope you’ll take this day to consider what you can do to contribute to achieving gender parity or how you can be an ally. Visit the International Women’s Day 2019 site to find events happening in your region, read about this year’s theme and consider how you can make a difference.

I’m traveling for work today but will be sharing and joining in on the conversation on social media and encourage you to do the same.

Happy International Women’s Day 2019!

Modern Aviation Cocktail

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Modern Aviation Cocktail

Prep Time

2 mins

 

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Modern Aviation Cocktail

Servings: 1 drink

Ingredients

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 1 ⁄2 oz Maraschino liqueur
• 1 ⁄4 oz Crème de violette
• 3 ⁄4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 2 dashes Cherry Masala Chai bitters

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.