The Aviation and a Self-Portrait

The Aviation is the Prince of classic cocktails. In the last 50 years it has become a pretty rare find. However one can generally be found by a thirsty visitor in one of two places: my house at any time of the day or night and The Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. (Note, Unlike the Rainbow Room, I will not lend you a jacket if you forgot to dress up).

It is not only my favorite Cocktail, but i believe it may be the best cocktail there is...and I've done some taste testing! There's no modern drink like it and you can usually assume the bartender knows his stuff if he even knows what it is.

The reason it's so rare is the Maraschino Liqueur that is used in the drink. I have no idea why it is so hard to come by, but I've never seen it outside of New Orleans. As a matter of fact, I held on to the recipe for 2 years after hearing someone rave about it. It took me that long to find the Maraschino, and now I always buy some more if it remotely looks like i'm about to run out! It's a clear cherry liqueur that is sweet, but not too sweet. It is nothing at all like the red chemical/syrup you find in a jar of cherries. If you order one, make sure they have the real goods or you'll get a syrup-y goo.

The strict recipe:

1.5oz of gin (and for god's sake, don't grab vodka for a substitute!)
1/2oz. of maraschino
The juice of one lemon
Garnish with a cherry

Shake it hard for 30+ seconds and served up (in a chilled cocktail glass, no ice).

You do that and you'll get a cloudy opaque (like a cloudy sky, thus Aviation). It should be cool and inviting, with a couple of chips of ice spinning on the surface. As with any cocktail served in a cocktail glass, you can know you shook it enough if there are little chips of ice floating in the drink after you strain it into the glass.

If you think you don't like Gin, this may be the one drink that surprises you. Most gin haters still love this drink! If you can't get one at a bar, just pay me a visit and I'll make you one.


The most wonderful thing about this drink? It makes you smarter. Trust us.