Aviation Gin cocktails are a fitting way to celebrate the return of transatlantic flights as the US opens its borders to fully-vaccinated UK visitors. Co-owned by actor and producer Ryan Reynolds, Aviation Gin is the world’s highest rated gin (*97 points, Wine Enthusiast) and has helped establish a new style of American gin - softer and smoother, with juniper in the background and citrus and floral notes in the front - resulting in more balanced cocktails. Created by a unique bartender/distiller partnership, Aviation is crafted in small batches in Portland, Oregon.
Why not try the Amelia Earhart cocktail, named after the American aviation pioneer and author who was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic, or The Aviation cocktail?
The Aviation Amelia Earhart
25ml Aviation American Gin
50ml Sparkling Wine
25ml Lemon Juice
30ml Rhubarb Jam Syrup
Combine all ingredients except Sparkling Wine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, then strain into flute glass and top with Sparkling Wine.
The Aviation
50 ml Aviation American Gin
15 ml Marashino Liqueur
15 ml Lemon Juice
7 ml Simple Syrup
1 tsp Crème De Violette
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, then strain into Coupe glass with ice. Garnish with a brandied cherry
I tried a couple of classic cocktails and mixed drinks with Aviation gin. First was a classic G&T; given the notes of spice and orange in the gin, I used a clementine tonic and garnished with a dehydrated orange slice. The gin is extremely smooth and this was a great pairing; I'm looking forward to trying other tonics - I think grapefruit would be another good match. I also made a classic martini, which had an elegance and balance I very much enjoyed.
My favourite I think was an Aviation gin Negroni; this gin is perfect for its complex flavours and orange garnish, and has earned a permanent place on my drinks trolley for this alone. Get a bottle in for the festive season and my guess is it will become a new favourite.
Aviation American Gin RRP: £28 for 700ml. ABV: 42%.
Available to purchase from Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Amazon, Morrisons, Master of Malt and 31DOVER
Instagram: @aviationgin Twitter: @aviationgin Facebook: @AviationGin
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