Blood Orange Aviation Cocktail Recipe

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Blood Orange Aviation Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:24

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Blood Orange Aviation is a twist on the classic Aviation cocktail, which was created in the early 20th century by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. The original Aviation was a gin-based cocktail that was a favorite among the high society. The Blood Orange Aviation, however, adds a modern twist with the addition of blood orange juice, giving it a vibrant color and a unique citrusy flavor. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour in their drinks, with a slight bitterness from the gin.

How Blood Orange Aviation Tastes?

The Blood Orange Aviation is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The blood orange juice gives it a unique, tangy sweetness, while the gin adds a hint of bitterness. The maraschino liqueur and crème de violette add a subtle sweetness and floral notes, balancing out the sourness of the lemon juice.

Interesting facts about Blood Orange Aviation

  • The Blood Orange Aviation is a modern twist on the classic Aviation cocktail.
  • The addition of blood orange juice gives it a vibrant color and a unique citrusy flavor.
  • This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour in their drinks.

Ingredients

A few good options for Blood Orange Aviation are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the backbone of our Aviation, providing a herbaceous and floral base. The 2 oz measurement balances the other flavors, ensuring the spirit shines through without overwhelming. Skimp on the gin, and you'll lose that essential botanical punch; too much, and you'll drown out the delicate notes.

Alex Green

Blood Orange Juice

Bringing a vibrant hue and a tantalizing mix of sweet and tart, the 1 oz of blood orange juice gives the cocktail its signature twist. Less juice might render the drink too sharp, while more could make it cloying. It's all about harmony here!

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

With just 0.5 oz, lemon juice adds a bright zing that cuts through the sweetness. Without it, the cocktail might become overwhelmingly sweet, but too much could turn your sipping experience into a wince-fest.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Liqueur

This distinct liqueur lends a subtle almond-like sweetness in our 0.5 oz serving. Leaving it out would strip the cocktail of complexity, and overpouring might make it taste like candy — a no-go for our sophisticated tipple.

Alex Green

Crème de Violette

A mere 0.25 oz of this floral elixir introduces a delicate layer of intrigue. Skip it, and you'll miss the signature lavender blush and a layer of perfumed sophistication; an overflow could take you to grandma's potpourri territory.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Blood Orange Aviation Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the gin, blood orange juice, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a blood orange wheel.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh blood orange juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your cocktail glass before serving for a colder drink.
  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to fully mix the ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese platters: A selection of mild cheeses, such as goat cheese or brie, complements the citrus and botanical notes of the cocktail without overpowering it.
  • Seafood: Light seafood dishes, especially those with a citrus or herb focus, like shrimp ceviche or grilled calamari, will match the cocktail’s freshness.

Desserts

  • Sorbet: A lemon or berry sorbet could be incredibly refreshing and would tie in nicely with the cocktail’s fruity and floral components.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate can provide a pleasant contrast to the sweet and tart flavors of the Blood Orange Aviation.

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What you could change in Blood Orange Aviation

  • Gin: You can substitute the gin with vodka for a less bitter taste.
  • Blood Orange Juice: If you can't find blood oranges, you can use regular oranges or grapefruit.
  • Maraschino Liqueur: You can substitute with another cherry liqueur or omit it altogether.
  • Crème de Violette: If you can't find it, you can omit it, but it will change the color and taste of the cocktail.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Ginger Blood Orange Aviation

Add 0.5 oz of ginger liqueur to the original recipe. It'll introduce a spicy kick that contrasts delightfully with the sweet and floral notes, creating a warming sensation that's perfect for cooler weather.

Herbal Blood Orange Aviation

Muddle a few fresh basil leaves in the shaker before adding the ingredients. This herb will infuse the cocktail with a fresh, peppery note, giving it an herb garden freshness that's uplifting and pairs brilliantly with the existing botanical elements.

Sparkling Blood Orange Aviation

Top the strained cocktail with a splash of chilled Prosecco. The effervescence adds a new texture and lightness to the drink, turning it into a celebratory libation that’s fantastic for toasting special occasions.

In case you forgot basics how to make Blood Orange Aviation

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Blood Orange Aviation

Why is it called 'Aviation'?

The cocktail's name 'Aviation' originally comes from its sky-blue color provided by Creme de Violette, which was a component of the classical version of this cocktail.

What type of gin works best for this cocktail?

A dry gin is generally used for this cocktail, but there are many different types and flavors of gin that can be experimented with.

What is Maraschino Liqueur?

Maraschino is a clear, cherry-flavored liqueur that is made from the sour Marasca cherry, along with its crushed pits. It has a unique sweet flavor with a subtle bitter almond note.

What type of glassware is best suited for serving a Blood Orange Aviation?

The Blood Orange Aviation is commonly served in a coupe glass or a martini glass. However, it can also be served in any other cocktail glass.

Is the alcohol content in the Blood Orange Aviation high?

The alcohol content can vary depending on the amount and type of gin and liqueur used. However, as a cocktail, it is typically stronger than a standard glass of wine or beer.

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