Biggles Aviation
A floral and refreshing gin cocktail ∙ Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 19.4% ABV ∙
The Biggles Aviation swaps the Aviation's maraschino for ginger liqueur, keeping the lemon and crème de violette, shaken and served up.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: London dry gin 45 mlGinger liqueur 15 mlLemon juice 15 mlSugar syrup 10 mlCrème de Violette liqueur 5 ml
- Strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with ginger slices and lime wheels
Tips
- There's only 5 ml of crème de violette, and it's easy to overdo; too much makes the drink sweet and too purple, so add it last and taste before straining.
History
The Biggles Aviation is a gin-forward twist on the Aviation, the gin sour with maraschino liqueur and crème de violette created by Hugo Ensslin, head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. Ensslin first published it in his 1916 book Recipes for Mixed Drinks. The Biggles variation took its name from Biggles, the fictional flying ace, a fitting pilot for a drink called the Aviation, and swapped the Aviation's maraschino liqueur for a ginger liqueur to give the drink a spiced edge.
FAQ
What is in a Biggles Aviation?
London dry gin, ginger liqueur, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup and a small 5 ml measure of crème de violette.
Is a Biggles Aviation shaken or stirred?
Shaken. The lemon juice and sugar syrup need a hard shake to chill, dilute and mix with the gin and the two liqueurs.
What glass is a Biggles Aviation served in?
A coupe glass, served up and garnished with a ginger slice and a lime wheel.
How is a Biggles Aviation different from a regular Aviation?
A classic Aviation is gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and crème de violette. This version replaces the maraschino with ginger liqueur, so the cherry-almond note gives way to ginger spice on the finish.
Is a Biggles Aviation vegan?
Yes. It is vegan, vegetarian and lactose-free: gin, liqueurs, lemon juice and sugar syrup, with nothing animal-derived.
