Wooooohooo. That really sounded more like wheeeeeewww. It is Friday my friends and that is something to cheer about.
Last weekend I took a trip to Astor Wines & Spirits which is a dangerous move. I feel like a kid in a candy shop whenever I go there, except booze is a bit more expensive than candy. This time I only walked out with one thing that I didn’t really need and that’s Luxardo, a maraschino liquer. It had been coming up in conversations with different friends and I felt like I’d give it a try. It’s not sweet like maraschino cherries, it’s just strong with a hint of cherry. I whipped up a classic cocktail that uses the liquer, the aviation. It’s strong, and to be honest, gin is still not my favorite booze, but it’s a nice change.
Cheers! To a great weekend ahead!
Aviation
makes 1 cocktail
2 oz gin
3/4 oz maraschino liquer, like Luxardo
1/2 oz lemon juice1
Combine ingredients in a shaker along with an ice cube. Give it a few swirls and strain it into a glass.
March 12th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Gin is my booze of choice, so this sounds perfect! I’ve never head of this, but I feel like it might become a favorite…
March 12th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Oh my! I am so jealous! I’ve been looking for maraschino for years, only the government run liquor store here (SAQ) doesn’t sell it anymore. We love it to add a bit in our fruit salads, it gives it a little sugary taste that is just delicious.
March 12th, 2010 at 10:37 am
There is an awesome small production gin out of Oregon called Aviation (named after the iconic drink, of course!) You should look for it.
March 12th, 2010 at 10:52 am
I was just discussing with some friends how I needed to find more mixes involving gin since I am a gin kinda lady. I’m also glad to know that there’s a cherry liqueur out there that’s not overly sweet.
March 12th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Looks amazing, and perfect after a long week! I’ve never had a cherry liqueur that isn’t overpoweringly sweet, so might have to give this a chance.
March 12th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Maraschino liqueur has officially been added to the shopping list.
Other than that important announcement, I wanted to let you know that I started a blog of my own and have featured you and a few of my other favorites on it. Of course, I only had praise for your site. If you’d like to check it out, go to http://www.thenakedbaker.wordpress.com
Thanks for yet another great cocktail idea!
-K
March 20th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Have you ever looked at making the aviation with the violet liqueur Creme Yvette? It is a bit hard to find but is a component in the original cocktail. There is also another brand from Haus Alpenz of violet liqueur. http://www.alpenz.com/portfolio.htm
This article from the Washington Post was interesting. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/all-we-can-eat/spirits/spirits-we-want-creme-yvette.html
Also, Gourmet discusses the the aviation a bit.
http://www.gourmet.com/magazine/2000s/2009/10/purple-haze-cocktail-culture
I have been drinking it a bit lately.
Happy drinking.
k.
March 22nd, 2010 at 2:59 am
I’m agree with you,it’s very interesting,XN thank you for the information!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Luxardo Maraschino is my FAVORITE. It is my number one choice when it comes to mixing for others. Good choice!
March 23rd, 2010 at 10:18 pm
I just had another aviation tonight, and I must admit that I like it a little lighter on the violet. Just enough to add color and another floral aroma. I asked the bar tender to tweak it a bit, and I think it was a better cut thin on the violet.
Btw, what gin do you use? I tend to like Hendircks gin.
k.
March 24th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
anne-
i will look for that gin!
k.moan-
i’ve been using bulldog gin. i also like booker’s gin too.