Drink of the Week: Aviation

The Aviation is the ne plus ultra of classic cocktails. Made popular during America's age of aviation, the 1930s. It's made of gin, lemon juice and maraschino liqueur. A bracing, refreshing drink, but one that isn't made often enough since most bars don't stock maraschino.

The original recipe include creme de violette as well, but we've tried it both ways and prefer the "modern" version.

Fire up your bottles and come fly with me ...

Aviation
Shake in an iced cocktail shaker:

• 2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice*
• 1/2 maraschino

Strain and serve up, garnished with a cherry.

* Depending on the tartness of your lemons, you may want to add some simple syrup to the shaker.

If you want to try the traditional recipe, add a spoonful of creme de violette to the shaker.