I finally sourced all the ingredients for the Aviation cocktail, and Mrs. Cocktailhound and some Christmas guests enjoyed several of them over the holidays. I discovered this cocktail in a Vegas casino of all places, while making my annual pilgrimage to Vegas with my father a few years ago.

Needing a respite from the craps table, I strolled into a nearby bar in the Mirage, which was carefully decorated, staffed by model-quality bartenders, and featured a euroclub-style “endless bass track” in the background. Assuming the bartenders specialized in crapatinis and the usual vodka/schnapps nonsense, I ordered a Manhattan and was pleasantly surprised when the bartender added bitters without me requesting them, and stirred the drink rather than shaking it.

After enjoying a fine Manhattan, I asked if she had an specialties, and was again surprised when she said she had several, and asking what base spirit I wanted. I requested gin, and was presented with my first experience with the Aviation.

Our guests enjoyed the cocktail, even though several claimed the did not like gin, one guest remarking that she never would have guessed there was gin in the cocktail. The crème de violette and Luxardo combine with the juniper flavor of a good gin producing what one might describe as springtime in a glass, a nice reminder of sunny days to come in the midst of winter, and a drink I’d highly recommend even if you have to work a bit to source the Luxardo or crème de violette.