Bright, citrusy, and just the right amount of floral—this Blood Orange Aviation is one of those cocktails that instantly feels special. It’s a twist on the classic Aviation, with a splash of vibrant blood orange juice that adds both color and a tangy-sweet layer of flavor. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it’s become a favorite for dinner parties and cozy nights in alike. It’s simple to make, stunning in the glass, and full of zesty personality.
Blood Orange Aviation
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Chilled coupe glass (or a martini glass as a backup)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh blood orange juice
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) maraschino liqueur
– Dash of crème de violette (about 1/8 tsp)
– Ice (for shaking)
– Garnish: blood orange slice, cherry, or lemon twist
Method
- Chill your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep. A cold glass keeps your cocktail crisp and refreshing.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, blood orange juice, maraschino liqueur, and a dash of crème de violette.
- Fill the shaker with ice—about halfway—and shake it hard for 15–20 seconds. You want it well chilled and slightly frothy.
- Dump the ice water (if using) from your glass and strain the cocktail into it.
- Garnish with a blood orange wheel, a cherry, or a lemon twist—whatever you have on hand adds a nice finishing touch.
Tips & Tricks
– Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice whenever you can. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh gives the drink that bright, natural zing.
– A chilled glass makes a big difference—don’t skip it.
– If crème de violette is new to you, go light. It’s floral and can easily overpower the drink if you use too much. A dash is plenty.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can squeeze your blood oranges and prep garnishes ahead of time—just keep everything chilled in the fridge. Don’t mix the cocktail until you’re ready to shake and serve. The freshness really comes through when it’s made to order.
Ingredient Swaps
– No blood oranges? Use regular orange juice with a splash of lemon or a bit of ruby grapefruit juice for tartness.
– Can’t find maraschino liqueur? Try a teaspoon of simple syrup and a tiny drop of almond extract—it’s not identical, but it gets close.
– No crème de violette? You can skip it. The drink will still be delicious, just less floral.
Flavor & Feel
The first sip is citrusy and bright, thanks to the blood orange. Then you get a little nuttiness from the maraschino and a soft floral note from the crème de violette. It’s light, crisp, and silky smooth. The color is stunning—like a sunset in a glass. Honestly, this has been my go-to cocktail for summer evenings on the patio.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with small bites and light dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:
What to Serve With It
– Cheese & Charcuterie: The bright citrus cuts through creamy cheeses and salty meats.
– Grilled Shrimp or Scallops: The smokiness and sweetness of seafood play perfectly with the tang of the drink.
– Dark Chocolate: A square or two of 70% dark chocolate makes for a dreamy dessert pairing.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, try switching things up. Here are a few fun takes on the classic:
Ruby Red Aviation
– Swap blood orange juice with grapefruit juice for a sharper, tarter flavor.
– Same method, just a different citrus twist.
Midnight Blue Aviation
– Add a splash of blue curaçao at the end for a deeper color and a subtle orange kick.
– Makes it a real showstopper for evening parties.
Tropical Aviation
– Add 1/2 oz (15 ml) pineapple juice and a teaspoon of coconut cream.
– Shake it all together for a tropical, slightly creamy version.
Virgin Blood Orange Aviation
– Skip the gin and maraschino liqueur.
– Mix 1 oz (30 ml) blood orange juice with a dash of crème de violette, then top with sparkling water.
– It’s refreshing, pretty, and alcohol-free.
Common Questions
Can I use bottled blood orange juice?
Yes, but fresh really makes a difference in both taste and color. If using bottled, go for 100% juice with no added sugar.
What’s the best gin for this?
A London dry gin works well—it’s clean and lets the citrus shine. But feel free to try something more botanical if that’s your style.
Can I prep a batch for a party?
You can mix everything except the ice and shake it right before serving. Just keep the mix chilled in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge.
Is this a sweet cocktail?
It’s balanced—more tart than sweet. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more maraschino or a splash of simple syrup.
Is crème de violette necessary?
It adds a lovely floral note and a hint of color, but you can leave it out if you don’t have it. The drink will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
The Blood Orange Aviation is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is easy to pull off. It’s bright, balanced, and just a little bit floral—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Try it once, and it might just become one of your favorites too.
