Aviation (the cocktail)

This is a classic pre-Prohibtion cocktail with gin as the base spirit. I get blank stares when I request one. Any thoughts on well-stocked bars and knowledgeable bartenders in town that might be able to make one?

I could be wrong, but I think Stephen Dennision made me an Aviation once. He's now at Bistro 1860 and doing a fine job.

Meat used to do one for like $8, which was a crazy bargain. Rye does a good one. I would bet that Meta will do one if you ask.

Bistro 1860
211 Clover
Decca

[Robin Garr]

Just a guess, but isn't St Charles Exchange into retro cocktails?

I've never stumped Joy Perrine (sp?) at Equus/Jack's.

Not too many places carry creme de violet .

Not too many places carry creme de violet .

You're right, Carla. I've found some places have the other somewhat obscure ingredient, maraschino liqueur (Luxardo), but no place I've tried has Crème de Violette. In the world of liqueurs it's relatively inexpensive.

Thank you all for the excellent suggestions; I will try them all. Jack's/Equus could not do it. Joy Perrine was not there, but they don't have either of the mentioned products.

Last night we went to the Seelbach thinking an old school place, originating from the same era as the cocktail, might oblige. I was encouraged when I saw Luxardo on the back bar, but I got the same blank stare and question "What's in it?" that I'm used to getting when I order. I got something else. To the Seelbach's credit the bartender looked up the recipe online and made a miniature version sans CdV for me to taste. I admire his curiosity and interest in customer service.

As an aside, the Seelbach's lobby level bar is closed for renovation. Apparently, they are totally gutting it and building a new bar area. They have the bar in the Rathskeller (basement) open in the interim.

Well, if you are interested, Westport Wine and Spirits close to Wild Eggs carries a good CDV. Or drop me a PM and I will share half of my bottle with you. I have more than enough for my needs.

It's my favorite gin cocktail! I make a mean one, although I am not a bartender nor do I pretend to be one. I started making them after reading the recipe on a card that came with my bottle of creme de violette. I just bought a new jar of Tillen Farms Washington cherries - no dyes and none of that gross other stuff in maraschinos. I'm a purist.

Well, if you are interested, Westport Wine and Spirits close to Wild Eggs carries a good CDV. Or drop me a PM and I will share half of my bottle with you. I have more than enough for my needs.

Thanks for the offer, Carla. That's where I got mine, so now we both have more than we need! I saw that Gemelli in Chenoweth Square has it, too.

It's my favorite gin cocktail! I make a mean one, although I am not a bartender nor do I pretend to be one. I started making them after reading the recipe on a card that came with my bottle of creme de violette. I just bought a new jar of Tillen Farms Washington cherries - no dyes and none of that gross other stuff in maraschinos. I'm a purist.

I'm glad others know of the cocktail and enjoy it. Where did you get the cherries, Antonia? Luxardo has cherries soaked in their liqueur that are really good, but I've not seen them locally.

I'm glad others know of the cocktail and enjoy it. Where did you get the cherries, Antonia? Luxardo has cherries soaked in their liqueur that are really good, but I've not seen them locally.

I had found them once before at World Market. For awhile, they were selling various Tillen Farms products, but I haven't seen them there lately. I had been fresh out for awhile until a recent trip to Jungle Jim's. I was stoked to see them there. I wonder if they stock them at some place like Liquor Barn? Even if they don't have that particular brand, I'd imagine they have other, non-crap-filled options.

If you can't find the cherries locally, Amazon has them: Luxardo Cherries Not sure how that price compares to other places but at least it's a source.

Just a FYI for all the creme de violet fans, Bistro 1860 had a creme de violet ice on the menu NYE. I didn't try it, but the bourbon/sour cherry ice cream I had was fantastic.

I love Aviations. Great cocktails. I've never had an Aviation at Silver Dollar, but I have had other cocktails there that had CDV in it. Thats a start atleast.