Who knew that one of the things we’d pine for during this weird time is the indignity of modern commercial air travel? With every vacay cancelled and bucket-list trip postponed, we’re feeling a bit torn. One the one hand, we’re fortunate to live in an era when we can get in an oversized aluminum can and end up at a faraway destination at the drop of the hat. On the other, we’re a tad bit nervy at the thought of creepy TSA pat-downs and getting on board again with our elbow-to-elbow fellow passengers.
So, in the meantime, we’ll nostalgically contemplate air travel circa a 1940s travel poster.
Picture this: snazzy suits, dapper trench coats, and hatboxes bearing customs stickers of faraway lands. Plenty of legroom between all of those full-reclining seats, and actual tables for parties of four or more to dine, play cards, and drink cocktails whilst traveling; all the better to enjoy that second-hand smoke filling the cabin.
A perennial favorite of mid-century jetsetters—and those wanting to emulate their worldly mien—was the Aviation cocktail. It’s a drink developed during America’s early 20th century fascination with the new technology of flight, and has a delightful lavender hue evoking dusky evening skies courtesy of crème de violette, a violet-hued floral liqueur. It falls in beverage etymology somewhere between a Martini and a Gin Sour; perfect for springtime sipping and planning the next transatlantic adventure. Wherever and whenever that may be.
Put on some Glenn Miller tunes and let’s get shaking, shall we?
Aviation
- 2 ounces dry Gin
- 1/2 ounce Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
- 1 barspoon Crème Yvette or other crème de violette
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice; shake until the tin is frosty. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.
And until we can all meet up in our favorite watering holes again, send some love to our friends in hospitality via One Small Miracle, the Downtown Alliance Tip Your Server campaign, and Utah’s Hospitality Tip Jar (Venmo: @UtahsHospitality-TipJar).
