When life gives us cucumbers, we say, “Let’s make cocktails!” The Cucumber Aviation Cocktail is a brilliant twist on the classic Aviation, blending the crisp freshness of cucumber juice with the subtle sweetness of maraschino liqueur and smooth botanical gin. Perfect for those hot days when you want a cool, refreshing, and vegan-friendly drink, this recipe quickly became one of our favorites to share at gatherings.
🥒 Why Fresh Cucumber Juice Takes This Cocktail to the Next Level
We’ve always loved cocktails that bring a garden-fresh vibe, and fresh cucumber juice does exactly that. It adds a natural, cool, and hydrating element that pairs beautifully with the floral botanicals of gin. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak some veggie goodness into your drink—cheers to that!
The Classic Aviation Cocktail Gets a Fresh, Green Makeover
The Aviation is a beloved vintage cocktail, known for its elegant balance of floral and tart flavors. Adding fresh cucumber juice gives it a modern, invigorating twist. The maraschino liqueur adds just the right hint of sweetness and complexity, creating a perfectly balanced sip every time.
Our Favorite Part? It’s Naturally Vegan and Super Refreshing!
As fans of vegetarian and vegan recipes, we’re thrilled that this cocktail fits seamlessly into plant-based lifestyles. No animal products, just pure, fresh ingredients that feel both indulgent and guilt-free. It’s a drink you can enjoy whether you’re hosting a party or simply unwinding after a long day.
How We Like to Make the Cucumber Aviation at Home
Making this cocktail is like a little ritual for us. We love juicing fresh cucumbers, shaking the ingredients with ice, and watching that beautiful pale green color come alive in the glass. It’s always a hit with friends who appreciate a cocktail that’s as refreshing as it is elegant.
🌱 Pro Tip: Fresh Is Best for Cucumber Juice
If you want that true refreshing taste, don’t skip the fresh cucumber juice! We recommend using an organic cucumber for the cleanest flavor and to avoid any bitterness. If you don’t have a juicer, blending and straining works just as well.
Maraschino Liqueur: The Cherry on Top of This Classic Cocktail
Maraschino liqueur is an often overlooked hero in cocktails. It adds subtle cherry sweetness and a little fruity depth that ties all the flavors together perfectly. Plus, it’s a fun nod to the original Aviation cocktail recipe from way back when.
Quick History: The Aviation Cocktail’s Enduring Charm
The Aviation cocktail has been charming cocktail lovers since the early 1900s. It’s named for the golden age of aviation, symbolizing innovation, elegance, and adventure. Our cucumber version is a fresh take on this classic — cool, green, and perfect for today’s modern palate.
🥒 Fresh & Green: The Perfect Vegan Cocktail for Summer Days
Ingredients
- 45 ml gin
- 15 ml maraschino liqueur
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 30 ml fresh cucumber juice
- Ice
- Optional garnish: thin cucumber slice or lemon twist
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and cucumber juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a thin cucumber slice or lemon twist if desired.
Notes
- For fresh cucumber juice, blend peeled cucumber and strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Adjust cucumber juice amount to taste for lighter or stronger freshness.
- To make it non-alcoholic, substitute gin and maraschino with cucumber-infused sparkling water and a splash of lemon juice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Cucumber Aviation Cocktail
What is a Cucumber Aviation Cocktail?
The Cucumber Aviation is a refreshing twist on the classic Aviation cocktail. It combines gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and cucumber juice, creating a crisp and aromatic drink that’s perfect for warm weather.
How does this version differ from the traditional Aviation?
While the traditional Aviation includes gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette, our version replaces the crème de violette with fresh cucumber juice. This substitution imparts a cool, crisp flavor and a subtle green hue to the cocktail.
Why use fresh cucumber juice?
Fresh cucumber juice adds a light, hydrating quality to the cocktail, enhancing its refreshing nature. It complements the botanical notes of the gin and the sweetness of the maraschino liqueur, balancing the overall flavor profile.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
For the best taste, it’s recommended to use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice may lack the brightness and acidity that fresh lemon juice provides, which are essential for balancing the flavors in this cocktail.
What are some variations I can try?
Herbal Twist: Add a few basil leaves to the shaker and muddle them with the cucumber juice for an herbal infusion.
Berry Infusion: Muddle a handful of fresh berries with the cucumber juice for a fruity variation.
Mocktail Version: Replace the gin and maraschino liqueur with sparkling water and a splash of elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic alternative.
What foods pair well with this cocktail?
The Cucumber Aviation pairs beautifully with light appetizers such as cucumber sandwiches, goat cheese crostini, or a fresh green salad. Its crisp and clean profile complements dishes with delicate flavors.
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