The Aviation and the Kitty Hawk

by Steve Schul and Paul Zablocki

Spring has arrived and although it can still be a bit chilly, we're getting a glimpse of what's to come - clear blue skies, mild days, and refreshing cocktails.

What could be better than this crisp concoction with a touch of sweet, a bit of sour, and just a hint of violet to welcome the season of renewal.

It's a classic that's had many interpretations; we like the balance of our ratio:

The Aviation

• 2 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. maraschino liqueur
• 1 1/2 tsp. creme de violette

Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds full with ice and add all of the ingredients. Shake for 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

For a slight variation we add Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine to the gin and rename it the Kitty Hawk in honor of, who else, the Wright Bros., and because Piedmont Distillers, the makers of Catdaddy, are North Carolinian as well.

The Kitty Hawk

• 1 oz. gin
• 1 oz. Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. maraschino liqueur
• 1 tsp. creme de violette

Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds full with ice and add all of the ingredients. Shake for 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

It's the same glorious pale-blue hue as the original, fresh and bright but with a different kick. Either way it's delicious.

Bottoms up, Friends . . . Enjoy the season!

xoxo,

Cocktail Buzz
www.CocktailBuzz.com