The aviation cocktail is a classic gin-based American cocktail that was created during the golden age of air travel in 1916. A refreshing mix of gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette liqueur, this cocktail was often made without the crème de violette because Prohibition prevented it from being imported from Europe. To me, it’s a key element in this classic libation though, adding a floral note and a touch of sweetness to the cocktail. Once you get your hands on some crème de violette, it’s easy to shake an aviation up at home yourself.