The Aviation dates to the early 1900s and nearly lost its identity when crème de violette became scarce for decades. Now restored, the cocktail balances gin's botanicals against a subtle floral perfume, with maraschino adding a dry, nutty undertone. Fresh lemon keeps the drink crisp and prevents the violet from becoming cloying, resulting in a pale, elegant sipper that tastes like its namesake suggests—light, airy, and faintly ethereal.