“Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. If you haven’t already done so, please stow your carry-on luggage underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin - make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright position. Enjoy the flight!” Now, on with the cocktail…

Aviation Cocktail is one of the oldest gin drinks and pre-dates prohibition in the US. It has a gorgeous light purple colour and is a wonderful expression of Bertha with crispy, citrus and sweet notes. The cocktail has evolved over the years and it was originally created in the early 20th century by Hugo R Ensslin, head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. The Aviation cocktail celebrated the first aviators from the late 19th century who were the rock stars of their time.

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(Makes one)

Ingredients:

• 50 mls Bertha’s Revenge Gin
• 15 mls Marashino liqueur
• 10 mls Crème de Violette
• 15 mls lemon juice

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Fine strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry, a candied violet or a lemon twist.

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(Pic by David McClelland Photography)