No Alcohol Aviation

A Fresh Start & A Fresh Sip

The beginning of the year always feels like a reset — a moment when many of us choose to slow down, refocus, and take better care of ourselves. That’s why so many people jump into Dry January, giving their bodies and minds a break from alcohol while still wanting something fun and flavorful to enjoy.

Today, I’m excited to share a no‑alcohol twist on one of my favorite classic cocktails: the Aviation. This version keeps all the elegance and floral brightness of the original, but without the alcohol — perfect for Dry January or anytime you want a beautiful drink that feels special.

A Brief History of the Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation cocktail dates back to the early 20th century, first appearing in cocktail guides around 1916. Known for its beautiful pale blue hue and floral notes, it was a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The classic recipe combines gin, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette, creating a delicate balance of flavors that evoke the elegance of the era.

Over the years, the Aviation has seen various adaptations, but its timeless charm remains. This no-alcohol version captures the spirit of the original while offering a refreshing alternative for those seeking a sophisticated mocktail.

Equipment

Coupe or Martini Glass
Knife
Cutting Board
Lemon Squeezer or Hands 🙂
Shaker or Favorite Mason Jar with Lid
Ice
Water

You will notice that Ice and Water are listed under equipment. This is because you will only be using it to chill your glass and ice in the shaker to chill the drink.

Non Alcoholic Gin

For this version of the Aviation, I chose Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo non-alcoholic gin. I made this choice because they incorporate butterfly pea, which gives the gin a beautiful natural indigo color and subtle floral notes. This makes it a perfect base for the Aviation mocktail, adding both visual appeal and delicate flavor. This also simplifies the mocktail as trying to hunt down non-alcoholic violette liqueur in your area.

Maraschino Cherries

I chose Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, one of my favorites, which do not have any alcohol in the syrup. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are the original, authentic maraschino cherries with a rich history dating back over a century. Originating from an Italian distillery founded in 1821 by Girolamo Luxardo in Zara (now Zadar, Croatia), these cherries are made from sour marasca cherries stewed in a sweet syrup made from marasca cherry juice and sugar. Unlike the bright red, artificially flavored maraschino cherries common in the U.S., Luxardo cherries have a deep, nearly black hue and a rich amaretto flavor. Luxardo cherries are prized for their unique taste and are a luxurious addition to cocktails, desserts, or enjoyed on their own.

Violette Liqueur

Violette liqueur, also known as Crème de Violette, is a floral liqueur made from violet flowers, buds, and petals. It has a delicate, sweet, and distinctly floral flavor with subtle earthy and herbal notes, often complemented by hints of citrus and fruitiness. Originating in the 19th century, this liqueur was a key ingredient in the original Aviation cocktail recipe created in 1916. After a period of rarity, it has made a comeback in recent years, becoming a favorite for adding a unique floral aroma and a beautiful violet hue to cocktails. Violette liqueur typically has an alcohol content between 16% and 22%, and its elegant flavor profile elevates classic cocktails like the Aviation, Blue Moon, and Violet Fizz. Giffard is one company that makes a no alcohol version of the liqueur.

Chilling Glass

To chill your glass, fill it with ice and top it with water. This allows your drink to stay cool after being shaken.

April’s No‑Alcohol Aviation

Ingredients

2 oz Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo non-alcoholic gin
1 oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz maraschino cherry syrup (from the jar)
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

Add the non‑alcoholic gin, lemon juice, violet syrup, and cherry syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake until well chilled.
Strain into a coupe or your favorite cocktail glass.
Garnish with a cherry or a delicate lemon twist.

This mocktail is soft, floral, and refreshing — a little moment of luxury without the buzz. It’s the kind of drink that makes Dry January feel less like a challenge and more like a treat.

Notes

If you want to use a regular non alcoholic gin then add 1/2 oz non alcoholic violette liqueur.

Also check out the YouTube Video making this mocktail: https://youtu.be/9dPPf7yfyZE