Fall always feels like the right time to try out something new in the kitchen, and that includes cocktails. Shorter evenings and cooler weather pair perfectly with drinks that feel both refreshing and warm. That’s where Aviation tequila comes in. It’s a creative take on a classic cocktail, giving you something smooth with a twist.
Instead of relying on gin like the original recipe, this version uses tequila to shake things up in all the best ways. Don’t worry about needing fancy gear or expert-level skills. We’ll walk through the basics so you can mix something great without all the stress. Whether you're winding down at the end of the week or sharing drinks with friends, this version of the Aviation is simple to make and full of fall flavor.
What Is an Aviation Cocktail, and Why Use Tequila?
The original Aviation cocktail is known for its unique mix of floral and citrus notes. Made with gin, crème de violette, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice, it gets its name from the pale sky-blue color that comes through in the glass. It’s crisp, slightly sweet, and just a little tart.
Switching out gin for tequila might sound unusual, but it completely changes the experience (in a good way). Tequila softens the floral notes and adds earthiness, making the drink feel warmer and more grounded. It’s a shift that works especially well as the seasons change.
Aviation tequila isn’t its own bottled product. It’s simply an Aviation cocktail made with tequila in place of gin. We like it because it brings out rich, smooth layers that work well for cooler months. This small change transforms a bright summer drink into a balanced cocktail you’ll want to mix all season.
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to make this work. A few fresh bottles and some citrus go a long way. Here's what you want to have on hand:
• Tequila (we recommend one that leans smooth, not too smoky)
• Maraschino liqueur
• Crème de violette (just a splash adds floral color and flavor)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Ice for shaking and chilling
• Lemon peel or cherry for garnish (optional)
If you want to take it one step further, try adding a pinch of dried lavender or swap in fresh orange juice for a citrusy twist. These extras aren’t necessary, but they’re fun to play with once you’ve made the base version. Keep it simple to start. We always suggest learning the core version first so you understand how the flavors work together.
If you’re shopping for ingredients, you’ll find a wide selection of tequila styles in our Blanco Tequila collection, featuring top brands like Don Julio and El Tesoro, perfect for building your own take on an Aviation tequila at home.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It at Home
When it comes to gear, you don’t need much. Just grab:
• A shaker (or a jar with a tight lid)
• A strainer
• A jigger or measuring spoon
• A cocktail or coupe glass
Start with your shaker filled with ice, then pour in:
1. 2 ounces of tequila
2. ½ ounce of maraschino liqueur
3. ½ ounce of crème de violette
4. ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice
Shake everything well, about 15 to 20 seconds, to get it cold and blended. Once you’re done shaking, strain the drink into your glass. If you want to impress your guests (or just yourself), garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry on top.
The key is balance. Tequila carries more earth and depth than gin. So if your drink tastes strong or leans too dry, try squeezing in an extra bit of lemon or add a tiny splash of simple syrup to round it out. Let your taste guide the tweaks.
Fun Twist Ideas for Fall Occasions
The base recipe is wonderful on its own, but there’s plenty of room to make it feel more seasonal. If you're planning a get-together or Halloween night at home, here are a few low-effort ways to give your Aviation tequila a new angle:
• Trade lemon juice for blood orange juice to get a deeper flavor and bolder color
• Add a touch of orange liqueur for sweetness and warmth
• Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for something cozy and fun
• Serve in mini coupe glasses at small gatherings as a themed drink station
• Infuse your simple syrup with apple, rosemary, or cinnamon for a holiday feel
You can even set up a mini flight for friends, offering a few versions with slight changes. It’s a fun way to show how one extra ingredient shifts the whole experience. Drinks like these aren’t about perfection. They’re about enjoying the process with people around you.
Raise Your Spirits the Easy Way
Making a great Aviation tequila cocktail at home doesn’t mean hours of prep or rare ingredients. It’s one of those drinks that feels elevated but stays easy to pull off. A few quality parts, a little shake, and you’ve got something that hits the sweet spot between fresh and smooth.
Quality Liquor Store offers a robust Blanco Tequila selection, with bottles available both in-store and online for delivery, so you can always get what you need for craft cocktails at home. Plus, you can find complementary liqueurs and mixers to help customize every drink to your own style.
If you’re looking to try out your own take on an Aviation tequila cocktail, we’ve got what you need to get started. Our shelves are stocked with a wide range of tequila styles, so you can choose one that fits your flavor preference, whether that’s soft and clean or bold with a little bite. Mixing this drink at home can be simple and fun when the right ingredients are within reach. Take a look at our current options for making your own twist on an Aviation tequila and see what inspires your next pour. If you have any questions, contact us and we’ll be glad to help.
