Aviation: History, Botanics, and Our Interpretation of the A6M Zero
Refined, floral, iconic: Aviation is one of mixology's most captivating classic cocktails. Born in the early 1900s, it owes its name to the pioneering era of flight and the purple hues reminiscent of a sunset sky. In this article, we explore its origins, the botanicals that make it unique, and our artisanal interpretation: A6M Zero – Aviation Ready to Drink .
The History of Aviation: The Cocktail That Looks to the Sky
The Aviation was created in 1916 by bartender Hugo Ensslin of the Wallick Hotel in New York. The original recipe combined gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette , a pale purple liqueur that gave the cocktail an ethereal and unmistakable hue.
For years, crème de violette was hard to find, and the Aviation was often served without it. Today, thanks to the return of floral botanicals and artisanal liqueurs, the cocktail is experiencing a new renaissance, establishing itself as one of the most elegant and dramatic drinks . 
The botanical protagonists of Aviation
Crème de violette: the floral signature
Violet is the key aromatic element. Its soft, velvety notes transform the cocktail into a unique floral experience, delicate yet lingering.
Maraschino: transparent sweetness
The maraschino contributes a clean sweetness and a light fruity profile, capable of binding violet and lemon in a precise balance.
Gin: botanical structure and brightness
For a perfect Aviation, you need a gin that can support the floral notes without overpowering them. Ideal botanicals:
- Juniper – the essential aromatic base
- Citrus fruits – bergamot, lemon, grapefruit
- Flowers and light herbs – to harmonize the bouquet
Lemon: bright acidity
The acidity of the lemon brings freshness and cleanliness, balancing the sweetness of the maraschino and the softness of the violet.
A6M Zero: Our Handcrafted Interpretation of Aviation
Naturæ Spirits' vision is to preserve the elegance of Aviation, elevating it with artisanal production and a sensory profile that is meticulously crafted. This is how A6M Zero – Aviation Ready to Drink was born, inspired by the famous Japanese A6M Zero aircraft: a symbol of precision, grace, and technical excellence .
- Naturæ Gin – fresh botanical base and aromatic purity
- Violet liqueur – floral, velvety, distinctive
- Maraschino – balanced sweetness
- Lemon Syrup – Bright, clean acidity
The result is a fresh, floral and surprisingly harmonious Aviation, capable of transporting those who taste it on an elegant and timeless sensory journey.
Why A6M Zero is different from other Aviation aircraft
1. Authentic floral elegance
We use a natural violet infusion, without artificial flavors, to ensure a clean and refined floral profile.
2. Precision in balancing
Each component is calibrated to faithfully replicate the cocktail bar experience, with a smooth finish that makes the A6M Zero instantly recognizable.
3. A new idea of practicality
A perfect Aviation requires technique and hard-to-find ingredients. A6M Zero makes excellence accessible with the simplicity of a ready-made cocktail.
How to taste a handcrafted Aviation
- Serve very cold or over packed ice.
- Pour into a chilled cocktail glass
- Add a lemon zest as a garnish
Elegance in every sip
A6M Zero is not a simple ready-to-drink: it is an invitation to discover the most elegant side of gin, a journey through floral notes, delicate citrus fruits and velvety softness.
Discover A6M Zero – Ready-to-serve artisanal aviation.
