Ever since I first tried Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin in a smoky backbar, I fell for its herbal punch and bright, lemony kick. But I’ve noticed most recipes lean on the usual citrus, simple syrup, and a splash of tonic. What really makes this cocktail sing for me is how the gin’s juniper and floral notes cut through, especially if you tweak it with a dash of something unexpected—like a hint of spice or a smoky edge.
I don’t want this to be just another run-of-the-mill gin cocktail. I want you to think of it as a little ritual, a moment where the ingredients come alive, where the balance feels just right. It’s a drink that’s both simple enough to whip up after work, but with enough personality to make you pause and savor every sip. That’s where the magic happens.
So, let’s ditch the typical and dive into a version of this cocktail that feels a bit more personal—something you can tweak, enjoy, and remember. Because honestly, the best drinks are those with a story, a little chaos, and a lot of flavor.
Why I Love This Cocktail—and Why You Might Too
- Getting that perfect citrus-herb balance makes me feel like I’ve cracked a secret code in my own kitchen.
- There’s a chaos to assembling it—squeezing fresh lemon, measuring tiny dashes—that keeps me present.
- It reminds me of summer nights spent with friends, laughter spilling into every sip.
- Sometimes I throw in a dash of something smoky or spicy—just to surprise myself.
- It’s honestly a good excuse to keep a bottle of Reynolds’ gin on hand, just in case.
Ingredient Breakdown—What Makes This Cocktail Shine
- Ryan Reynolds Aviation Gin: The herbal backbone, with juniper, lavender, and citrus zest. Swap with a good London Dry if you want a more traditional feel.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Bright and tart, adds a lively kick. A splash of lime can give it a slightly different zing if lemon isn’t available.
- Simple Syrup: Just sugar and water, smooths everything out. Honey or agave syrup give a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Bitters (Angostura or herbal): A few dashes add complexity and depth—think of it as the cocktail’s secret weapon.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs, lemon twist, or even a smoked salt rim—adds aroma and visual flair.
- Ice: Crushed or cubes—keeps the drink icy and refreshing without watering it down too fast.
Step-by-Step: How to Mix Your Aviation Gin Cocktail
Equipment & Tools
- Jigger or measuring spoons—accuracy counts here.
- Shaker or stirring glass—depends on your vibe.
- Strainer—keeps ice and fruit pulp out.
- Glassware—preferably a coupe or a Nick & Nora for class.
Steps
- Fill your shaker with 3 ounces of Reynolds’ gin, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup, and 2 dashes of bitters.
- Add enough ice to fill the shaker halfway. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds—look for a slight frost on the outside and a gentle crackle.
- Strain into your chilled glass. If you like a clearer look, double strain to remove pulp and ice shards.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a sprig of herbs—smell that bright lemon and herbal lift.
- Take a sip, notice the herbal notes, the citrus punch, and the clean finish.
Resting & Finishing
Serve immediately. If you want to get fancy, add a sprig of thyme or rosemary for extra aroma. No need to stir again—just enjoy it as it is.
Checkpoints & How to Know It’s Done
- Probe the drink—should be crisp, cold, and well-balanced.
- Check the aroma—herbaceous and citrusy, not muddled or flat.
- Look for a clear, shiny surface with no ice melt pooling—indicates perfect chill.
Mistakes and Fixes—What to Watch Out For
- FORGOT the shake? It’ll be watery. Shake again, really brisk—aim for frostiness.
- DUMPED too much bitters? The drink will taste bitter and unbalanced. Next time, add just a dash.
- OVER-TORCHED the lemon peel? It turns bitter and harsh. Use a lighter zesting technique.
- UNDER-ICE the shaker? The drink won’t chill properly. Use plenty of ice—more is better here.
Quick Kitchen Fixes for Common Mistakes
- When the drink is too sour—Splash in a touch more simple syrup or honey.
- If it’s dull or flat—Add a splash of tonic or soda for a quick sparkle.
- Splash a tiny bit of smoked salt on the rim—instant smoky depth.
- Patch over too-strong flavors with a splash of cold water or more ice.
- When the citrus feels dull—Squeeze in fresh lemon or lime right before serving—shimmering brightness.
Herbal Lemon Gin Cocktail
This vibrant cocktail combines the herbal complexity of Aviation Gin with bright lemon juice and a touch of sweetness, shaken with ice to create a crisp, refreshing drink. The final appearance is a clear, shimmering glass with a lemon twist or herb garnish, showcasing its lively and aromatic profile. It’s perfect for a quick, customizable moment of indulgence that feels both sophisticated and approachable.
Print
Pin
Rate
Calories: 150kcal
Servings: 1
Equipment
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Chilled glass
Ingredients
- 3 oz Aviation Gin Herbal-forward gin, or substitute with London Dry
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice Bright and tart, freshly squeezed
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup Can substitute with honey or agave syrup
- 2 dashes Bitters Angostura or herbal bitters
- Ice Ice Crushed or cubes, enough to fill the shaker halfway
- Garnish Lemon twist or fresh herbs For garnish and aroma
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice, ensuring a good amount of chill.
- Pour in 3 ounces of Aviation Gin, followed by 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice and ½ ounce of simple syrup.
- Add two dashes of bitters to the mixture, giving it a subtle aromatic complexity.
- Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty and you hear a gentle crackle.
- Remove the shaker lid and strain the mixture through a strainer into a chilled glass, ensuring a smooth, pulp-free surface.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a sprig of herbs, gently pressing it to release aromatic oils before placing it on the rim or floating on top.
- Take a moment to enjoy the vibrant aroma of citrus and herbs, then sip and savor the bright, herbal, and slightly smoky flavors.
Notes
Feel free to tweak the garnish or add a splash of tonic for extra sparkle and depth. Using smoked salt on the rim can add a smoky twist, complementing the herbal notes.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 20mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 2mg
