When my husband and I were planning on where to take our big vacation for the year, New York City seemed like a no-brainer. Neither one of us had ever been there before and we figured if we were going to go, we’d try to spend at least a couple weeks there. Of course we’ll ride the Cyclone on Coney Island while trying to avoid whiplash. We’ll walk the High Line and bike around Central Park. And we’ll eat. Oh yes! Thanks to all your tips and suggestions I’ve packed my iphone full of Yelp bookmarks on where to eat bbq in Brooklyn, snack on dumplings in Chinatown and scarf down a slice pretty much everywhere. Hello, dream holiday come true!
As I mentioned here, we watched a PBS documentary to get the back-story on how the city came to be and how it grew and grew. But really, my knowledge of NYC comes from movies, so to get myself in a New York state of mind I’d figure I’d share a little slice of NYC one of my favorite films.
Who’s That Knocking at my Door? is Martin Scorsese’s first feature film and I love it. It’s gritty and fun and innocent with a kickin’ soundtrack. This scene is brilliant and if during my trip I don’t get into a knife fight I’ll be sorely disappointed – actually, I think I’ll be fine if the only knife I spot is alongside my dinner plate. Well, at least I’ll get to ride the Staten Island Ferry.
Now NYC and Who’s that Knocking at my Door have very little to do with this cocktail, the Aviation. But like the movie, it’s a cocktail that I really enjoy. It’s a little sweet and a bit sour and if you drink too many can make you feel like you’ve been punched in the gut and kicked in the head. This is an old-fashioned cocktail and traditionally requires Crème de Violette but it’s not available in this neck of the woods. Marachino liqueur is available at Brewery Creek in Vancouver (and sadly not available at BC liquor stores) and don’t let anyone talk you into using the pink juice from a jar of maraschino cherries – a totally different beast.
elsewhere: When you read this post I’ll be NYC, but every Wednesday head over to Poppytalk to see what recipe I’ve got in store. As for ReadyMade, I also wrote a bunch of posts, so check out the blog so you don’t miss one while I’m away!
the aviation cocktail
2 oz gin
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 t maraschino liqueur, preferably Luxardo
1/4 oz Crème de Violette (if you can find it)Pour the ingredients into a cocktail tumbler along with a few cubes of ice. Shake to chill well and then strain into a glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
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you have wonderful taste in cocktails. aviations are great. maraschino liqueur is IMPOSSIBLE to find here in nova scotia, meaning every drink we make with the bottle that was given to us, is slowly savoured.
Have fun! Looks like a very classy cocktail 🙂
You can find Violet liqueur at the Millenium Village liquor store. I think it’s called Legacy or something.
Great post! Have fun in NYC 🙂 Annnd now I really wish it were Cocktail Friday! How is it only Tuesday?!
Like you, I’ve never been to New York before unless you count a 1 hour stopover from Toronto to NY to Athens back in 1982 🙂 I look forward to exploring NY one day, hopefully in the near future. I like the sound of creme de violette. I wonder if it smells like violets?
One of my favorite cocktails! You’re making me even more excited for my visit next week!
My heart literally jolted when I saw that still from “Who’s That Knocking on My Door?” – one of my all-time faves….and I’ve always had a thing for Harvey Keitel *sigh* Have a blast in NYC! The Highline is really nice. If you have time in between knife fights, check out the NY Public Library – They’re celebrating their 100th year with Lego Lions and a wonderful exhibition of their eclectic collection.
I kind of feel like I’m missing out since I’ve never been in a knife-fight and I’ve lived in NYC my whole life…
Have fun chica!
What an amazing way to spend a vacation in an amazing city!
Enjoy and eat, eat, eat!
Oh, my! What a classy-looking cocktail. It’s very fitting for a trip to NYC. Have fun, and don’t forget to hit the Guggenheim Museum and to spend at least a DAY in Central Park! You’re going to have a ball.
Kate
you can find creme de violette in park slope – could be a good souvenir to take home! Borisal Liquor & Wine, 468 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215-3928
I must say, I have not been to your blog in a while. Through a random set of circumstances I come to your blog today to find this post on the Aviation, my absolute favorite cocktail of all time. So under appreciated, and so hard to find a good one!! But when I do, I certainly end up having too many, but what is too many when it’s an Aviation. Thanks for the post!
Have fun in the Big Apple! It’s a foodie dream come true!
Don’t miss Chelsea Market!!!!
Have you read the book Boozehound? The author has a recipe for the Aviation in it, and he talks about the creme de violette. I was introduced to the book by Dan. And thanks for the movie recommendation I will check it out. Enjoy New York…
Alicia, thanks for the tip! I’ll def pick up a bottle.
Bijoux, apparently it does taste very floral! Just a drop will do, I’m sure. And you have to go to NYC, it was an amazing trip.
Kimberly, it was great to meet you!
Beth, glad we’ve got similar tastes in films! It is such a great and beautiful little gem of a movie.
Serendipity I say, Sara! Glad you stopped by!
Hag, read Boozehound and loved it. A great read.