The Aviation Cocktail is one of those with a mysterious past. We really don't know who first created it but, according to David Wondrich's Imbibe!, it was first printed in a 1916 book by Hugo Ensslin called Recipes for Mixed Drinks. The drink has remained popular over the years and recently became one of the classics for aficionado imbibers to try.

Until recently, the Creme de Violette was often left out of the mix, but even the smallest amount of the liqueur adds floral complexity and color to the cocktail. (Spirits/Cocktails)