The Aviation Cocktail
A surprising new favorite — even from someone who doesn't actually like gin
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Why I Tried the Aviation Pod (Even Though I Don't Drink Gin)
Here's the thing — I'm not a gin person. When I reach for a drink, it's usually vodka, tequila, or scotch. Even my martinis are vodka martinis. So when I cracked open the Bartesian Aviation pod, I genuinely didn't know what to expect.
I made it with regular Bombay Dry Gin (not the Sapphire), garnished with a single maraschino cherry, and poured it into a tall stemmed martini glass. The first thing that hit me was the color — a beautiful purple that catches every bit of light. The second thing was the smell, which is more cherry-forward than I expected — the Aviation pod uses a maraschino flavor, so that cherry note is built into the drink itself, not just the garnish. Note: the pod itself contains no alcohol; the gin you add is the only spirit in the glass.
Then I took the first sip. And I was genuinely surprised.
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The flavor profile is more complex than I expected from a pod-based cocktail. It's light without being thin. Balanced without being boring. And it has a clean, dry finish that makes you want another sip.
What surprised me most is how well-balanced everything is. There's no single flavor that punches you in the face. Nothing tastes artificial. And it's smooth enough that I forgot I was drinking gin — which, for me, is the highest possible compliment.
Want to make every Bartesian pod taste this good? A few small tricks — better ice, fresh garnish, the right glass — turn an okay pod into a great cocktail.
11 Tips for Better Bartesian Cocktails →Which gin should you use with the Aviation pod?
This is where the Aviation pod really earned my respect. I'm someone who actively avoids gin. I don't order gin cocktails at bars. I'd never made an Aviation before in my life. And yet — I genuinely loved this drink.
If you're like me and have always thought gin "isn't for you," the Aviation pod might change your mind. The citrus and floral notes balance the gin character so well that the spirit takes a back seat. You can taste the gin if you look for it, but it doesn't dominate the way it does in a Martini or a Negroni.
I used regular Bombay Dry Gin — a London Dry style. The result was excellent and balanced. But Bartesian Owners All-Star Contributor Bonnie M. pointed out that an Aviation traditionally calls for a floral-forward gin, which lets the violet and maraschino flavors really shine. Her bartender-recommended brands:
- Empress Indigo — her personal favorite. Its natural purple color makes the drink even more visually striking.
- Aviation American Gin — literally named after the cocktail.
- Empress Cucumber — a newer floral release.
If you want the most authentic Aviation experience, reach for one of those. If you only have a regular London Dry on hand (like Bombay or Tanqueray), you'll still get a great drink — just expect it to be more balanced and less floral-forward. That's what I tasted in this review.
The result of this experience: I might actually order an Aviation next time I'm at a bar. That's a sentence I never expected to say.
Does the Bartesian Aviation taste like a real bar Aviation?
I'll be honest — I can't compare it to a "real" Aviation because I've never ordered one at a bar. But based on what an Aviation is supposed to be (gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, lemon), the Bartesian version captures the spirit of it remarkably well — even though, since the pod is alcohol-free, the only spirit in the glass is the gin you pour in.
The citrus brightness, the soft floral character, the cherry note, the dry finish — they're all there. Whether a classically trained bartender would call it identical to their version, I can't say. But what I can say is this: the Bartesian Aviation is good enough to make me want to try the real thing at a craft cocktail bar.
That's a powerful endorsement for any pod-based drink.
Who is the Aviation pod best for?
✓ The Aviation pod is perfect for...
People who want a balanced, elegant cocktail that doesn't taste artificial. Hosts who want a visually stunning drink to serve guests (the purple color is a real conversation starter). Anyone curious about classic cocktails who wants to try the Aviation without committing to buying multiple specialty ingredients. And surprisingly — non-gin drinkers like me who are willing to give gin one more chance.
✗ Skip this pod if...
You're looking for a sweet, fruit-forward cocktail. The Aviation is dry and balanced — not a sweet sipper. If you prefer drinks with strong tropical or candy-like flavors, this won't be your favorite.
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The Final Verdict
The Bartesian Aviation pod is one of those rare drinks that surprises you. I went in skeptical (because, again — not a gin person) and came out a convert. The balance is excellent, the flavor is genuinely complex, the color is beautiful, and the dry finish keeps you coming back.
Out of 10 — this is a 9 for me. The only reason it's not a 10 is because I've only tried one pod and want to leave room for something even better to come along. But honestly? It's hard to imagine a more pleasant surprise from a pod-based cocktail.
If you've been hesitant about the Aviation pod — or about gin in general — this is your sign to try it. Pour it into a beautiful glass, drop in a maraschino cherry, and prepare to be impressed.
▶ Watch the Full Video Review
Prefer to watch instead of read? Here's the full 3-minute walkthrough — same tasting notes, garnish tips, and verdict, in video form.
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