Aviation American Gin launches its first-ever flavor innovation: Cranberry & Blood Orange. Tart, citrusy, and cocktail-ready. Here’s what you need to know.
Two decades. That’s how long Aviation American Gin held its line. No gimmicks, no seasonal releases, no trendy add-ons. Just one beautifully balanced bottle that earned 97 points from Wine Enthusiast and helped define what American gin could be.
So when a brand that prides itself on restraint finally breaks from tradition, you pay attention. The new Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin is the label’s first flavor innovation since its founding, and it lands with all the confidence of a brand that knows exactly when to make a move.
For cocktail lovers in New York, London, Sydney, and everywhere in between, this is the bottle worth reaching for.
Why Aviation American Gin Waited 20 Years to Try Something New
Patience, it turns out, is a strategy.
Aviation spent two decades building a reputation on one single expression. That’s rare in an industry that drops limited editions the way streetwear brands drop sneakers. But the Portland, Oregon distillery stayed the course, and that loyalty to craft earned them a devoted following among bartenders, sommeliers, and home mixologists alike.
The question, then, was never whether Aviation could innovate. It was whether they would, and if they did, whether it would be worth it.
The answer is a confident yes. Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange combines the brand’s signature botanical gin base with two flavors that feel bold on paper but surprisingly natural in the glass. Tart cranberry brings a juicy, slightly tart pull. Blood orange adds a deep citrus warmth, richer and more complex than standard orange, with a color that makes every pour look like it belongs on a rooftop bar in Milan or a candlelit dinner party in West Hollywood.
The Flavor Profile: What Cranberry and Blood Orange Actually Bring to the Glass
Let’s talk about what makes this combination work.
Blood orange is not your everyday citrus. It has an almost berry-like quality, darker and more layered than a navel orange, with subtle raspberry notes underneath the citrus brightness. Paired with cranberry’s natural tartness, the result is a gin that feels vibrant and alive without tipping into sugary territory. This is not a cocktail mixer masquerading as a spirit. It’s a full-flavored, fun-loving gin that just happens to make cocktails significantly more interesting.
The brand created three signature serves to showcase the new expression: the Bloody Good Mimosa, the Blimey Fizz, and the Crimson Cosmo. Each one is built for accessibility without sacrificing style. For the curious home bartender who wants to impress guests without spending three hours prepping ingredients, this is a genuinely practical upgrade.
According to Imbibe Magazine, flavored spirits are seeing renewed interest among premium drinkers who want complexity without complexity, which is basically the pitch here.
“We wanted to create new occasions for consumers to engage with Aviation in fresh, creative ways…”
Ricky Collett
Gin Category
Marketing Director
Diageo
“We wanted to create new occasions for consumers to engage with Aviation in fresh, creative ways, and focused on crafting a liquid that delivers versatility, accessibility and an exceptional flavor experience,” said Ricky Collett, Gin Category Marketing Director at Diageo. “The combination of Aviation’s signature gin with tart cranberry and citrus-forward blood orange offers cocktail elevation while remaining easy to enjoy.”
Most of us have fumbled a homemade cocktail at least once. Too much sour mix, not enough spirit, and suddenly you’re apologizing to your guests with a smile. Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange is designed with that very real human moment in mind.
Ryan Reynolds Makes Innovation Funny, Because of Course He Does
You cannot talk about this launch without acknowledging the co-owner who made gin genuinely entertaining for a generation of casual drinkers.
Ryan Reynolds stars in the campaign video, leaning into Aviation’s tradition of self-aware humor. His quote from the launch captures the brand’s voice perfectly: “Innovation is at the heart of what we do. That’s true despite the fact that until today we have not really changed our product at all. I am so proud of our first actual innovation, the delicious Cranberry & Blood Orange.”
It’s the kind of line that makes you laugh before you even open the bottle. And honestly, that approachability is part of what Aviation does best. It takes quality seriously while refusing to take itself too seriously. That’s a harder balance to strike than most brands manage.
Mini FAQ: Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin
Q: Where can I buy Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin? A: The new expression is now available nationwide as a permanent addition to the Aviation portfolio. Check your local spirits retailer or visit www.aviationgin.com for purchasing details.
Q: What cocktails work best with Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin? A: The brand recommends the Bloody Good Mimosa, Blimey Fizz, and Crimson Cosmo as signature serves. The flavor profile also works beautifully in a simple spritz with tonic or sparkling water and a blood orange slice.
Q: Is Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin sweet? A: No. The tart cranberry and citrus-forward blood orange balance Aviation’s botanical base without leaning into sweetness. It’s vibrant and flavorful without the sugary finish you might expect from a flavored spirit.
A New Chapter for a Brand That Earned the Right to Evolve
Twenty years is a long time to hold a standard. Aviation American Gin did exactly that, and now it’s earned the right to stretch a little. The Cranberry & Blood Orange release is not a brand chasing trends. It’s a confident, flavor-forward step from a gin that already knew what it was doing.
Whether you’re stocking a home bar in Chicago, hosting dinner in Dubai, or just looking for something genuinely fun to sip on a Friday evening, this bottle belongs in the conversation. Pour it, enjoy it, and follow @AviationGin on Instagram for what comes next.
