Aviation Gin Cranberry Blood Orange: First New Expression
Aviation American Gin has stepped outside its botanical comfort zone for the first time in more than two decades, releasing Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin. This permanent addition to the portfolio weaves tart cranberry and bright blood orange into Aviation's signature gin base, creating a versatile expression designed for effortless mixing at home. The launch arrives nationwide with co-owner Ryan Reynolds front and center in a playful campaign that suggests this gin practically makes cocktails by itself—a cheeky nod to how flavor-forward the liquid truly is.
What's Inside the Bottle
Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange builds on the distillery's Portland, Oregon foundation—a gin brand that earned 97 points from Wine Enthusiast and helped define American gin's botanical-forward style. This new expression layers juicy cranberry and bold blood orange atop Aviation's approachable base, delivering a vibrant, citrus-driven profile without wandering too far from the original's balanced character. The brand envisions it as an easy upgrade for home bartenders, slotting seamlessly into signature serves like the Bloody Good Mimosa, Blimey Fizz, and Crimson Cosmo. It's bottled at standard gin proof, designed for casual weeknight pours and weekend gatherings alike, and requires minimal effort behind the bar—just the kind of low-maintenance mixer that keeps the rickhouse stocked and the cocktail shaker busy.
Why This Matters for Gin Drinkers
For a brand that hasn't touched its core recipe in over twenty years, this marks a significant pivot. Aviation's move into flavored gin territory reflects a broader trend across the spirits landscape—distilleries are chasing new occasions and drinkers who want flavor without the fuss of muddling, syrups, or elaborate prep. By anchoring the innovation in tart cranberry and blood orange, Aviation targets year-round appeal rather than seasonal novelty. The botanical backbone still anchors the liquid, meaning this isn't a sugary liqueur masquerading as gin—it's a genuine expression that holds its own in classic cocktail structures while opening the door to simpler, fruit-forward serves. Whether you're a purist curious about what happens when a respected gin house experiments, or a home mixer looking to skip the garnish station, this release is a signal that even heritage-minded brands are willing to shake up the barrel.
From the Distillery Floor
"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," said Ryan Reynolds, reflecting on the brand's first flavor departure. Ricky Collett, Gin Category Marketing Director at Diageo, emphasized that the goal was creating new occasions and accessibility—crafting a liquid that delivers versatility and an exceptional flavor experience. The distillery, packaging facility, and visitor experience remain rooted in Portland, Oregon, where Aviation's bartender-distiller partnership continues to guide production. The Cranberry & Blood Orange expression is crafted with the same attention to botanical balance that earned Aviation its reputation, just with a bolder, fruit-driven twist that's meant to make cocktail hour a little less complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin taste like?
Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin delivers tart cranberry and bright, citrus-forward blood orange layered over Aviation's signature botanical gin base. The result is a vibrant, juicy profile that maintains the brand's balanced, approachable character while adding bold fruit notes. It's designed to work in classic cocktail structures—think cosmos, spritzes, and mimosas—without needing additional syrups or muddled fruit.
Is Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange available year-round or seasonal?
This expression is a permanent addition to the Aviation American Gin portfolio, available nationwide throughout the year. Unlike limited-edition releases, it's meant to be a staple for home bars and casual mixology, not a fleeting seasonal novelty.
What cocktails work best with Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin?
Aviation recommends serves like the Bloody Good Mimosa, Blimey Fizz, and Crimson Cosmo, all of which lean into the gin's fruit-forward profile. The expression also shines in spritzes, tonics with a citrus wheel, or simple two-ingredient highballs where the cranberry and blood orange can take center stage without competing botanicals.
How is flavored gin different from regular gin?
Flavored gin starts with a traditional gin base—botanicals like juniper, coriander, and citrus—then adds natural or artificial flavors to highlight specific ingredients. In Aviation's case, cranberry and blood orange are layered into the existing botanical profile, creating a hybrid expression that still reads as gin but with a pronounced fruit character. It's not a liqueur, so the proof and structure remain closer to classic gin.
Where can I buy Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin?
Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin is available nationwide at spirits retailers, including specialty shops like The Old Rickhouse, as well as online through licensed retailers. Check your local liquor store or visit Aviation's website for retailer locators and availability in your area.