Ryan Reynolds’ Robot Bartender Fiasco Ends With A Major Gin Reveal

After more than two decades of sticking to its signature formula, Ryan Reynolds' Aviation American Gin brand is finally shaking things up. The brand has launched its first-ever flavored expression, Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin, marking a major milestone for the portfolio and giving cocktail lovers an easier way to mix drinks at home. And in true Ryan Reynolds fashion, the rollout comes with plenty of humor. Ryan Reynolds stars in a comedic promotional video that pokes fun at the idea of innovation before revealing the real star of the show: a bold, citrus-forward gin designed to make cocktails practically effortless.

To celebrate the release, Ryan Reynolds appeared in a new promotional video introducing what he jokingly described as Aviation's latest innovation: a humanoid robotic bartender named Evo. "At Aviation American Gin, innovation is at the heart of everything we do," Ryan said in the promo. "So to make it easy for everyone to have a perfect cocktail, we created... Evo. A state of the art, robotic humanoid engineered to be your home mixologist."

The robot is then shown attempting to make drinks, only to spill gin, miss glasses, and create chaos in the process. "Well, when the robot turned out to obviously be a person in a suit... We innovated again," he said.

That's when Ryan Reynolds introduces the real product. "Meet aviation cranberry blood, orange gin," Ryan said, showing off the new product. "It's a perfect blend of botanicals and fruit flavors that is so smooth and delicious, it makes amazing cocktails practically by itself, elevating everything from a gin fizz to mimosas. to innovation."

The new Cranberry & Blood Orange expression represents a major moment for the brand, which has largely remained unchanged since its founding. "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," Ryan Reynolds said in a news release. "I am so proud of our first actual innovation, the delicious Cranberry & Blood Orange."

The gin combines Aviation's traditional botanical profile, including cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper, and orange peel, with added cranberry and blood orange flavors. Bottled at 40% ABV, it's slightly lower in alcohol than the original formula, helping emphasize the fruit-forward profile.

Now available nationwide, the bottle retails for approximately $30.

The launch is also part of a broader strategy to expand how consumers engage with the brand. "We're proud to introduce Cranberry & Blood Orange to the Aviation portfolio as a meaningful expansion of the brand," Ricky Collett, Gin Category Marketing Director at Diageo, said.

"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," he continued. "The combination of Aviation's signature gin with tart cranberry and citrus-forward blood orange offers cocktail elevation while remaining easy to enjoy."

Alongside the launch of the new Cranberry & Blood Orange flavored gin, Aviation also released a handful of simple cocktail recipes designed to show just how versatile the spirit can be for at-home mixing. From brunch drinks to classic bar favorites with a twist, the recipes emphasize ease and bold flavor.

One featured option, the Bloody Good Mimosa, combines 1.5 oz of Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin with 1 oz orange juice, topped with chilled sparkling wine and garnished with an orange triangle and half strawberry for a bright, brunch-ready serve.

Another option, the Blimey Fizz, mixes 1.5 oz of the flavored gin with 0.75 oz simple syrup and 1 oz fresh lime juice, shaken with ice and topped with chilled club soda. A lime wheel garnish completes the refreshing, citrus-forward cocktail.

For those looking for something more classic, the Crimson Cosmo blends 1 oz Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin with 0.25 oz triple sec, 0.25 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.75 oz cranberry juice, shaken and strained into a chilled coupe glass with an orange twist garnish.

With the addition now becoming a permanent part of the lineup, Aviation appears ready to enter a new era.