Empress Gin Cocktail

This Empress Gin Cocktail, made with gin, honey syrup and lemon juice, is a delightful and balanced blend of sweet, tart and botanical flavors. Refreshing and perfect on a hot summer day or any time of year really! Plus, the Empress Gin and Tonic, Empress Gin Martini, Empress Gin Sour, Empress Gin French 75 and Empress Gin Negroni!

This is also a super fun cocktail to serve at Halloween! The spooky vibrant purple with an orange sugar rim makes the perfect treat!

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If you are starting to enjoy that summer sunshine, there’s nothing quite like an Empress gin cocktail to quench your thirst and elevate your spirits.

A refreshing summer cocktail along with laughter and gentle breezes, infuses the essence of the season into every sip.

Speaking of refreshing summer cocktails, be sure to check out this Vodka Sour (garnish with Bourbon Cherries for some extra pizzaz) and this Rum Punch!

One such masterpiece that encapsulates the vibrant energy of summer is the Empress Gin cocktail.

This cocktail is not only delightfully tasty but absolutely beautiful boasting vibrant shades of purple. It is also great for the Halloween season, alongside this Halloween Cocktail!

At the heart of this Empress gin bees knees (with a ginger twist!) lies a spirit as enchanting as the season itself – Empress 1908 Gin.

Empress 1908 Gin is expertly handcrafted in small batch copper-pot stills and is made by Victoria Distillers, inspired by the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia.

In addition to traditional botanicals, they add a signature blend of black tea and butterfly pea blossom, an exotic herb that balances the traditional citrus notes of gin with a warm herbal earthiness, and gives the gin its natural indigo colour.

Empress 1908’s combination of exquisite taste, delicate aroma, soft texture and remarkable presentation provide the perfect base for a new aesthetic of cocktail creation and enjoyment.

So, let’s embark on a voyage of taste and beauty as we delve into the art of creating an Empress Gin cocktail.

Whether you’re hosting a garden soiree, lounging by the pool, hosting spooky Halloween party or simply seeking to elevate an ordinary moment, this cocktail promises to be a delightful companion, turning fleeting summer days into memories etched with the elegance and vibrancy of the Empress 1908 Gin cocktails.

Why this Empress gin cocktail is the best!

The Empress Gin cocktail stands out with its mesmerizing purple hue, thanks to the unique Empress 1908 Gin. Beauty and taste for the win!

Empress 1908 Gin’s blend of botanicals infuses the cocktail with a harmonious medley of floral, citrus and juniper notes.

As the quintessential summer cocktail, this Empress gin bees knees encapsulates the very essence of the season, fresh tart lemon juice, sweet honey and a pop of spicy ginger.

Ingredients

Ice
Empress 1908 Gin
Fresh Lemon Juice
Honey Syrup: You can buy honey syrup or make homemade (see recipe card). You can also use brown sugar syrup or demerara syrup.
Fresh Grated Ginger (Optional)
Sugar Rim (Optional Garnish)

How to make an empress gin cocktail

Combine Empress 1908 Gin, lemon juice, honey syrup and ginger in cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously, pour into martini glass or over ice.
Optional: Coat martini glass rim with honey and dip in colored sugar.

Homemade Honey Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine honey and water (3:1, honey : water ratio) and stir on low until honey dissolves.

Empress gin and tonic

2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
4 oz tonic water
Ice cubes
Lime or lemon wedge for garnish

Empress gin martini

2 ½ ounces Empress 1908 Gin
½ ounce dry vermouth
Ice cubes
Lemon twist or olive, for garnish

Empress gin sour

2 ounces Empress 1908 Gin
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup (1:1 ratio of water and sugar)
Ice cubes
Lemon twist or cherry, for garnish (optional)

Empress gin French 75

1 ½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
½ oz Fresh lemon juice
½ oz Simple syrup (1:1 ratio of water and sugar)
Champagne or sparkling wine
Ice cubes
Lemon twist, for garnish

Empress negroni

1 oz Empress 1908 Gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet vermouth
Orange twist or slice, for garnish
Ice cubes

FAQ and expert tips

How should I garnish an Empress Gin cocktail?

A common garnish for an Empress Gin cocktail includes a citrus twist (lemon or lime peel), sugar rim or a lavender sprig.

What’s the recommended mixing technique for an Empress Gin cocktail?

To make an Empress Gin cocktail, shake the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice or martini glass.

Can I substitute Empress 1908 Gin with another gin?

Yes, you can use another gin, but keep in mind that the vibrant color and unique flavor profile of Empress 1908 Gin makes this cocktail special.

What are some popular variations of the Empress Gin cocktail?

Some variations include adding herbal liqueurs like Chartreuse, elderflower liqueur, incorporating fruit juices like cranberry or grapefruit, or experimenting with different bitters to create new flavor dimensions.

What glassware is best for serving an Empress Gin cocktail?

The Empress Gin cocktail is often served in a classic martini class, coupe or a highball glass, depending on the style of the cocktail and the amount of ice used.

Summer cocktail recipes

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