If you’re a gin fanatic, you have to try these stunning Empress Gin cocktails. Other than their gorgeous purple hue, they’re bright, light, and deliciously floral.
Empress 1908 Gin is super fragrant and made in small batches. So, it’s the kind of gin to bring out on special occasions.
That said, these Empress Gin cocktail recipes are so delicious, you’ll crave them all the time!
Empress 1908 Gin
Having lived in Victoria, British Columbia for a spell, I’m super familiar with the Fairmont Empress Hotel that overlooks the beautiful Inner Harbour.
It’s grand, picturesque, and truly worthy of the name.
So when I found out Empress Gin is made by Victoria Distillers and is inspired by the Fairmont, I knew I had to get my hands on a bottle.
And I’m so glad I did!
It’s citrussy, herbal, and kissed with the most delicate lavender flavor. They’ve included a blend of black teas as well as butterfly pea blossom, which gives it that gorgeous color.
It’s fragrant, light, and much sweeter than many gins on the market. And it makes some pretty incredible cocktails!
Empress Gin Cocktails
With their delicate purple color and light flavor, these Empress Gin cocktails are ideal for garden parties. Serve them with edible flowers in pretty glasses, and they’ll be the talk of the town!
Empress Gin Sour
This recipe is enough for two cocktails. It’s just the right amount of fruity and sour with a lovely egg white foam on the top.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces of Empress Gin
- 1 1/2 ounces of Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 ounce of Blueberry Liqueur*
- 2 Egg Whites
- Ice
- Edible flowers or blueberries for garnish
*Blueberry Schnapps is a great choice. Alternatively, use a blend of vodka and blueberry simple syrup.
Method:
- Chill two martini glasses.
- Add the Empress Gin, lemon juice, blueberry liqueur, and egg whites to a cocktail shaker.
- Seal the top, and shake for 40-50 seconds - until the egg whites have become foamy.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake for 10-20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain the drink into the glasses, then spoon the foam over the top.
- Garnish with edible flowers and blueberries.
Empress Gin Mai Tai
This recipe is enough for two cocktails. This Mai Tai recipe is a little less sweet than the standard drink, but the Empress Gin adds such a nice floral flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces of Empress Gin
- 1 ounce of Dark Rum
- 1 ounce of Triple Sec
- 1 ounce of Orgeat*
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Ice
- Wedge of Lime and Edible Flowers for garnish
*Orgeat is a non-alcoholic almond syrup often used in cocktails, and it’s essential in Mai Tais. If you can’t find it, try 1/2 ounce of Amaretto and 1/2 ounce of Cointreau instead.
Method:
- Chill two whiskey glasses.
- Add the Empress Gin, dark rum, triple sec, orgeat, and a squeeze of fresh lime to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice, seal the top, and shake for 20-30 seconds.
- Strain into the chilled glasses and top up with more ice.
- Garnish with lime wedge and edible flowers.
Empress Gin 75
This recipe is enough for two drinks. This is a stunning twist on the classic French 75. It’s bubbly, boozy, and stunning.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of Champagne, Prosecco, or Sparkling Wine
- 4 ounces of Empress Gin
- 3 ounces of Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 ounces of Simple Syrup
- Lavender and Lemon Peels for garnish
Method:
- Add the Empress Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake for 10-20 seconds, until chilled.
- Strain the liquid into two Champagne flutes or martini glasses and top with your choice of Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with lavender and a twist of lemon.