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Empress Gin Cocktail

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a glass of Empress Gin Cocktail garnished with grapefruit and mint
With a beautiful signature color, this Empress gin cocktail has all the makings of a stunning and refreshing summer cocktail.
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Table of Contents
  1. Empress Gin Cocktail Ingredients
  2. Purple Gin Cocktail Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Empress Gin Cocktail Recipe
  4. How To Serve an Empress Gin Drink
  5. Empress Cocktail Storage Tips
  6. Why Empress Gin Cocktail is the Best
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More Recipes You’ll Love
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE
  10. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This stunning Empress gin cocktail is a sweet and tart blend of Empress gin, citrus, tonic water, and simple syrup. Perfect for casual gatherings or special events, this beautiful cocktail will wow your guests with its vibrant rose and indigo color and flavorful combination of ingredients. 

a glass of Empress Gin Cocktail garnished with grapefruit and mint

Empress Gin Cocktail Ingredients

Empress Gin Cocktail raw ingredients that are labeled
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Pure artistry in a glass, this Empress Gin Cocktail has a subtle beauty from the layers of flavors. It might look advanced but it’s incredibly easy to make.

The gin, citrus, tonic water, and simple syrup blend together perfectly to create an invigorating flavor experience.

It’s a crisp mixture that starts off with a light tangy sweetness from the gin and grapefruit juice, then moves into the bubbly fizz of the tonic water.

You’ll need:

  • Ice
  • ¼ cup of ruby red grapefruit juice
  • ½ ounce of simple syrup
  • ⅓ cup of tonic water
  • 1½ ounces of Empress gin
  • Small slice of ruby red grapefruit, garnish
  • Sprig of fresh mint, garnish 

What’s so special about Empress gin?

Distilled in special copper-pot stills in small batches, Empress 1908 Gin contains eight seasonal botanicals, including exotic butterfly pea flowers.

Discovered in a tea blend served at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. These unique blossoms impart a warm herbal earthiness, soft texture, and deep indigo signature color that is simply beautiful.

Purple Gin Cocktail Substitutions And Additions

If you’re a gin lover, the bright lavender hue and amazing taste is a must-try. Along with pink grapefruit juice, just a few simple ingredients create beautiful drinks. You’re sure to earn a five star rating from anyone who takes a sip.

Here are some suggestions for customizations you make as well:

EMPEROR’S GIN: For an alcohol-free version, try using a non-alcoholic gin.

If you prefer a different gin, feel free to experiment with various types, like a London Dry gin for a more traditional taste or a botanical gin for added complexity.

ST-GERMAIN ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR: You can add an ounce of this delicious liqueur. Or try a different flavor, such as hibiscus or rose liqueur. These will add a unique floral note, though the overall sweetness may vary.

JUICE: Freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice is a delicious addition.

SIMPLE SYRUP: Agave nectar or honey are excellent alternatives in this purple gin drink. They bring their own unique flavors and can slightly alter the cocktail’s taste profile. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as they can be sweeter than simple syrup.

SPARKLING WATER: You could use seltzer water, soda water, or sparkling water instead of tonic water if you prefer. This will slightly alter the taste profile of the drink, however.

LEMON TWIST: Orange or grapefruit peel can be used for a different kind of citrus aroma and flavor. These citrus fruits provide a more subtle or slightly bitter zest compared to lemon.

EDIBLE FLOWERS: These make a stunning garnish! Here are some suggestions:

  1. Violas: These small and colorful flowers have a slightly sweet taste and come in a variety of colors, making them a visually appealing garnish.
  2. Borage Flowers: With their striking blue color, borage flowers offer a mild cucumber flavor, which complements the botanicals in the gin nicely.
  3. Nasturtiums: Available in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, nasturtiums have a peppery taste similar to watercress, adding a unique flavor and pop of color.
  4. Lavender: Lavender adds a fragrant, slightly sweet and floral note. It’s particularly good in cocktails with herbal or floral ingredients like those in Empress Gin.
  5. Rose Petal: Edible rose petals can add a romantic and elegant touch. They have a subtle floral flavor that can enhance the drink’s aromatics.
  6. Chamomile Flowers: These small, daisy-like flowers offer a sweet, apple-like taste and a calming aroma, making them a delightful addition.
  7. Pansies: Pansies come in a variety of colors and have a mild, grassy flavor. They’re perfect for adding a splash of color to your cocktail.
  8. Calendula: Also known as marigolds, calendula flowers have a slightly spicy, peppery taste and vibrant yellow and orange petals.
  9. Cornflowers: With their bright blue petals, cornflowers are visually striking and have a slightly sweet-to-spicy flavor.
  10. Hibiscus: Hibiscus flowers can add a tart, cranberry-like flavor and a dramatic look, especially if you use the whole flower.

HERBS: If edible flowers are not available or not to your liking, try a sprig of fresh herbs like mint leaves or basil. These not only add a lovely aroma but also introduce a fresh, herbal note to the cocktail.

How To Make This Empress Gin Cocktail Recipe

You’ll want to skip the cocktail shaker for this signature cocktail so that the gorgeous layers stay defined until you’re ready to drink. Just follow the easy instructions below and you’ll be sipping tasty cocktails in no time!

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Empress gin is slightly different from standard clear gins as it is unique in its beautiful blueish-purple color. It gets its color from the butterfly pea blossom.

This unique gin will change its color to various shades of light purple and pink depending on the mixer that is added. The acid from the tonic water and the citrus you use will affect the color change.

STEP ONE: Fill a 10-ounce highball glass with ice.

tall glass filled with ice

STEP TWO: Add ruby red grapefruit juice, simple syrup, tonic water, and Empress gin to the glass.

Be sure to pour the Empress gin slowly to keep it from mixing with the other layers too much.

PRO TIP:

To slow down the addition of the Empress gin, pour it over the back of a spoon. This will help ensure it doesn’t disturb the other layers of the drink.

ruby red grapefruit juice, simple syrup, tonic water, and Empress gin added to the glass

STEP THREE: Garnish the rim of the glass with a small slice of ruby red grapefruit and a fresh mint sprig.

PRO TIP:

You will want to serve this beautiful Empress gin cocktail while the drink’s layers are still separated.

However, you will want to stir gently with a cocktail stirrer or straw before drinking for the best flavor.

How To Serve an Empress Gin Drink

Empress gin cocktails are a great way to keep you refreshed on a summer day. They’re ideal for a girl’s night in or afternoon tea as well.

These gorgeous cocktails can be served with light appetizers such as hummus, chips and salsa, olives, roasted artichokes, or a cheese plate. 

Light salads like a tomato cucumber salad or a Caprese salad are also great accompaniments to this refreshing cocktail.

To add a little bit of sweetness and crunch to your meal, serve it with some fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries!

Our gummy bear drink and our rainbow cocktail are two more drink recipes that are sure to delight with their beautiful colors.

Empress Cocktail Storage Tips

IN THE FRIDGE: We don’t recommend trying to keep leftovers of this colorful drink as the ice will melt and water down your drink. Serve your gin cocktail immediately.

IN THE FREEZER: This grown-up drink must be served fresh.

Why Empress Gin Cocktail is the Best

STUNNING VISUAL APPEAL: The vibrant, natural indigo hue of Empress 1908 Gin creates a visually captivating cocktail that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

UNIQUE FLAVOR PROFILE: The combination of gin and juice results in a well-balanced and refreshing cocktail with a distinct flavor profile.

EASE OF PREPARATION: This cocktail is incredibly easy to make, making it accessible to both novice and experienced mixologists alike.

a glass of Empress Gin Cocktail garnished with grapefruit and mint

When it comes to cocktails, our Empress gin cocktail with its natural indigo hue will be a winner. Not only does it taste delicious with the flavors of citrus and exquisite gin, but it’s also refreshing and perfect for any summer day or evening. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best glass to use for this simple cocktail?

We used a 10-ounce highball glass for this drink, but any fun 10-ounce cocktail glass would also work fine.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

This drink is best made when you are ready to enjoy it, as the ice will melt if it sits too long and will dilute and alter the lovely layered effect.

Does it matter what brand of Empress gin I use?

Any brand of this indigo gin you can find will be perfect for this recipe.

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a glass of Empress Gin Cocktail garnished with grapefruit and mint

Empress Gin Cocktail

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With a beautiful signature color, this Empress gin cocktail has all the makings of a stunning and refreshing summer cocktail.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • Ice
  • ¼ cup ruby red grapefruit juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • cup tonic water
  • ounces Empress gin
  • 1 small slice ruby red grapefruit, garnish
  • 1 sprig fresh mint, garnish

Instructions
 

  • Fill a 10-ounce highball glass with ice.
  • Add ruby red grapefruit juice, simple syrup, tonic water, and Empress gin to the glass. Be sure to pour the Empress gin slowly to keep it from mixing with the other layer too much.
  • Garnish the rim of the glass with a small slice of ruby red grapefruit and a fresh mint sprig.

Notes

  • Empress gin is slightly different from standard clear gins as it is unique in its beautiful blueish-purple color. It gets its color from the butterfly pea blossom. This unique gin will change its color to various shades of light purple and pink depending on the mixer that is added. The acid from the tonic water and the citrus you use will affect the color change.
  • To slow down the addition of the Empress gin, pour it over the back of a spoon. This will help ensure it doesn’t disturb the other layers of the drink.
  • You will want to serve this beautiful Empress gin cocktail while the drink’s layers are still separated. However, you will want to stir gently with a cocktail stirrer or straw before drinking for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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