Empress Gin originated in the early 20th century at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. The hotel’s bartenders created a signature gin cocktail featuring a unique blend of botanicals, including butterfly pea flower, which gave the drink its distinctive indigo color. The original recipe was lost over time, but in 2017, a group of entrepreneurs and distillers recreated the iconic gin, sourcing fine botanicals and perfecting the recipe to honor the original cocktail.
Empress Gin is crafted using eight organic botanicals: juniper, grapefruit peel, coriander seed, cinnamon bark, rose petal, ginger root, and butterfly pea flower. This combination results in a complex flavor profile that is floral, citrusy, and slightly spicy. The butterfly pea flower contributes to both the gin’s indigo color and a subtle earthy note.
The gin has gained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts and mixologists worldwide due to its unique color and flavor. It has become a favored ingredient in various cocktails and continues to inspire innovative drink creations. Empress Gin’s success is attributed to its rich history, exceptional quality, and distinctive characteristics, making it a notable presence in the craft cocktail industry.
Key Takeaways
- Empress Gin is a modern take on a classic spirit, inspired by the tradition of the 19th century British Royal Navy.
- Try the Empress 75, a refreshing cocktail made with Empress Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine.
- To make a classic Empress Gin and Tonic, simply mix Empress Gin with tonic water and garnish with a slice of grapefruit or a sprig of rosemary.
- Get creative with Empress Gin by using it in cocktails like the Lavender Collins or the Butterfly Pea Flower Martini.
- Elevate your Empress Gin cocktails with garnishes like edible flowers, citrus twists, or a sprinkle of butterfly pea flower powder for a pop of color.
The Best Empress Gin Cocktails to Try
Classic and Timeless
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Empress Gin is in a classic gin and tonic. The indigo color of the gin adds a stunning visual element to this timeless cocktail, making it a show-stopping drink for any occasion.
Floral and Refreshing
Another beloved cocktail featuring Empress Gin is the Lavender Lemonade. This refreshing and floral drink combines the gin with fresh lemon juice, lavender syrup, and soda water for a delightful and aromatic beverage. For those who enjoy a more complex and sophisticated cocktail, the Empress 75 is a must-try. This twist on the classic French 75 features Empress Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine, creating a bubbly and elegant drink that is perfect for celebrations.
Fruity, Tropical, and Bold
If you’re in the mood for something fruity and tropical, the Empress Tiki is an excellent choice. This cocktail combines Empress Gin with pineapple juice, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and bitters for a refreshing and exotic libation that will transport you to a sunny beach paradise. For those who prefer a bold and spicy cocktail, the Empress Negroni is an ideal option. This twist on the classic Negroni features Empress Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, resulting in a vibrant and complex drink with a beautiful indigo hue. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or enjoy experimenting with new flavors, there’s a perfect Empress Gin cocktail for every palate.
How to Make a Classic Empress Gin and Tonic
The classic gin and tonic is a timeless cocktail that is beloved by many for its simplicity and refreshing taste. When made with Empress Gin, this iconic drink takes on a whole new level of elegance and visual appeal. To make a classic Empress Gin and Tonic, you will need the following ingredients: 2 oz Empress Gin, 4 oz premium tonic water, ice cubes, and a lemon or lime wedge for garnish.
Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes, then pour in the Empress Gin. Next, top off the gin with premium tonic water, stirring gently to combine the ingredients. Finally, garnish the drink with a lemon or lime wedge for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
The result is a stunning indigo cocktail that is as beautiful as it is delicious. For those who want to elevate their Empress Gin and Tonic even further, consider adding a splash of butterfly pea flower tea to create a mesmerizing color-changing effect. Simply brew butterfly pea flower tea according to the package instructions and allow it to cool before adding it to your cocktail.
When mixed with the gin and tonic, the tea will transform the drink from indigo to a vibrant pink hue, adding an extra element of magic to your beverage. Whether you prefer your Empress Gin and Tonic traditional or with a colorful twist, this classic cocktail is sure to impress with its striking appearance and delightful flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Use Empress Gin in Cocktails
| Cocktail Name | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Empress Martini | 2 oz Empress Gin, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, lemon twist for garnish | Stir gin and vermouth with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with lemon twist |
| Empress Fizz | 1 1/2 oz Empress Gin, 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, club soda | Shake gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice with ice, strain into a glass with ice, top with club soda |
| Empress Sour | 2 oz Empress Gin, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, egg white | Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, strain into a glass, add egg white, shake again without ice, strain into a glass |
Empress Gin’s unique indigo color and complex flavor profile make it an ideal ingredient for creative and innovative cocktails. One creative way to use Empress Gin is in a floral and aromatic cocktail called the Garden Party. This delightful drink combines the gin with elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and muddled cucumber for a refreshing and herbaceous libation that is perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Another inventive cocktail featuring Empress Gin is the Blueberry Basil Smash. This vibrant and fruity drink combines the gin with muddled blueberries, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a bright and flavorful beverage that is as beautiful as it is delicious. For those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors, the Spicy Ginger Mule is an excellent choice for showcasing Empress Gin.
This zesty cocktail combines the gin with fresh ginger syrup, lime juice, and spicy ginger beer for a fiery and invigorating drink that will awaken your taste buds. If you’re in the mood for something creamy and indulgent, consider trying the Lavender White Russian. This luxurious cocktail features Empress Gin, coffee liqueur, lavender syrup, and cream for a decadent and aromatic libation that is perfect for sipping after dinner.
Whether you’re in the mood for something light and floral or bold and spicy, there are countless creative ways to use Empress Gin in cocktails that will delight your senses and impress your guests.
The Perfect Garnishes for Empress Gin Cocktails
Garnishes are an essential element of any cocktail, adding visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor to the drink. When it comes to Empress Gin cocktails, there are several perfect garnishes that complement the spirit’s unique indigo color and complex flavor profile. For classic gin cocktails such as the gin and tonic or martini, a simple twist of lemon or lime peel is an ideal garnish that adds a bright citrus aroma to the drink.
The vibrant colors of these citrus peels also provide a striking contrast to the indigo hue of Empress Gin, making for an eye-catching presentation. For more floral and herbaceous cocktails featuring Empress Gin, fresh herbs such as basil or rosemary make excellent garnishes that enhance the drink’s aromatic qualities. A sprig of lavender is also a beautiful garnish for cocktails with floral notes, adding an elegant touch to the presentation.
Additionally, edible flowers such as pansies or violets can be used as garnishes for Empress Gin cocktails, adding a whimsical and romantic flair to the drink. Whether you prefer citrus peels for a burst of freshness or herbs and flowers for an added layer of fragrance, there are countless perfect garnishes that will elevate your Empress Gin cocktails to new heights.
Hosting a Regal Cocktail Party with Empress Gin
Setting the Tone for Luxury
To create an unforgettable experience, incorporate elements of luxury and opulence into your decor and presentation. Use fine glassware, such as crystal coupes or highball glasses, to serve your Empress Gin cocktails, adding an air of refinement to your drinks.
Crafting a Sophisticated Cocktail Menu
When planning your cocktail menu, include a variety of Empress Gin cocktails that showcase the spirit’s unique color and flavor profile. Offer classic options like gin and tonics or martinis alongside more creative concoctions like lavender lemonades or blueberry basil smashes to cater to different tastes. Consider creating signature cocktails inspired by the regal history of Empress Gin or the Fairmont Empress Hotel for an extra touch of sophistication.
Completing the Regal Experience
To complete the regal experience, serve elegant hors d’oeuvres or canapés that pair well with Empress Gin cocktails. Delicate finger sandwiches, smoked salmon blinis, or gourmet cheese platters are excellent options that will complement the flavors of your drinks while adding an element of luxury to your party. With careful attention to detail and thoughtful planning, hosting a regal cocktail party with Empress Gin is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Tips for Pairing Empress Gin Cocktails with Food
Pairing Empress Gin cocktails with food can be an enjoyable experience that enhances both the flavors of your drinks and your culinary creations. When selecting food pairings for your cocktails, consider matching the botanical notes and flavor profiles of Empress Gin with complementary ingredients in your dishes. For example, light and citrusy cocktails such as gin and tonics or lavender lemonades pair well with seafood dishes such as ceviche or grilled shrimp, as the bright flavors of the cocktails complement the delicate flavors of the seafood.
For more complex cocktails featuring Empress Gin such as negronis or spicy ginger mules, consider pairing them with heartier dishes such as charcuterie boards or savory tarts that can stand up to the bold flavors of the drinks. Additionally, creamy cocktails like lavender white russians can be paired with rich desserts such as chocolate truffles or crème brûlée for a decadent and indulgent experience. When in doubt, consider using similar flavor profiles in both your cocktails and food pairings to create harmonious combinations that delight your palate.
Experimenting with different pairings can be a fun way to discover new flavor combinations and enhance your overall dining experience when enjoying Empress Gin cocktails.
If you’re looking for more cocktail inspiration, check out this article on Lusts Home that features a variety of gin cocktail recipes. From classic gin and tonics to creative concoctions like the Empress Gin Cocktail, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to try. Lusts Home is a great resource for all things related to home entertaining and mixology, so be sure to explore their site for even more cocktail ideas.
FAQs
What is Empress Gin?
Empress Gin is a premium Canadian gin that is known for its unique indigo color, which comes from the infusion of butterfly pea flower. It is distilled in small batches and features a blend of botanicals, including juniper, rose, coriander, grapefruit peel, ginger, and cinnamon.
What are some popular Empress Gin cocktail recipes?
Some popular Empress Gin cocktail recipes include the Empress & Tonic, Empress 75, Lavender Lemonade, and the Empress Martini. These cocktails often highlight the gin’s vibrant color and botanical flavors.
How can I make an Empress & Tonic?
To make an Empress & Tonic, simply fill a glass with ice, pour in 2 oz of Empress Gin, and top it off with tonic water. Garnish with a lemon twist or slice, and enjoy!
What is an Empress 75 cocktail?
The Empress 75 is a variation of the classic French 75 cocktail, featuring Empress Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine. It is known for its refreshing and elegant flavor profile.
Where can I find more Empress Gin cocktail recipes?
You can find more Empress Gin cocktail recipes on the official Empress 1908 website, as well as in cocktail recipe books and online mixology resources. Additionally, many bartenders and mixologists have created their own unique Empress Gin cocktails that can be found in bars and restaurants.
