The Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze is a soft, floral cocktail with subtle tropical notes and striking layered color. Coconut water and lychee syrup form a light, gently sweet base, while Empress Gin floats on top, adding its signature hue and botanical finish. Inspired by thesocialsipper.com.

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Tasting Notes

The Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze brings together floral gin, sweet lychee, and creamy coconut water in a smooth, tropical-style drink. The lychee syrup adds a rich fruit character without overwhelming the palate, while coconut water provides a soft, refreshing finish. A touch of lemon juice brightens everything up with just enough acidity to balance the sweetness. Empress Gin’s botanical blend and distinctive hue give this drink a striking visual and a lightly herbal backbone. The result is an easygoing cocktail that’s fruity and aromatic, with a cool, slightly citrusy note at the finish.

Equipment and Glassware

To make the Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, jigger, fine strainer, and a bar spoon for mixing. A citrus press or handheld juicer is helpful for getting the most out of your lemon. Use a chilled coupe or a small stemmed cocktail glass to highlight the drink’s color and presentation. Clear glass works best to show off the vivid purple hue from the gin, especially when garnished with a bright lemon slice and delicate edible flower.

Ingredients

1.5 oz Empress 1908 Gin
1 oz lychee syrup
1.5 oz coconut water
0.25 oz lemon juice
Garnish: lychee, edible flower, lemon slice

Instructions

Add lychee syrup, coconut water, and lemon juice to your serving glass. Stir to mix.
Fill the glass with ice.
Slowly pour Empress Gin over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
Garnish with a lemon slice, lychee, and an edible flower.

Pro Tips

Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink crisp without adding ice.
Use fresh lemon juice for a cleaner, brighter finish.
Choose a lychee syrup with natural fruit content for better flavor.
Shake thoroughly to mix the syrup evenly with the gin and coconut water.
Strain finely if pulp from lemon juice is present.
Serve immediately to preserve color from the Empress Gin.
Garnish with intention, use a lychee on a pick and a fresh edible flower for presentation.
Balance is key: taste before serving and adjust lemon or syrup if needed.

When to Serve

The Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze is an ideal choice for spring and summer gatherings, especially during daytime events or warm evenings. Its refreshing, fruit-forward profile makes it perfect for garden parties, rooftop brunches, beach weddings, or any occasion where a light cocktail is welcome. The soft color and floral garnish also make it a standout for bridal showers or cocktail hours with a gentle, refined theme. Its moderate alcohol level and cooling character allow it to pair well with appetizers or fresh fare, and it works equally well as a welcome drink or a palate refresher.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Empress 1908 Gin – This is essential for the drink’s color and botanical depth.
Giffard Lychee Syrup – Known for its real fruit flavor and smooth sweetness.
Routin 1883 Lychee Syrup – Another reliable option with consistent quality.
Vita Coco Coconut Water – Readily available and lightly flavored.
Harmless Harvest Coconut Water – Adds a slightly sweeter, natural taste.
ReaLemon or fresh-squeezed lemon juice – For best acidity and brightness.
Wild Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup (optional) – For edible floral garnishes.

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