Purple Royale

The Purple Royale is a visually striking cocktail that transitions in color as you sip, showcasing the natural hue of butterfly pea syrup and Empress Gin. Balanced between floral, citrus, and botanical notes, this drink brings a sparkling twist to your next gathering.

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Tasting Notes

The Purple Royale is striking in both appearance and flavor. Layers of floral, citrus, and botanical notes play across the palate. The butterfly pea syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a vivid purple hue, which deepens when combined with the Empress Gin’s natural color. Cointreau brings in light orange notes, balancing the syrup’s floral tones. White wine adds crisp acidity and lightness, while the gin floats above with its herbal complexity. The edible flower garnish adds a gentle aroma and completes the drink’s visual appeal. Each sip moves from citrus and florals to crisp, clean botanicals.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare this cocktail, you’ll need a highball glass to display the layered visual effect. A jigger will help measure the ingredients precisely. Use a bar spoon or the back of a regular spoon to carefully float the gin and maintain separation. A citrus peeler can be helpful if you’d like to include an additional citrus zest. Tongs or tweezers make placing the edible flower garnish easier without disturbing the float. Having clear ice or large cubes helps keep the drink colder without quick dilution, which preserves both flavor and visual clarity.

Ingredients

• 1 oz butterfly pea flower syrup
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
• 3 oz white wine
• 2 oz Empress Gin
• Garnish: edible flowers

Instructions

• Add butterfly pea flower syrup and Cointreau to a highball glass.
• Fill the glass with ice.
• Slowly pour the white wine over the back of a bar spoon.
• Gently float Empress Gin on top using the same spoon technique.
• Garnish with edible flowers.

Pro Tips

• Use Empress Gin specifically for its natural color-changing properties.
• Pour the gin slowly to preserve the layered effect.
• Chill all ingredients beforehand to avoid dilution.
• Choose a dry white wine to avoid overpowering sweetness.
• Use clear or large-format ice to keep the layers distinct.
• Opt for homemade butterfly pea syrup for stronger color.
• Add edible flowers that match or contrast the purple hue.
• Serve with a straw if you prefer blended flavor rather than layers.

When to Serve

The Purple Royale is perfect for moments when presentation matters brunches, showers, evening gatherings, or special celebrations. Its color-shifting appeal draws attention and makes it a strong choice for themed events or as a signature drink at a party. The balance of wine, gin, and citrus notes also makes it suitable for daytime enjoyment or as a refreshing start to a warm evening. It works well as a conversation starter or a light aperitif before a meal. Serve it when you want something visually impressive yet simple to prepare.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Gin
  • Empress 1908
• White Wine
  • Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
  • La Vieille Ferme Blanc
  • Dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio
• Cointreau Alternatives
  • Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
  • Combier Liqueur d’Orange

Similar Cocktails

• Gin Cosmopolitan
• Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze
• Empress Mango Spritz
• The Sunflower
• Frozen Mango Mezcal Margarita