Paul Kushner
Empress Gin cocktails are perfect for anyone who enjoys beautiful drinks with great flavor. Known for its striking indigo color, Empress Gin is made with natural botanicals like butterfly pea flower, which gives it a unique look and a smooth, slightly floral taste. When mixed into cocktails, it adds both color and character, turning simple recipes into something special. Whether you like citrusy, floral, or bubbly drinks, there’s an Empress Gin cocktail that will fit your taste. These drinks are great for parties, brunch, or just relaxing at home. Easy to make and fun to serve, they’re always a hit.
Cucumber Dream
The Cucumber Dream is a light, crisp cocktail that looks just as good as it tastes. It mixes floral gin with tart lime juice, cool cucumber, and a touch of hibiscus for a hint of fruity tang. The flavors are fresh and balanced, with the cucumber keeping it smooth and the hibiscus adding a little twist. It’s the kind of drink that feels clean and refreshing without being boring. Great for spring nights, brunches, or relaxed afternoons outside, the Cucumber Dream is easy to enjoy and simple to serve. It’s a fresh take on a gin cocktail with a soft, garden feel.
Cucumber Dream
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber pieces with the hibiscus syrup and simple syrup.
- Add lime juice and a handful of ice. Shake until the mixture is well chilled.
- Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Pour in the sparkling water.
- Slowly add the Empress gin by pouring it over the back of a spoon so it floats and creates a layered effect.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and a blackberry.
Purple Royale
The Purple Royale is a bold and colorful cocktail that changes as you drink it. The deep purple hue comes from butterfly pea syrup and Empress Gin, giving it a look that stands out right away. As the drink mixes and melts over time, the color slowly shifts, adding a fun twist to each sip. The flavor is smooth and balanced, with floral and citrus notes that pair well with the gin’s natural botanicals. Topped with sparkling wine or soda, it’s light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. It’s a great pick for parties or anytime you want something eye-catching and simple.
Purple Royale
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
Lemongrass Cucumber Collins
The Lemongrass Cucumber Collins is a cool, refreshing cocktail with a crisp and easygoing feel. It starts with a smooth pour of gin, then adds fresh cucumber juice for a clean, light flavor. The lemongrass syrup brings a soft citrus note that isn’t too sharp, while lime juice adds just the right amount of tartness. A splash of sparkling water gives it a gentle fizz that ties it all together. This drink is simple and calming, great for warm afternoons, outdoor brunches, or when you want something light but still full of flavor. Serve it over ice with a cucumber slice.
Lemongrass Cucumber Collins
Ingredients
Method
- Add lemongrass syrup, cucumber juice, and lime juice to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until cold.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with sparkling water, then gently pour in the Empress gin.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of basil.
Empress Shirley
The Empress Shirley is a fun and colorful take on the classic Shirley Temple, made with a grown-up twist. This version uses Empress Indigo Gin to give it a bold color and a touch of floral flavor that pairs perfectly with the drink’s light citrus and gentle sweetness. The layered look makes it stand out, and it’s just as refreshing as it is pretty. It’s a great choice for sunny afternoons, weekend brunches, or anytime you want a drink that feels playful but still a little fancy. Easy to make and easy to enjoy, the Empress Shirley is both fun and flavorful.
Empress Shirley
Ingredients
Method
- Pour grenadine into the bottom of a Collins glass.
- Add ice carefully to preserve the layered effect.
- Slowly pour in Empress gin.
- Top with lemon-lime soda.
- Pour in the lime juice.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Raspberry Lychee Gin Spritz
The Raspberry Lychee Gin Spritz is a light and fruity cocktail that’s full of fresh flavor. It combines the floral notes of Empress Gin with the tart taste of raspberries and the soft sweetness of lychee, creating a drink that’s both bright and smooth. A splash of Prosecco adds bubbles and makes it feel extra refreshing. This drink is easy to enjoy and looks just as good as it tastes, thanks to its pretty color and garnish. Perfect for warm afternoons, brunch, or a relaxing evening, the Raspberry Lychee Gin Spritz is a fun and simple way to enjoy a little something special.
Raspberry Lychee Gin Spritz
Ingredients
Method
- In a shaker, combine Empress Gin, Chambord, raspberry purée, lychee juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with Prosecco and serve.
Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze
The Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze is a light and refreshing cocktail with a soft tropical feel and beautiful layers of color. It starts with a smooth mix of coconut water and lychee syrup, giving the drink a gentle sweetness and a touch of exotic fruit flavor. Empress Gin is carefully poured on top, creating a bold layer of color and adding a light floral taste that balances everything out. The result is a drink that looks stunning and tastes smooth and relaxing. It’s perfect for warm days, special gatherings, or anytime you want a pretty and easy-to-sip cocktail with tropical charm.
Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
Empress Mango Spritz
The Empress Mango Spritz is a bright and refreshing cocktail that feels a little fancy but is simple to make. It mixes the bold color and soft floral flavor of Empress Gin with the sweet, tropical taste of fresh mango. A touch of ginger saffron syrup adds a warm, spiced note, while fresh lemon juice brings in a burst of citrus to keep things balanced. Topped with soda water, this drink is light, bubbly, and easy to enjoy. It’s a great choice for warm afternoons, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a colorful drink that’s full of flavor without being too heavy.
Empress Mango Spritz
Ingredients
Method
- In a shaker, muddle the chopped mango with lemon juice and ginger saffron syrup until the mango is juicy and broken down.
- Pour the mixture into your glass.
- Add ice, then top with soda water.
- Gently pour the Empress Gin over the top to create a layered effect.
- Garnish with a lemon slice. Stir before sipping.
Purple Gin & Tonic
The Purple Gin & Tonic is a fun and colorful twist on the classic gin and tonic. Its bright purple color usually comes from butterfly pea flower or a naturally colored gin like Empress 1908. When mixed with lime or lemon, the color changes, making it just as fun to watch as it is to drink. This cocktail is light, floral, slightly bitter, and full of refreshing bubbles from the tonic water. It’s easy to make, looks fancy, and tastes clean and crisp. Great for parties, dinners, or a relaxing evening, the Purple Gin & Tonic adds color and flavor to any moment.
Purple Gin & Tonic
Ingredients
Method
- Build: Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour: Add the Empress gin over the ice.
- Top: Slowly pour in the tonic water to preserve the color separation, if desired.
- Stir: Gently stir once for a marbled effect or mix fully for uniform color.
- Garnish: Add a few fresh mint leaves for a cooling aromatic finish.
The Elderflower Empress
The Elderflower Empress is a light and refreshing cocktail that’s full of soft floral flavor and beautiful color. It blends the gentle sweetness of elderflower liqueur with the bold purple hue and botanical taste of Empress 1908 gin. A splash of lemon juice adds a little tang, and tonic or soda water gives it a bubbly finish that keeps it crisp and easy to drink. The mix of flavors is smooth and balanced, while the color makes it stand out in any glass. It’s a great drink for spring or summer, quiet evenings, or special moments when you want something elegant but simple.
The Elderflower Empress
Ingredients
Method
- Dry Shake: Add elderflower rose gin, dry vermouth, orange liqueur, and egg white to a shaker (without ice). Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to build the foam.
- Shake Again: Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Gently place a few edible flowers on top of the foam for a stunning floral finish.
Empress Gimlet Colada
The Empress Gimlet Colada is a fun mix of tropical flavor and classic style, perfect for when you want a drink that looks great and tastes even better. It starts with Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, known for its bold color and smooth botanical flavor. Fresh lime juice and simple syrup give it that crisp, tangy base, just like a classic gimlet. What makes this drink special is the creamy layer of pineapple and coconut foam on top, which adds a sweet tropical twist. Finished with toasted coconut and a lemon wheel, it’s perfect for warm days or sharing with friends at a special event.
Empress Gimlet Colada
Ingredients
Method
- Shake: Add Empress Indigo Gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
- Double Strain: Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Top: Spoon or pipe a layer of pineapple and coconut foam over the top of the drink.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of toasted coconut over the foam and add a lemon wheel for a bright, tropical finish.
Cucumber Gin Blossom
The Cucumber Gin Blossom is a light, refreshing cocktail that blends cool flavors with a splash of color. Empress 1908 Gin brings its bold purple hue and smooth botanical base, while elderflower liqueur adds a soft floral touch. Fresh cucumber and mint make the drink feel extra crisp and clean. A little simple syrup and apple juice round it out with just the right amount of sweetness. This cocktail looks fancy but is easy to enjoy, whether you’re hosting a garden party or just relaxing on a warm afternoon. It’s a calm, cool drink that always feels a little special.
Cucumber Gin Blossom
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber slice and mint leaves to release their fresh flavors.
- Add the lime juice, simple syrup, apple juice, elderflower liqueur, and ice to the shaker.
- Cover and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Double strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with Empress 1908 Gin, allowing the vibrant color to float on top.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig for a refreshing and elegant presentation. Serve immediately.
Royal Hawaiian
The Royal Hawaiian is a fun mix of tropical flavor and classic style. It blends the soft floral taste of gin with sweet pineapple juice and the nutty flavor of orgeat syrup. This version uses Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, which adds a deep purple color that floats beautifully on top of the golden drink. The result is a bold-looking cocktail with a smooth, refreshing flavor. It’s simple to make but feels special, great for warm evenings, backyard hangouts, or any time you want something colorful and easy to sip. The Royal Hawaiian brings flavor and style without being too fussy.
Royal Hawaiian
Ingredients
Method
- In a shaker, combine the pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orgeat syrup.
- Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice.
- Gently pour the Empress 1908 Indigo Gin over the top, creating a vibrant layer.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice for a tropical touch.
Purple Paradise Punch
The Purple Paradise Punch is a bright, colorful drink that brings together tropical fruit and soft floral flavors in one beautiful glass. It starts with a base of pink lemonade for a sweet and tangy taste. Blue curaçao adds a hint of citrus, while Empress Gin and crème de violette give the drink a soft floral edge and that bold purple color. When poured carefully, the layers settle into a stunning ombré. A slice of pineapple and a cherry on top make it look just as fun as it tastes. It’s a great choice for summer parties or relaxing evenings.
Purple Paradise Punch
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the pink lemonade into the glass as the base layer.
- Slowly pour the blue curaçao over the back of a spoon, directing it down the side of the glass to create a distinct blue layer.
- In a separate dish, combine the Empress gin and crème de violette.
- Carefully pour the gin mixture over the back of a spoon, letting it gently float on top of the blue curaçao for the final layer.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry for a tropical touch.
- Serve and enjoy your Purple Paradise Punch!
Sparkling Elderflower Gin
Making a great cocktail is all about finding the right mix of flavors, and the Sparkling Elderflower Gin Cocktail does exactly that. It blends the floral notes of Empress Gin with the sweet, smooth taste of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Fresh grapefruit juice adds a tangy kick, and a splash of sparkling wine, champagne, or prosecco brings bubbles and brightness. The result is a drink that’s light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. On top of that, it looks beautiful in the glass with its soft colors and fizzy top. This cocktail is perfect for brunch, celebrations, or any time you want something special.
Sparkling Elderflower Gin
Ingredients
Method
- Chill the Glass:
- Begin by chilling a tall champagne flute or a large wine glass in the freezer to keep your cocktail cold and refreshing.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Empress Gin, elderflower liqueur, and grapefruit juice.
- Add a good amount of ice to the shaker, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Shaking not only chills the drink but also dilutes it slightly, which is essential for a well-balanced cocktail.
- Strain:
- Take your chilled glass out of the freezer and strain the mixture into the glass. Using a fine-mesh strainer is optional but recommended to ensure a smoother cocktail.
- Top with Sparkle:
- Gently top the mixture in the glass with the sparkling wine, champagne, or prosecco. Pour slowly to prevent it from overflowing and to preserve as much carbonation as possible.
- Garnish:
- For a nice presentation, garnish with a twist of grapefruit peel or a few floating edible flowers. These garnishes not only add to the visual appeal but also introduce a subtle aroma that complements the drink.
- Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the beautiful layers of flavor in your "Speak Now" Sparkling Elderflower Gin Cocktail.
Honey Lavender Gin Lemonade
Honey Lavender Gin Lemonade is a great pick if you’re looking for a fresh and relaxing twist on a classic drink. It mixes sweet and floral honey lavender simple syrup with the tangy flavor of fresh lemonade, creating a smooth and refreshing sip. Empress Gin gives the drink its beautiful color and adds a soft botanical note that blends perfectly with the lavender. Served cold over ice, this cocktail is light, calming, and just the right balance of sweet and tart. It’s a lovely choice for sunny afternoons, garden parties, or quiet evenings when you want something both pretty and flavorful.
Honey Lavender Gin Lemonade
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the honey, water, and lavender flowers in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let steep for about 30 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor.
- Strain out the lavender flowers and let the syrup cool. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
- In a large pitcher, combine the water and lemon juice.
- Stir in the honey lavender simple syrup to taste. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour 8 oz of the chilled honey lavender lemonade over the ice.
- Add 2 oz of Empress Gin.
- Stir gently to mix the lemonade and gin.
- Garnish with a sprig of lavender and a slice of lemon.
- Serve immediately, offering a refreshing and visually striking cocktail that's perfect for relaxing afternoons or summer gatherings.
