Empress Shirley

Empress Shirley is a colorful twist on the classic Shirley Temple, this version brings a grown-up flair with Empress Indigo Gin. The layered look is as eye-catching as it is refreshing floral, citrusy, and lightly sweet. It’s an ideal sipper for sunny afternoons, brunches, or whenever you want something playful but polished. Inspired by empressgin.com.

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Tasting Notes

The Empress Shirley is a playful mix of floral gin and sweet-tart citrus layered with a splash of color. It opens with the familiar cherry and pomegranate notes of grenadine, which gives the base a touch of syrupy fruit. Empress gin adds its signature botanical and earthy tea flavor, along with a striking indigo hue that shifts when it hits citrus. The lemon-lime soda brings in sparkle and sweetness, while a touch of lime juice cuts through with just enough acidity. It’s light, refreshing, and beautifully layered in both taste and appearance, ideal for easy sipping any time.

Equipment and Glassware

This Empress Shirley is simple to prepare and doesn’t require much beyond a few standard bar tools. A jigger helps measure ingredients accurately, especially for the smaller amounts of lime juice and grenadine. No shaker is needed since the drink is built directly in the glass. A bar spoon may be helpful for adjusting layers or gently combining the top. Use a tall Collins glass to emphasize the color shift and height of the drink. Add a straw for convenience, especially if serving at a party or outdoor event. Garnish with a cherry for the final visual touch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Empress Indigo Gin
• 0.75 oz grenadine
• 0.25 oz lime juice
• 4 oz lemon-lime soda
• Cherry, for garnish

Instructions

• 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

Pro Tips

• Pour the gin slowly over ice to keep the layers distinct.
• Use fresh lime juice for a brighter, cleaner finish.
• If layering is important, add soda last and pour gently over a spoon.
• Serve without stirring for a color gradient; stir gently to combine flavors.
• Chill the lemon-lime soda beforehand to avoid melting too much ice.
• A tall Collins glass helps emphasize the color transition.
• Try a fancy cocktail cherry for an upgraded garnish look.

When to Serve

The Empress Shirley is perfect for events that call for something visually fun yet grown-up think garden parties, brunches, showers, or evening patio gatherings. Its bright color and light flavor make it an excellent choice for warm-weather celebrations or as a low-effort signature drink at casual get-togethers. With its floral notes and hint of citrus, this cocktail works well before dinner or as part of a mid-afternoon refreshment lineup. It also stands out as a colorful addition to spring or summer menus where drinks that look as good as they taste are appreciated.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Gin:

• Empress 1908 Gin

Grenadine:

• Liber & Co. Real Grenadine
• Stirrings Grenadine
• Rose’s Grenadine

Lemon-Lime Soda:

• Sprite
• 7UP
• Sierra Mist

Similar Cocktails

• Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze
• Purple Royale
• Yuzu Gin Fizz
• Strawberry Negroni
• Raspberry Lychee Gin Spritz