Named for the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, these Empress gin cocktails are just as beautiful and regal as the hotel itself.
Filled with botanicals, black tea, and butterfly pea blossom, Empress 1908 is citrusy, floral, herbaceous, and earthy in every sip.
But that’s not all!
The pea blossom also imparts a stunning indigo hue. And when you add citrus to the mix, it changes color!
So if you’re looking for some enchantment at your next party, you can’t beat these Empress gin cocktails. Get your cocktail shaker ready!
Empress Gin Cocktails & Drink Recipes
1. Empress Gin and Blueberry Mojito
Bring a little extra mojo to your life with this pretty mojito!
Of course, it’s not a mojito in the traditional sense – but it’s just as refreshing and just as delicious!
Instead of your typical rum-based drink, you’ll use Empress gin. This gives it delicate floral and earthy flavors.
Also, it’s a little less sweet than your average mojito, and instead of the traditional lime, this recipe uses lemon juice.
This recipe features freshly muddled blueberries and mint with simple syrup and lemon juice.
And we can’t forget the Empress 1908 and soda water.
If you really want to taste the blueberry, make a blueberry syrup by simmering frozen blueberries with a bit of sugar.
Strain it and use it in place of regular simple syrup. Or just use blueberry-flavored sparkling water instead of plain club soda.
Ingredients: blueberries, mint leaves, Empress gin, simple syrup, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, soda water
2. Empress 1908 Gin Sour
She’s sweet, she’s sour, and she’s totally a star! Meet the Empress 1908 Gin Sour.
This pretty drink looks fabulous and tastes amazing. It’s light, floral, citrusy, and a little bit of egg white foam creates the most irresistible mouthfeel.
Raw eggs are perfectly safe if you know their freshness and quality. However, if you’re uncomfortable using raw egg whites, feel free to use pasteurized.
You can also make this vegan with aquafaba.
Ingredients: Empress gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, ice, dried lavender
3. French 75 with Empress Gin
My favorite cocktails are bubbly. So, the French 75 is definitely high on my list – and it should be pretty high on yours too.
The Soixante Quinze, as it’s called in French, is light and effervescent.
Typically, it’s made with gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and sugar, it’s a bubbly adult lemonade. And boy, is it strong!
But I think this recipe is even better than the original, thanks to the Empress gin and honey simple syrup.
The sweet floral notes of the honey pair incredibly well with the gin. That said, everything about this drink is delicate and delicious.
Ingredients: Empress gin, honey simple syrup, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, champagne, lemon curls
4. Pacific Empress Gin and Tonic
The classic gin and tonic is easy to make and very light and refreshing.
Meanwhile, this Pacific Empress G&T is like the enchanted gin and tonic of your dreams.
First, the lack of piney flavor may surprise you. That’s because Empress 1908 doesn’t taste quite as juniper-y as regular gin.
And second, this cocktail has some added yumminess – honey-muddled blackberries and pineapple juice, to be exact.
Sweet, fruity, earthy, and slightly bitter, it’s truly a taste sensation.
Ingredients: Empress gin, blackberries, honey, lime juice, premium tonic water
5. Gin Sidecar
This delicious gin version of the traditional Sidecar is here to stay. And I think you’ll love it.
The traditional Sidecar features cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon. Due to the cognac’s warm, spiced flavor, the Sidecar feels like a dark drink.
However, change up the cognac for Empress Gin, and all of a sudden, it’s light, airy, and refreshing.
Though the other ingredients remain the same, the feeling is different.
Ingredients: Empress gin, Cointreau, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, lemon twist, sugar for rim
6. Peach Violet Empress Gin Sour
Whisk your taste buds away to a land of eternal springtime with this gin sour. It’s fruity, floral, and wonderfully sweet.
And did I mention that it’s stunning? Because it is seriously so lovely, you’ll impress all of your guests!
The best part is, it’s super easy to make.
Simply gather Empress 1908, lemon juice, peach syrup, violet liqueur, mint, and simple syrup. Then, shake it all up in a cocktail shaker with ice!
That’s it. If you want it extra boozy, switch out the peach syrup for Schnapps or peach vodka.
Ingredients: Empress gin, lemon juice, peach syrup or peach liqueur, violet liqueur, simple syrup, mint leaves
7. Cucumber Empress Gin and Tonic
If sweet drinks aren’t your thing, try this refreshing tipple instead.
It has a gloriously crisp, clean, and herbaceous taste and is guaranteed to satisfy all your non-sweet cravings.
This G&T features tonic water, Empress gin, and a salad! I’m kidding, but it does contain fresh cucumber, mint, and basil.
It might not be sweet, but it is definitely delicious.
Ingredients: cucumber, basil leaves, mint leaves, tonic or soda water, Empress gin, limes
8. Empress Pear Rosemary Gin Cocktail
If you could bottle the sunset, it would look like this cocktail.
With layered hues of blues, purples, pinks, and gold, it’s about as stunning as a cocktail can be.
Plus, it’s absolutely scrumptious.
Each sip brings notes of pear, rosemary, honey, lemon, and ginger to your tongue.
It’s made with Empress gin, ginger beer, lemon juice, and honey-based pear and rosemary syrup.
Add fresh pear slices and a sprig of rosemary to finish it off. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Empress gin, ginger bear, pear-rosemary simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, Bosc pear, rosemary sprigs
9. Honey Lavender Gin Lemonade
Say hello to summer with this bougie, boozy lemonade! It’s incredibly refreshing and totally delicious.
It’s also a great way to add sunshine to your day, no matter the season.
You might never go back to regular lemonade after trying this one. It features Empress gin, fresh lemon juice, and a honey lavender simple syrup.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of lavender. Wow!
Ingredients: honey-lavender gin lemonade, Empress gin, ice, lemon slices, and lavender sprigs
10. Blood Orange Gin Fizz
One sip, and you’ll give this blood orange Gin Fizz the peel of approval.
It’s especially great if orange is your favorite flavor because this is absolutely bursting with orangey goodness.
Blood orange syrup, blood orange juice, orange bitters, and Aperol ring in the citrus notes.
Meanwhile, Empress gin plus club soda round out the drink.
Ingredients: Empress gin, blood orange juice, blood orange simple syrup, Aperol, orange bitters, club soda
11. Hydrangea’s Kiss
Just like the flower of the same name, this drink’s color changes with its acidity levels. And it is fabulously summery.
Made with Empress gin, celery root liqueur, lemon juice, and lemon ginger syrup, it’s bright, citrusy, herbaceous, spicy, and earthy.
Each sip will take your tongue on a whirlwind. And you’ll love every second!
Ingredients: lemon ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice, Empress 1908 gin, Apologue celery root liqueur
12. Empress Gin Martini
If you want sophistication, go for a martini.
But what if you don’t like that overly boozy taste? Well then, you go for this Empress gin martini instead!
It’s delicious and it looks stunning. Plus, you only need dry vermouth, Empress gin, orange bitters, and a garnish.
The recipe calls for a candied orange, but a sprig of lavender would look pretty too. Either way, it’s herbal, floral, citrusy, and so yummy!
Ingredients: Empress gin, dry vermouth, orange bitters, candied orange wheel
13. Empress Maid of Honor
This fun and fizzy drink will fit right in at a bridal shower.
It’s sweet, fruity, and floral, with a bit of attitude. It’s the rom-com best friend of cocktails.
And I know you’ll love it!
The Empress Maid of Honor features ginger ale, lemon juice, and ginger bitters. Of course, I can’t forget the Empress gin!
But the real star of this drink is the simple syrup. It’s made with pink peppercorns, so it’s sweet with a bit of heat.
But it’s not spicy – it’s just a bit peppery!
Everything together yields a pretty purple drink that is complex and surprisingly delicious.
Ingredients: Empress 1908 gin, ginger ale, pink peppercorn simple syrup, lemon juice, ginger bitters, edible flowers or lemon wheel
13 Stunning Empress Gin Cocktails and Drinks
Named for the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, these Empress gin cocktails are just as beautiful and regal as the hotel itself.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious Empress gin cocktail in 30 minutes or less!
