Holiday gatherings are just around the corner, and with them comes the excitement of creating the perfect drinks to serve to your guests. For gin enthusiasts, this is an ideal time to showcase the versatility of Empress Gin in various holiday cocktails. With its distinctive flavor profile and striking indigo hue, Empress Gin stands out as a premium spirit that can be used to craft a range of festive beverages.
Handcrafted in small batches in Victoria, Canada, Empress Gin boasts a unique blend of eight botanicals, including juniper, rose, coriander seed, grapefruit peel, ginger root, cinnamon bark, butterfly pea blossom, and Fairmont Empress Blend tea. The result is a gin that seamlessly balances floral and spicy notes with a subtle sweetness and a silky smooth finish.
Empress Gin’s distinctive indigo coloration is courtesy of the butterfly pea blossom, which changes its hue when mixed with citrus or tonic water, adding an element of enchantment to any cocktail. Whether you’re looking for a classic gin and tonic or something more elaborate, Empress Gin offers the perfect foundation for your holiday drinks, making it an excellent choice for adding a touch of magic to your festive gatherings.
Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail
Making a festive impression at your next gathering is easily achieved with the Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail, a beautiful and elegant drink made with Empress Gin and Elderflower Liqueur. The gin’s striking purple color is courtesy of its unique combination of botanicals, which include butterfly pea flower, giving it a truly distinctive appearance.
When paired with tonic water or citrus, the gin undergoes an enchanting transformation into a soft violet pink hue, adding a touch of whimsy to any occasion. With its delicate and citrusy flavor profile, this cocktail is perfectly suited for pairing with traditional Thanksgiving dishes, making it a great addition to your holiday table. Its ease of preparation and versatility make it ideal for sharing with friends and family during the festive season.
Empress Gin Fizz
Not only does the Empress Gin Fizz make for a visually stunning addition to your holiday table, but its unique flavor profile will also tantalize your taste buds. The combination of Empress 1908 Gin, fresh cranberries, and ginger beer creates a sweet and tangy taste experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. Furthermore, the all-natural indigo hue adds an air of sophistication to any gathering, making it perfect for entertaining.
By incorporating this festive cocktail into your holiday meal, you’ll be treating your guests to a truly unforgettable experience.
Empress Gin Cocktail
Packed with an array of botanicals including butterfly pea flower, Empress 1908 Gin, affectionately known as ‘purple gin’, brings a new level of complexity to the classic Gin and Tonic. When combined with tonic water or citrus mixers, the gin undergoes a stunning transformation from vibrant indigo to delicate soft violet pink hues. This subtle colour change is not only visually appealing but also enhances the overall drinking experience.
Perfect for any holiday party, this cocktail showcases Empress 1908 Gin’s unique character and offers a refreshing twist on traditional festive cocktails.
Empress Pear-Rosemary Gin Cocktail
Giving your guests a taste of something truly special this holiday season can be achieved with the Empress Pear-Rosemary Gin Cocktail. This unique drink combines the distinct flavor profile of Empress 1908 Gin with a variety of other ingredients, including butterfly pea blossom, Fairmont Empress Blend Tea, juniper, grapefruit peel, coriander seed, cinnamon bark, and rose petal.
The addition of pear-rosemary simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness to the drink, while the gin’s natural pigmentation creates a visually stunning effect that changes depending on the mixer used – from indigo hue to bright lavender, soft pink, or fuchsia when paired with citrus or tonic. With its captivating appearance and delicious taste, this cocktail is sure to be the highlight of any holiday gathering.
French 75 Cocktail
Rounding out the holiday season in style is the French 75 Cocktail, crafted with Empress Gin, champagne, lemon juice, and a touch of honey simple syrup. This revitalizing cocktail combines citrusy notes with subtle sweetness, making it an ideal choice for New Year’s celebrations or any festive gathering. The inclusion of Empress Gin gives this classic recipe a unique twist, setting it apart from other French 75 variations.
If you’re seeking a visually stunning and delectable cocktail to wow your guests during the holiday season, the French 75 Cocktail with Empress Gin is definitely worth considering.
Wintery Spiced Pear Fizz
Delighting your senses with a holiday cocktail that embodies the warmth and coziness of winter, the Wintery Spiced Pear Fizz is an absolute must-try. Crafted with Empress 1908 Gin as its foundation, this delightful concoction incorporates a pear-infused spiced simple syrup that perfectly balances warm spices, rich brown sugar, and the subtle sweetness of fresh pear.
The harmonious blend of flavors creates a truly quintessential wintery cocktail that is sure to transport you to a snug spot by a crackling fire.
The Empress Q1908
Just a few blocks away from the Fairmont Empress, you’ll find one of its signature cocktails that has been making waves among gin enthusiasts – the Q1908. This vibrant indigo cocktail is made with Empress 1908 Gin, a collaboration between Victoria Distillers and the hotel itself. The gin’s unique blend incorporates Canadian water, seven organic botanicals, and the hotel’s signature tea blend, giving it a distinct character that sets it apart from other gins.
Empress Gin French 75
Distinctly elegant and sophisticated, the Empress Gin French 75 has captured the hearts of many with its refined flavor profile. This classic cocktail, featuring Empress 1908 gin as its base spirit, combines it with sparkling wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup to create a truly indulgent drinking experience. The addition of two types of booze makes this cocktail all the more appealing, adding depth and complexity to each sip.
Antique Rose
Taking center stage this holiday season is the Antique Rose, a visually stunning Empress Gin cocktail that combines natural beauty with festive flair. The gin’s captivating blue hue provides an elegant backdrop for the sparkling pink grapefruit and rosé wine, creating a refreshing and fizzy drink that’s perfect for special occasions. A delicate touch of real rose petals adds a floral twist, elevating this cocktail to new heights.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or another festive holiday, the Antique Rose is sure to be the star of your gathering, its unique color and tantalizing flavor making it an instant hit with friends and family alike.
Empress Gin Martini
Crafted by blending traditional French martini elements with innovative ingredients, the Empress Gin Martini presents a unique twist on this classic cocktail. Infused with butterfly pea blossom, the Empress 1908 gin displays a vibrant indigo blue color when exposed to acidity, captivating all who lay eyes on it.
The delicate floral flavors of the gin are perfectly balanced by the sweet and tangy combination of blackberry liqueur, pineapple juice, and lemon juice, culminating in a truly delightful and visually striking cocktail. As the final touch, cranberry bitters are added for balance and depth, resulting in an exceptional drink that is sure to make a lasting impression at any social gathering.
Whether you’re a seasoned gin connoisseur or simply a lover of creative cocktails, the Empress Gin Martini is an absolute must-try.
Elderflower Gin Cocktail
Observing the rise of unique and creative cocktails during the holiday season, one particular drink stands out – The Elderflower Gin Cocktail. This refreshing concoction, made with Empress 1908 gin, Drillaud Elderflower liquor, and 1804 Grand Imperial orange liqueur, is an ideal choice for any gin enthusiast looking to elevate their holiday gatherings.
The Empress 1908 gin, infused with butterfly pea tea, gives the cocktail a striking indigo blue-purple hue that transforms into a lighter purple or even a vibrant pink upon adding a squeeze of lemon juice. The subtle earthy and woody undertones of the butterfly pea tea are skillfully masked by the flavors of the gin and liquors, resulting in a well-balanced and refined drink.
When served in clear crystal glasses, The Elderflower Gin Cocktail is a show-stopping masterpiece that exudes opulence and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for any special occasion.
Lavender French 75 Cocktail
Elevate your holiday party with the unique and refreshing Lavender French 75 Cocktail, a creative twist on the classic French 75. The addition of lavender gives this cocktail a fresh and floral taste that will transport your guests to a world of elegance. The Empress 1908 gin used in this recipe adds a beautiful purple hue to the drink, while the lemon juice causes it to turn a lovely shade of pink.
The final touch is added with edible flowers and a lemon slice garnish, giving the cocktail a feminine and celebratory feel that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping signature cocktail or simply want to try something new this holiday season, the Lavender French 75 Cocktail is an absolute must-try.
