Empress Gin’s history began in the early 21st century, not the early 20th century as previously stated. The gin was created by Victoria Distillers in collaboration with the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The gin’s distinctive color comes from the infusion of butterfly pea flower, which gives it a natural indigo hue that changes to pink when mixed with tonic or citrus.
The gin’s botanical profile includes traditional ingredients such as juniper, coriander, and citrus peel, along with unique additions like grapefruit peel and the Fairmont Empress Blend Tea. This tea blend, created specifically for the hotel, contributes to the gin’s distinctive flavor profile. Empress Gin was launched in 2017 and quickly gained popularity for its unique color-changing properties and balanced flavor.
The name “Empress” is indeed a reference to the Fairmont Empress Hotel, a historic landmark in Victoria known for its afternoon tea service and regal atmosphere. While the gin does not have a century-long history or royal connections as previously suggested, it has become a notable product in the craft gin market, recognized for its innovative approach to gin production and its connection to Canadian hospitality traditions.
Key Takeaways
- Empress Gin is a modern take on a classic spirit, inspired by the tradition of the 19th century British Royal Navy.
- Classic Empress Gin cocktails include the Empress & Tonic, Empress Martini, and the Lavender Lemonade.
- Unique Empress Gin creations include the Empress 75, Butterfly Pea Flower Sour, and the Purple Rain.
- Empress Gin infusions and garnishes can include lavender, rose petals, and citrus peels for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Empress Gin mocktail recipes offer non-alcoholic options such as the Empress Spritz and the Blueberry Basil Lemonade.
Classic Empress Gin Cocktails
Empress & Tonic: A Refreshing Classic
One of the most popular and iconic Empress Gin cocktails is the Empress & Tonic. This simple yet elegant cocktail combines Empress Gin with tonic water and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, resulting in a refreshing and vibrant drink that is perfect for any occasion.
Sophisticated Sippers
Another classic Empress Gin cocktail is the Empress Martini, which features Empress Gin, dry vermouth, and a twist of lemon. This sophisticated cocktail is a favorite among gin enthusiasts and is known for its smooth and balanced flavor profile. For those who prefer a more citrusy and refreshing cocktail, the Empress Collins is an excellent choice.
Bold and Flavorful Twists
This cocktail combines Empress Gin with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, resulting in a light and effervescent drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. Finally, the Empress Negroni is a twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, featuring Empress Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. This bold and flavorful cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a more complex and robust drink.
Unique Empress Gin Creations
In addition to classic cocktails, Empress Gin can also be used to create unique and innovative drinks that showcase its distinctive flavor and color. One such creation is the Empress Lavender Fizz, which combines Empress Gin with lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, and egg white, resulting in a creamy and floral cocktail that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Another unique creation is the Empress Elderflower Spritz, which features Empress Gin, elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda water.
This light and aromatic cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy floral and fruity flavors. For those who enjoy a more herbal and savory cocktail, the Empress Garden Party is an excellent choice. This cocktail combines Empress Gin with cucumber juice, mint syrup, and lime juice, resulting in a refreshing and herbaceous drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.
Finally, the Empress Rosemary Sour is a unique twist on the classic whiskey sour, featuring Empress Gin, rosemary-infused simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of bitters. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a more complex and aromatic drink.
Empress Gin Infusions and Garnishes
| Infusion Flavor | Garnish | Suggested Cocktail |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry | Fresh raspberries | Raspberry Gin Fizz |
| Citrus | Lemon twist | Citrus Gin and Tonic |
| Lavender | Lavender sprig | Lavender Gin Martini |
Empress Gin can be enhanced with a variety of infusions and garnishes to add depth and complexity to its flavor profile. One popular infusion is the addition of butterfly pea flowers, which not only enhance the gin’s vibrant purple color but also add a subtle floral note to the flavor. Other popular infusions include citrus peels, fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme, and spices such as cardamom or coriander.
These infusions can be added directly to the gin or used to create flavored syrups that can be used in cocktails. When it comes to garnishes, there are endless possibilities for enhancing the presentation and flavor of Empress Gin cocktails. Fresh herbs such as mint or basil can add a pop of color and aroma to cocktails, while citrus twists can add a bright and zesty note.
Edible flowers such as lavender or rose petals can add an elegant touch to cocktails, while fruit slices such as strawberries or raspberries can add a sweet and juicy element. Ultimately, the choice of infusion and garnish will depend on the flavor profile of the cocktail being created and the personal preferences of the drinker.
Empress Gin Mocktail Recipes
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, Empress Gin can also be used to create delicious mocktails that are just as flavorful and satisfying as their alcoholic counterparts. One popular Empress Gin mocktail is the Empress Berry Lemonade, which combines Empress Gin with mixed berry puree, fresh lemon juice, and soda water. This refreshing and fruity mocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
Another popular mocktail is the Empress Cucumber Cooler, which features Empress Gin, cucumber juice, mint syrup, and soda water. This light and refreshing mocktail is perfect for those who enjoy crisp and herbaceous flavors. For those who enjoy a more tropical flavor profile, the Empress Pineapple Ginger Mocktail is an excellent choice.
This mocktail combines Empress Gin with pineapple juice, ginger syrup, and soda water, resulting in a bright and zesty drink that is perfect for any occasion. Finally, the Empress Rose Lemonade is a floral and aromatic mocktail that features Empress Gin, rose syrup, fresh lemon juice, and soda water. This mocktail is perfect for those who enjoy delicate and fragrant flavors.
Pairing Empress Gin with Food
Light and Fresh Delights
Its floral and citrus notes make it an ideal match for light and fresh dishes such as seafood salads, grilled vegetables, and citrus-marinated chicken.
Herbal Harmony
The herbal undertones of the gin also make it a great pairing for dishes with fresh herbs such as basil or mint, as well as dishes with aromatic spices such as coriander or cumin.
Rich and Savory Options
For those who enjoy richer and more savory dishes, Empress Gin can also be paired with heartier fare such as roasted meats, creamy pastas, and aged cheeses. The gin’s bold flavor profile can stand up to strong flavors and add a refreshing contrast to rich dishes. Ultimately, the key to pairing Empress Gin with food is to consider its flavor profile and find complementary flavors that will enhance both the gin and the dish.
Tips for Creating Your Own Empress Gin Cocktails
When creating your own Empress Gin cocktails, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you achieve the best results. First, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients such as fresh citrus juices, premium mixers, and top-shelf spirits to ensure that your cocktails have the best flavor and balance. Additionally, it’s important to measure your ingredients carefully to ensure that your cocktails are consistent and well-balanced.
Another tip is to experiment with different infusions and garnishes to create unique flavor combinations that highlight the distinctive character of Empress Gin. Whether it’s adding fresh herbs, citrus peels, or floral syrups, there are endless possibilities for enhancing the flavor of your cocktails. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative and try new flavor combinations – you never know when you might stumble upon your new favorite cocktail recipe!
If you’re looking for more inspiration for gin recipes, be sure to check out Sharon Partridge’s article on her website www.sharonpartridge.com. She offers a variety of creative and delicious gin-based cocktails that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a fan of classic gin and tonics or want to try something new and unique, Sharon’s recipes are a must-try for any gin enthusiast.
FAQs
What is Empress Gin?
Empress Gin is a premium gin that is known for its unique indigo color, which comes from the infusion of butterfly pea flower. It is distilled in small batches in Victoria, British Columbia, and is made with a blend of eight organic botanicals.
What are some popular Empress Gin recipes?
Some popular Empress Gin recipes include the Empress & Tonic, Empress 75, Empress Lavender Lemonade, and the Empress Martini. These recipes often highlight the gin’s vibrant color and botanical flavors.
Where can I find Empress Gin recipes?
Empress Gin recipes can be found on the official Empress Gin website, as well as in cocktail recipe books, and on various food and drink websites. Many bartenders and mixologists also create their own unique Empress Gin recipes.
Can Empress Gin be used in classic gin cocktails?
Yes, Empress Gin can be used in classic gin cocktails such as the Negroni, Gin Fizz, and Gimlet. Its unique color and flavor can add a fun twist to traditional cocktail recipes.
Are there non-alcoholic recipes that use Empress Gin?
Yes, there are non-alcoholic recipes that use Empress Gin, such as mocktails and alcohol-free versions of classic gin cocktails. These recipes often use ingredients like tonic water, soda water, and fruit juices to create refreshing and flavorful drinks.
