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Cocktail 1908 Empress Gin Martini Recipe

When it comes to gin cocktails, the classic martini is a timeless favorite. Here’s the scoop on Empress Gin Martini recipe!

empress gin martini glass with cherry in it

In a traditional sense, with the introduction of Empress 1908 Gin, the traditional martini gets a colorful and flavorful twist. 

Empress 1908 is a premium gin that is infused with butterfly pea blossom, giving it a vivid indigo blue color that goes through color change when mixed with citrus or tonic water.

To make an Empress gin martini, you will need Empress 1908 Gin, Lillet Blanc, and a grapefruit peel for garnish. 

Simply stir the gin and Lillet Blanc together with ice. Then strain into a chilled martini glass and add the grapefruit twist for a refreshing and elegant cocktail. 

As for the flavor profile, the floral and citrus notes of the gin complement the Lillet Blanc perfectly. While the grapefruit twist adds a bright and tangy finish.

Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or just looking for a new colorful twist on a classic fruity drink, the Empress gin martini will be a great addition to your must-try list. 

With its stunning color and delicious flavor, it’s a great way to impress your guests during the holiday season and elevate your cocktail bar game.

History of the Empress Gin Martini

close up of gin martini with cherries in it

The martini is an iconic easy cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. 

It is a classic and great cocktail that has undergone many transformations throughout the recent years. 

The Empress Gin Martini is a modern take on this classic cocktail that has quickly gained popularity among gin enthusiasts.

Empress Gin is inspired by the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel and was created by Victoria Distillers.

There is a small-batch gin distillery located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where small batches are created.

The unique gin is made with eight natural botanicals, including juniper, grapefruit peel, coriander seed, rose petal, cinnamon bark, butterfly pea blossom, ginger root, and Fairmont Empress tea. 

The butterfly pea flowers give the indigo gin its signature color of indigo, which makes it stand out from other gins.

The color-changing gin was created to showcase the unique flavor and color of Empress Gin. The pigment changes depend on their ph levels. 

It is a simple cocktail that consists of Empress Gin and dry vermouth, garnished with a lemon twist or olive

If your local grocery stores do not have fairmont empress tea, black tea or your afternoon tea can be used as a substitute.

The gin’s floral flavors and citrus notes are balanced by the dry vermouth, resulting in a crisp and refreshing cocktail coupe glass.

The Empress Gin Martini has quickly become a favorite gin and cocktail that many people love. 

Its unique color and flavor make it a standout that is a perfect cocktail for any occasion. The drink can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks once you make it.

Whether you are sipping it at a fancy cocktail party or enjoying it at home with friends, the Empress Gin Martini is sure to impress.

Ingredients

empress bottle and gin martini

When it comes to making an Empress Gin cocktail recipes, the quality of the ingredients used is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Here are the four essential ingredients you will need:

Empress Gin

Empress Gin is the reason for the high star rating for this cocktail. Its natural indigo hue comes from the infusion of butterfly pea flower gin, which also adds a subtle floral note to the gin. 

The gin is also infused with eight carefully selected botanicals, including juniper, grapefruit peel, coriander seed, and rose petal. 

Empress Gin has a smooth, well-balanced taste buds that makes it the perfect base for a martini.

Vermouth

Vermouth is a fortified wine that adds depth and complexity to the martini. It is available in dry, sweet, and extra-dry varieties. 

For an Empress Gin Martini, dry vermouth is the way to go. 

It complements the botanical gin without overpowering them. 

A good quality vermouth will make a noticeable difference in the taste of your martini.

Lemon Twist

gin martini on wood board with purple flower and limes

A lemon twist is a classic garnish for a martini. 

It adds a bright, citrusy note to the drink and also looks visually appealing. 

To make a lemon twist, use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler to cut a thin strip of lemon peel. 

Twist the peel over the drink to release the oils and then drop it into the cocktail glass.

Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are an essential ingredient in any martini. 

They help to chill the drink and also dilute it slightly, which can help to mellow out the flavors.

Use good quality ice made from filtered cup water to ensure that your martini stays as pure and clean-tasting as possible.

By using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to prepare them properly, you can create an Empress Gin Martini that is both delicious and visually stunning.

Preparation

glass of martini of empress bottle

Chill the Glass

The first step in preparing an Empress Gin Martini is to chill the glass.

Place a martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before you start making the delicious cocktail.

This will make a chilled martini glass which ensures that the glass is cold enough to keep your drink at the perfect temperature.

Stir the Gin and Vermouth

In a mixing glass filled with ice, stir together 2 oz of Empress 1908 Gin and 1/2 oz of dry vermouth.

Stir for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and the flavors are well combined. 

Be careful not to over-stir, as this can dilute the drink.

Another option is to use a cocktail shaker to mix the drink thoroughly.

Strain into the Glass

Once the gin and vermouth are well mixed, strain the simple cocktail into the chilled martini glass. 

Be sure to hold the strainer close to the rim of the glass to prevent any ice chips from falling in.

A Hawthorne strainer or a julep strainer can be used to strain the cocktail.

Garnish with a Lemon Twist

mysterious light behind a gin martini

To finish off your Empress Gin Martini, garnish the drink with a lemon twist. 

Using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife, cut a thin strip of lemon peel and twist it over the cocktail to release the oils. 

Then, drop the twist into the drink for an added burst of flavor and aroma.

Overall, the preparation of an Empress Gin Martini is simple and straightforward. 

By following these steps, you can create a perfectly balanced and delicious cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.

Variations

purple martini with lime and cherry

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are several variations of the Empress Gin Martini that you can try. Here are a few:

The Dirty Empress

For those who enjoy a savory twist to their martini, the Dirty Empress is the perfect variation. 

It’s made by adding a splash of olive juice to the classic Empress Gin Martini recipe. 

The result is a salty, briny flavor that compliments the floral notes of the purple gin. 

Garnish with a few olives for the full dirty martini experience.

The Empress Fizz

If you’re in the mood for something bubbly, try the Empress Fizz. 

This variation is among one of the purple cocktails and adds soda water or tonic water to the classic martini recipe, creating a refreshing and effervescent cocktail. 

To make an Empress Fizz, simply do a little more extra work by topping the classic Empress Gin Martini with soda water and garnish with a lemon twist.

The Empress 75

two martini glass filled with empress and cherries in each

The Empress 75, or soixante quinze, is a cocktail made for celebration.

Ingredients required to make this drink include Empress 1980 gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, sparkling wine, and a lemon twist.

Fresh salads, watermelon, cookout dishes, and bright lemon all pair well with this drink.

The Empress Gin Mule

If you want to add something new to your home bar rotation, add the Empress Gin Mulen.

All you need are three simple ingredients of Empress 1908 gin, lime juice, ginger beer, and topped with lime wheel and mint leaves.

Royal Hawaiian

The Royal Hawaiian is a tropical and tasty drink.

To make this variation, you will need Empress 1908 gin, pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and a pineapple slice.

Empress Grapefruit Collins

two tall martini glasses filled

The Empress Grapefruit Collins is a great cocktail to drink on a warm summer day.

Ingredients needed for this variation are Empress 1908 gin, cool seltzer, pink grapefruit juice, lemon juice, citric acid, and simple syrup. 

Blood Orange Gin Cocktail

If you want to hit the spot with notes of citrus galore, try the Blood Orange Gin Cocktail

Ingredients needed for this variation are Empress 1908 gin, fresh blood orange juice, fresh lime juice, equal parts of orange liqueur, blood orange rounds, and thyme.

The Empress Sour

For those with a sweet tooth, the Empress Sour is a delicious twist of the classic martini. 

To make an Empress Sour, add a splash of simple syrup and fresh lemon juice or lime juice to the classic Empress Gin Martini recipe. Another ingredient needed are egg whites.

The result is a classic gin sour with a pink color. It is a sweet and tangy cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. 

Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!

You can also add blackberry liqueur to the Empress Sour to create a blackberry Empress gin sour.

Overall, the Empress Gin Martini is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. 

Whether you prefer it classic or with a twist, there’s a variation out there for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

white martini in glass with lemon behind it

The Empress Gin Martini is a unique, refreshing, and beautiful twist on the classic martini. 

The use of Empress 1908 Gin adds a subtle sweetness and a natural indigo color to the drink. 

The combination of botanicals like juniper berries, elderflower, and grapefruit peel creates a complex and interesting flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Making an Empress Gin Martini is relatively simple and can be done with just a few ingredients. 

The basic recipe involves mixing 2 ounces of Empress 1908 Gin with 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc, stirring on ice, and straining into a chilled martini glass. 

Garnish with a grapefruit twist, edible flowers, orange bitters, or a lemon twist and you’re ready to enjoy!

There are also many variations of the Empress Gin Martini, such as the Empress Negroni, Royal Treatment, and Cucumber Blue. 

Each variation adds its own unique flavor and modern twist to the classic recipe, allowing for endless experimentation and creativity.

Whether you’re a gin lover or just looking to try something new, the Empress Gin Martini is definitely worth a try especially if you like dry gin. 

Its beautiful color blue hue, complex flavor, and refreshing taste make it a perfect cocktail for any occasion.

empress gin martini recipe Pinterest image

Cocktail 1908 Empress Gin Martini Recipe

purple martini with lime and cherry

The martini is an iconic easy cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. It is a classic and great cocktail that has undergone many transformations throughout the recent years. 

Ingredients

  • Empress Gin
  • Vermouth
  • Lemon Twist
  • Ice Cubes

Instructions

Chill the Glass

The first step in preparing an Empress Gin Martini is to chill the glass.

Place a martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before you start making the delicious cocktail.

This will make a chilled martini glass which ensures that the glass is cold enough to keep your drink at the perfect temperature.

Stir the Gin and Vermouth

In a mixing glass filled with ice, stir together 2 oz of Empress 1908 Gin and 1/2 oz of dry vermouth.

Stir for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and the flavors are well combined. 

Be careful not to over-stir, as this can dilute the drink.

Another option is to use a cocktail shaker to mix the drink thoroughly.

Strain into the Glass

Once the gin and vermouth are well mixed, strain the simple cocktail into the chilled martini glass. 

Be sure to hold the strainer close to the rim of the glass to prevent any ice chips from falling in.

A Hawthorne strainer or a julep strainer can be used to strain the cocktail.

Garnish with a Lemon Twist

To finish off your Empress Gin Martini, garnish the drink with a lemon twist. 

Using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife, cut a thin strip of lemon peel and twist it over the cocktail to release the oils. 

Then, drop the twist into the drink for an added burst of flavor and aroma.

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