Empress Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe

If you're looking for a simple way to elevate your home bartending game, it is Empress cocktails. This Empress Gin and tonic with elderflower tonic water is so refreshing and the perfect 2-ingredient gin cocktail.

You'll love this Empress gin and tonic

It's absolutely stunning. You cannot beat a gin drink with Empress gin. That purple color is absolutely gorgeous and makes for the prettiest drinks. This is one of my favorite gin brands to buy, because that indigo color makes the most beautiful purple cocktails. 

It's so easy to make. With only 2 ingredients you have this professional mixologist-looking and tasting cocktail in the comfort of your own home.

It's incredibly refreshing. The elderflower tonic paired with the Empress gin is such a refreshing, floral yet sweet drink.

Ingredients

When I say you only need a few simple ingredients, you truly only need a two simple ingredients. Such an easy cocktail to make and the Empress 1980 is such an elevated take on a classic cocktail. 

Empress 1908 Gin. Now, you can absolutely make this with whatever gin you prefer, but I recommend Empress for that beautiful purple hue.

Tonic Water. You can use regular tonic water, diet tonic water, or whatever brand you like, you just need tonic water to make this classic gin and tonic! 

Empress 1908 Gin history

Empress 1908 gin was inspired by the Fairmont Empress Hotel, an iconic hotel in British Columbia, Canada. The Master Distiller experimented with their botanical teas and how those paired with the botanicals they've selected, and ultimately settled on a combination of the Empress Signature Blend Tea and butterfly pea blossom. 

You'll get notes of black tea, juniper berries, butterfly pea blossom, grapefruit peel and rose petals in the classic Empress 1908 Gin. I love the combination of subtle floral notes paired with the fresh citrus and black tea. It makes for such delicious cocktail creations. 

It makes for such pretty cocktails, like this classic gin and tonic or this London lemonade. Both are so refreshing in the summer months.

How to make this empress gin and tonic

1. Place a handful of ice in a tall glass.
2. Pour 2.5 oz of Empress Gin over ice.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Stir, garnish and cheers!

Why is Empress 1908 Gin purple?

Empress 1908 Gin is infused with butterfly pea blossom after distillation. The butterfly pea flower is the most gorgeous shade of purple. 

If you're looking for a stunning, slightly sweeter, gin martini recipe, you should try making a Bee's Knees with Empress Gin.

Garnish ideas

Of course you need to garnish this beautiful empress gin cocktail recipe! 

• Fresh Herbs like mint leaves, thyme, basil or rosemary
• Edible flowers
• Citrus fruit like a grapefruit slice, lime wedge or lemon twist
• Cucumber slices

FAQs

What does empress gin taste like?

I don't think Empress Gin is overly floral-tasting like most gins. This one has a great balance of spices like juniper, ginger, and cinnamon stick with a hint of citrus from grapefruit peel. You can learn more about what Empress 1908 is distilled with, here.

Is empress gin good with tonic?

Yes! I love making a gin and tonic with Empress 1908 Gin.

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Want some more easy cocktail recipes?

• Espresso Martini with Bailey's
• John Daly Cocktail
• Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini