Garden-inspired sips to celebrate spring

Get garden party ready with these delicious floral cocktail recipes!

Spring is *officially* here! Get in the spirit with #EmpressInBloom— our latest cocktail series inspired by garden flavours and flowers galore!

From @theweekendmixologist‘s ‘The Garden Party’ to @foodie_renee‘s ‘Floral Tea & Tonic’ each recipe is as vibrant as the bursting blooms of spring. Gather your guests and prepare for your next backyard soirée with the delicious recipes below!

From left: Empress Wild Violet, Petal Pusher, Elderflower Empress Gin Sour, The Garden Party, Empress Spring Spritzer

We’re kicking things off with @theweekendmixologist‘s ‘The Garden Party’. Perfect for your next backyard soirée, this springtime tipple features peach liqueur, fresh lemon juice and a homemade grapefruit rose cordial!

The Garden Party

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
• ½ oz Peach Liqueur
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• ½ oz Grapefruit Rose Cordial*
• Club Soda
• Mint Bouquet
• Pressed Edible Flowers

METHOD:

Add all ingredients except soda to a shaking tin and then add ice. Shake and strain over ice into a cocktail glass and top with soda. Garnish with edible flowers and a sprig of mint.

*for the grapefruit rose cordial:

In a saucepan combine equal parts fresh pink grapefruit juice and cane sugar. Bring to a light simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Cut the heat, add dried roses and a few dashes of cucumber bitters. Let cool, strain and refrigerate.

“I designed this cocktail to feature tons of fresh flavors you can find in the garden paired with the delicious floral and citrus notes of the beautiful Empress 1908.“

@THEWEEKENDMIXOLOGIST

Our next spring recipe is brought to you by the lovely Monique of @bee.the.love. With flavours inspired by a walk in garden, this fresh cocktail will have you reaching for more!

Empress Spring Spritzer

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 1 oz Ginger Liqueur
• ¾ oz Mint Simple Syrup
• 1 oz Lime Juice
• 2 dashes Orange Bitters
• Tonic Water (to top)
• Cucumber Slices (to muddle)

METHOD:

In a cocktail shaker add the cucumber and muddle. Add remaining ingredients except tonic water, and ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled glass, then top with tonic water. Garnish, and enjoy!

“…whether you are looking forward to brighter days, or happily soaking up the sun, this cocktail tastes like a walk through the garden!“

@bee.the.love

Our next flowery creation comes from @marissamakes__. Featuring crème de violette and home-made floral syrup, this violet-hued show-stopper is a springtime dream.

Empress Wild Violet

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ oz Empress 1908 Gin⁣⁣
• ¾ oz Crème de violette ⁣
• ¾ oz Violet Simple Syrup⁣⁣*
• Club Soda (to top⁣⁣)
• Edible flowers, for garnish

METHOD:

To make the cocktail, combine the Empress 1908 Gin, creme de violette, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a coupe glass, top with club soda, and garnish with edible flowers.

*For the violet simple syrup:

Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and 5 tbsp violet hard candies in a medium saucepan, and cook over medium heat. Stir frequently until the syrup reaches a boil and the sugar and candies are completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool.⁣⁣

“Inspired by the bursting blooms of springtime, this cocktail is made for sipping in the garden.“

@marissamakes__

Still waiting for spring weather? Let this video bring the season to you…@foodie_renee‘s Floral Tea & Tonic is the perfect final showcase of Empress in bloom!

FLORAL TEA & TONIC:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 1 oz Simple Syrup (optional)
• 2 oz Tonic Water
• 2 oz Floral Tea*
• ½ oz Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
• Edible Flowers

Method:

Add Empress 1908 Gin, syrup and tonic water in a shaker with ice. Shake well. Add floral tea into a highball with fresh ice, then add cocktail mix. Top with Butterfly Pea flower tea, and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.

*FOR THE FLORAL TEA:

• 5 dried Chrysanthemum Flowers
• 5 dried Rose Buds
• 1 Tbsp Peony Petals
• 1 tsp Simple Syrup
• 2 cups Hot Water

METHOD:

Add the dried flowers to a teapot, and pour in hot water. Let it steep 10 minutes, then add a touch of syrup.

“Made with Empress 1908 Gin and floral tea, this floral gin cocktail will amaze you with its incredible scent and flavor.“

@foodie_renee

But wait, there’s more! Be sure to check out these fresh floral creations on our latest Instagram Guide, or visit our cocktail collection for our signature spring sips.

From left: The Lavender Lemonade, Carrot Ginger Gin Fizz, and Petal Pusher

Sip responsibly!