Friends of Empress 1908
Remembering World Gin Days of the Past!
Time to get ready for World Gin Day 2023!
World Gin Day, which is every second Saturday of June, is one of the few times where we’re able to officially celebrate our favourite spirit! Sure, it’s always Gin Day at Empress 1908, but doesn’t having a designated occasion make it that much more special?
We’re especially proud to have built relationships with content creators from all around the world who craft the most delicious sips with our gin to celebrate the day! Whether it’s a simple twist on a G&T or an elaborate tropical highball with complex flavours and garnishes, we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing everything our gin has to offer.
Let’s take a look at some of our favourite creations from past World Gin Days in anticipation of the big day on June 10th this year!
Where in the world is Victoria Distillers?
Empress 1908 Indigo Gin is created just outside the city of Victoria on beautiful Vancouver Island. Sitting at the edge of British Columbia, Canada; this is where rugged mountains meet stunning Pacific Coast. Here, traditions are honoured, nature is revered, and innovation drives artistic expression. There is nowhere else in the world we could have distilled our spirits!
Curious to learn more about our waterfront distillery? Click here!
1. Terroir Sour — @trufflesontherocks
Last year, our good friend, Jean-Félix at @trufflesontherocks offered us three stunning sips! We’re going to show you our favourite: the terroir sour. Perfectly bright with the additional nuances from the sauvignon blanc syrup, this will take you on a journey to the vineyards on a warm, sunny day!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz Sauvignon Blanc Syrup
- 1 Egg White
Method
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake over ice. Strain into the other shaking tin and shake again without ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with dehydrated lemon wheel. Enjoy!
To make Sauvignon Blanc Syrup
Combine equal parts room temperature Sauvignon Blanc and sugar and stir together until sugar is dissolved. Do not heat up the wine as it will affect the flavour. Store in a sealed container in a refrigerator for up to one week.
2. Empress Lavender Grapefruit Fizz — @thebitterfairy
This floral and citrusy fizz from Paula of @thebitterfairy is a treat that can’t be beat! One of our favourite ways of experiencing Empress 1908 is by adding grapefruit and lavender, which provides the very best flavours of what spring and summer have to offer. Try the recipe below from our last World Gin Day for this refreshing sip!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ¾ oz Grapefruit Juice
- ¾ oz Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Lavender Syrup
- 2 dashes Lime Bitters
- 2 oz Grapefruit Soda
Method
Combine grapefruit juice, lemon juice, lavender syrup, and lime bitters and shake well with ice. Top with grapefruit soda and then Empress 1908 Indigo Gin to float. Garnish with herbs and a lime wheel. Stir gently to combine and enjoy!
3. Blueberry Snowstorm — @the.sauceress
We’re huge fans of playing with diverse flavours and Jes from @the.sauceress definitely seemed to think alike, evident by her 2021 contribution! The sake nigori adds a delightfully creamy texture for a multidimensional mouthfeel, complemented by the aromatics of the blueberry bay leaf syrup. What a way to highlight the rich, earthy notes of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 oz Sake Nigori
- 1½ oz Blueberry Bay Leaf Syrup
- ½ oz Lime Juice
- 2½ oz Soda Water
Method
Pour syrup into the bottom of a glass. Fill glass with crushed or nugget ice. On the side, stir to combine sake, lime juice, and soda water. Pour into glass. Top drink off by floating gin on top. Stir before sipping and garnish with whole blueberries and bay leaves.
4. Empress in the Sun — @thehobbydrinkchef
AJ from @thehobbydrinkchef took us on a flavour vacation to a tropical beach with this sip from 2021! Refreshing and fragrant with a touch of warm spice, this one’s perfect for enjoying on a hammock to the sounds of ocean waves and calling seagulls.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 oz Cream of Coconut
- ¾ oz Pineapple Juice
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Amaretto
- ½ tsp Bénédictine
- ½ tsp Cinnamon Syrup
- Cinnamon Stick & Mint Sprig
METHOD:
Shake all but gin on ice. Strain into a chilled collins glass over pebbled ice. Float gin on top, and garnish with a cinnamon stick & mint sprig. Stir, and enjoy!
Need something to sip on while you get ready for World Gin Day 2023? Try our Garden City!
Sweet, refreshing, and vibrant, the Garden City represents the best of our hometown. The softness of the seasonal blossoms is captured upon the first taste of this cocktail as the pops of citrus create that perfect balance. With such beautiful flavours that highlight our gin and home, it’s hard to think of better way to celebrate World Gin Day with Empress 1908!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 oz Grapefruit Juice
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Lychee Simple Syrup
- Soda Water, to top
METHOD:
Shake grapefruit juice, lemon juice and lychee syrup on ice. Strain into a chilled collins glass with ice. Layer the gin into the glass and top with soda water (optional).
Remember to check out the hashtag #WorldGinDay2023 on Instagram for cocktail creations to come from our friends across the globe, including @thirstywhale_, @ed_tales, and @gintensiv!
If you need further inspiration for a cocktail to sip for World Gin Day, be sure to check out our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!
