Recipes
Hot Cocktails to Warm You Up for Winter
Stay Toasty this Season with Empress 1908!
The temperatures have been dropping, which means it’s time to bring in the heat with some cozy cocktails! Lucky for us, our creator friends came through with delectable treats for you to enjoy this coming season. From classic toddies to creamy and decadent warmers, we’re sure you’ll find a new favourite.
Ready to curl up with a hot cup in hand? Jump to the recipes ahead!
- Empress Chai Latte
- Autumn Hot Toddy
- Hot Suzette
- Spicy Pear Hot Toddy
- Blustery Blood Orange Toddy
- Apple Blossom
1. Empress Chai Latte – @milkofthykindness
Let’s start with something spiced and creamy! M elevates the classic chai latte with the addition of our Indigo Gin for those earthy botanicals that play perfectly with the spices and tea in the syrup. Warm, frothy, and wonderfully sweet; what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 1-1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1-1½ oz Chai Thick Syrup*
- 6-7 oz Hot Milk, of your choice
Method
Heat the milk to 130-140˚F, and use a milk frother to make foam. Pour the Chai syrup into a teacup/mug, followed by hot milk, use a spoon to block the foam from pouring, then add Empress Indigo Gin, then top it off with the milk foam. Optionally, add Chai syrup to decorate the top. Enjoy!
*Chai Thick Syrup
- 1 tsp Whole Cloves
- 1 tsp Allspice
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks (or 2 tsp powder)
- 1½ tbsp Ginger Powder
- 1 tsp Cardamom (or powder)
- ½ Nutmeg (or ½ tsp powder)
- 3 tbsp Black Tea
- 300 g Sugar
- 100 ml Water
Toast the whole spices on medium-low heat until fragrant for a few minutes, and let it cool down. Using a coffee grinder, blend the spices and tea. In a saucepan, combine the Chai mixture with sugar and water. Stir to combine the water, and then cook the mixture on medium-low heat for 8-9 minutes unstirred, keeping it on simmer until the syrup turns golden brown. Remove from heat, pour into a sanitized jar and let it cool to thicken.
2. Autumn Hot Toddy – @itscocktailhour_
Next, Sean adds a splash of festive flair to our Elderflower Rose Gin with this fruity hot toddy! The vibrant and tart notes from both the blood orange and cranberry juices along with a touch of richness from honey beautifully accent the softer floral notes of the gin for a soothing and complex sip.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- ½ oz Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 cup Hot Water
- 2 tsp Honey
- ½ oz Blood Orange Juice
- ½ oz Cranberry Juice
Method
In a mug or heat resistant glass, combine hot water, honey, Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin, elderflower liqueur, blood orange juice and cranberry juice. Stir and garnish with fresh cranberries and a dehydrated orange.
3. Hot Suzette – @jfdesfosses
Have you ever wondered how Crêpes Suzette would taste as a cocktail? JF answers that question with this spirit-forward and zesty sip, featuring a twist with the addition of vanilla & Earl Grey tea that pairs perfectly with the bold citrus notes.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ¾ oz Orange Liqueur (preferably cognac-based)
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 4 oz Vanilla & Earl Grey Tea
- Orange Twist, for garnish
- Slice of Orange, peeled
Method
In a small pot, add a slice of orange without the peel and orange liqueur. Ignite the orange liqueur and let caramelize for about 10 seconds. Cover with metal lid to extinguish the flame. Add gin and lemon juice, then fine-strain into a teacup. Top with vanilla & Earl Grey tea and garnish with expressed orange twist.
4. Spicy Pear Hot Toddy – @muriellebanackissa
For something with a touch of heat, Murielle serves up this toddy that’s full of traditional winter flavours like crisp pear, punchy ginger, and a kiss of cinnamon. You’ll definitely cure the holiday blues with your first taste!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon
- 1 oz Spicy Pear Syrup*
- 5 oz Hot Water
- Pear Slice & Cinnamon Stick, to garnish
Method
On a small plate, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Run a slice of lemon around the rim of your favourite winter mug. Dip your glass into the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Assemble the cocktail by pouring 1 oz of the Spicy Pear Syrup into your mug. Top with hot water and Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. Garnish with a slice of pear and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
*Spicy Pear Syrup
To make the spicy pear syrup, bring ½ cup water, ½ cup sugar, ½ Bosc pear (peeled and cubed), and 2 tsp ginger (peeled and chopped) to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer on medium-low for 15-20 minutes until fragrant and thickened. Stir regularly. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes, then strain into a heatproof jar.
5. Blustery Blood Orange Toddy – @thesocialsipper
Make the most out of citrus season with this bright, yet warming toddy by our friend Carolyn! With tangy blood orange juice, a rejuvenating kick from fresh ginger, and spiced and floral notes from our Elderflower Rose Gin and garnishes, a cup of this get rid of that chill in no time.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- 1 oz Blood Orange Juice
- 1 tbsp Honey
- Clove-Studded Blood Orange Slice
- Dried Rosebuds, for garnish
Method
Combine 1-inch peeled and sliced ginger with 1 cup boiling water in a container, cover, and steep for 5 minutes. Add Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, blood orange juice and honey to a mug. Strain out the ginger boiled water mixture into the mug, discarding the ginger pieces. Stir to combine. Press cloves into the outside of a slice of blood orange and add to the mug. If desired, garnish with dried rosebuds. Enjoy immediately.
6. Apple Blossom
Last but not least, here’s a little something from us! Is there anything more comforting than a hot mug of cider after a snowy day? Paired with the dark molasses notes from the demerara, a softness in the back of your palate from that whisper of orange blossom water, and the florals from Empress Elderflower Rose Gin; it’s a truly unforgettable winter flavour experience. Top it all off with a clove-studded orange swath for more aromatics and festive vibes!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- ½ oz Rich Demerara Syrup (2:1)
- 4 oz Hot Apple Cider
- ½ oz Orange Blossom Water, to rinse
- Clove-Studded Orange Swath
Method
Rinse a warmed up mug with orange blossom water and discard excess. Add Empress Elderflower Rose Gin and syrup and top with hot apple cider. Stir gently to incorporate and garnish with clove-studded orange swath.
So treat yourself to one of these hot cocktails, grab your favourite blanket, and curl up on the couch to unwind. Whether you’re sharing a couple mugs with great company or enjoying blissful solitude with a good book, you’ll certainly be feeling the winter magic with any of these warm delights.
For more cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!
