Recipes
7 Holiday Cocktails to Bring the Yuletide Spirit!
Jingle your taste buds with Empress 1908!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We’ve asked our creator friends to come up with some celebratory tipples to make this season and they truly delivered. Whether you’re hoping to spread the Empress 1908 love at a party with a batched cocktail or looking to enjoy the holidays in solitude, we’ll have an option for you!
Ready for festive sipping? Jump to the recipes ahead!
- Duchess Punch
- Winter Ramos Gin Fizz
- Sparkling Holiday Cocktail
- Freezer Door Empress Martini
- Cranberry Pomegranate Gin Fizz
- Lemon Meringue Cocktail
- Jingle Juice Holiday Punch
1. Duchess Punch
Let’s kick off the list with this delightful punch by @erinandsteven! They added a wonderful floral twist to a holiday favourite with the use of our Empress Elderflower Rose expression. Cranberries, rosemary, and sparkling wine, does it get more festive than this? Serves about 12.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- 32 oz Cranberry Juice
- 8 oz Sparkling Wine
- Rosemary
- Cranberries
Method
Add all ingredients to a pitcher or punch bowl on ice, including the cranberries and rosemary. Serve in punch cups or stemless wine glasses.
2. Winter Ramos Gin Fizz
Need a frosty-looking sip to fit the snowy vibes? Make this gorgeous seasonal spin on the classic Ramos by @marissamakes__, featuring an extra layer of spice and sweetness from amaretto and cardamom syrup!
Ingredients
- 1¾ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ¾ oz Amaretto
- ½ oz Cardamom Simple Syrup
- ½ oz Heavy Cream
- 1 Egg White
- ¼ tsp Butterfly Pea Flower Powder (optional)
- Club Soda, to top
- Star Anise, to garnish
Method
Combine all ingredients except the club soda in a cocktail shaker. Dry shake (without ice) to combine. Add ice, and shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass, and top with chilled club soda. Garnish with a star anise & enjoy!
3. Sparkling Holiday Cocktail
If you’re a fan of cranberries in your festive cocktails, this bubbly delight by @emilylaurae has your name written all over! Paired with a splash of orange liqueur, the Sparkling Holiday Cocktail offers the best of this time of year in a glass.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- 1 oz Orange Liqueur
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¼ oz Cranberry Simple Syrup
- 4 oz Cranberry Sparkling Water
- Cranberries, to garnish
Method
Add the orange liqueur, lemon juice, Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, and cranberry syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into your serving glass. Top with cranberry sparkling water, garnish & enjoy!
4. Freezer Door Empress Martini
Don’t want to be stuck behind the bar all night at your party? @highproofpreacher has you covered with this elegant serve that’s bound to impress a crowd! Make it the night before for easy prep so that all you’re left to do is pour, garnish, and enjoy the evening ahead. Serves 8-10.
Ingredients
- 500 ml Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 100 ml Blanc Vermouth
- 100 ml Aperitivo Rosato
- Grapefruit peel, to garnish
Method
Add all ingredients to an empty bottle, and freeze overnight. When ready to serve, pour into chilled martini glasses, and garnish with a grapefruit peel. Enjoy!
5. Cranberry Pomegranate Gin Fizz
We always love a gin fizz, but what if it had some festive magic? @sweettooth_foodtography answers that question perfectly by mixing cranberry, pomegranate, and lime with Empress Indigo Gin for a combo that’s just as merry as the Christmas cheer.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 2 oz Cranberry and Pomegranate Juice
- 1 Lime, juiced
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Soda Water
- 1 Egg White (or 1 oz aquafaba)
- Rosemary Sprig, to garnish
Method
In a cocktail shaker, combine Empress Indigo Gin, cranberry and pomegranate juice, lime juice, simple syrup, soda water, and egg white (or aquafaba). Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake for an additional 30 seconds until cold. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with a rosemary sprig, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
6. Lemon Meringue Cocktail
There’s nothing so delectable as a dessert-style cocktail and @marikacucuzzaphotography’s creation undoubtedly fits the bill and more! Topped beautifully with a toasted meringue, this tangy and sweet treat will be the showstopping finale to your feast.
Ingredients
- 50 ml Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 25 ml Limoncello
- 10 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 10 ml Water
- 85 g Caster Sugar
- 1 Egg
- ½ tsp White Wine Vinegar
- Dried Lemon Slice, to garnish
Method
Add the water, fresh lemon juice and 20g caster sugar in a small jug, and mix until the sugar dissolves. Set aside. Whisk the egg whites with the white wine vinegar until soft peaks form, then slowly pour in 65g caster sugar while continuing to whisk. When all the sugar is incorporated and the meringue is glossy and smooth, it’s ready.
Add the gin, limoncello, and sugar syrup in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Double strain into a champagne or martini glass, and top with fresh meringue using a piping bag for an elegant finish. Char the top of the meringue with a blowtorch, garnish with dried lemon slices, and serve. Enjoy!
7. Jingle Juice Holiday Punch
Finally, let’s wrap it up by sharing a glass or two of this fruity punch by @healthylittlepeach. Make your spirits bright with the zesty burst of cranberry, pineapple, and orange along with warm cinnamon aromatics and floral notes from our Empress Elderflower Rose Gin! Serves 18-20.
Ingredients
- 2-2½ cups Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- 5 cups Cranberry Juice
- 4 cups Pineapple Juice
- 2 cups Orange Juice
- 1 container Apple Juice Concentrate
- 1 bottle Sparkling White Grape Juice
- 7-8 Cinnamon Sticks
- 8 Orange Slices
- 1 cup Cranberries
Method
To a punch bowl, add all the ingredients. Mix with a spoon, then add fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices. Ten minutes before serving, incorporate wreath-shaped ice cubes. Enjoy!
Spread the joy of the holidays with delicious cocktails! Whether you choose something more decadent or light and fresh, any of these will be sure to dazzle and amaze. After all, ’tis the season for treating yourselves.
For more cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!
