Recipes
6 Must-Try Winter Cocktails
Cure the winter woes with these delectable delights!
Feeling the post-holiday blues? Not on our watch! We’re kicking off 2024 on a high note with a selection of some of our favourite winter cocktails. Follow along as we take you on a stroll to discover these showstopping creations!
Jump to the recipes ahead!
- Mister Snowman
- Elderflower Rose Pomegranate Gimlet
- Snowy Day
- The Great 1908 Blizzard
- Winter Blues
- Mulled Gin
1. Mister Snowman
Let’s start off with a visit to a dear friend of ours, Mister Snowman! Featuring a comforting combo of rich coconut and clove syrup to pair with the spiced palate of our Indigo Gin, this sip is perfect for when you’re in need of cozy company.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 oz Coconut Milk
- ¾ oz Clove Syrup*
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Coconut Shavings & Whole Cloves, for garnish
Method
Add ingredients to a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously to combine. Strain into a chilled rocks glass with ice. Garnish with coconut shavings and whole cloves.
*To make clove syrup, add 1 cup each of sugar and water to a saucepan over medium and stir until combined. Next, reduce heat and add 1 oz whole cloves. Simmer 10-15 minutes. Then, remove from heat and cool 30 minutes. Finally, strain, and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
2. Elderflower Rose Pomegranate Gimlet
Looking for something a little more crisp to share with a companion? @resplendentkitchen has you covered with this fruity twist on the classic gimlet! Tangy pomegranate complements the florals of our Elderflower Rose Gin to make for a light and easy tipple. Recipe serves 2.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- 3 oz Fresh Pomegranate Juice
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- Lime Wheels, to garnish
METHOD
Chill 2 cocktail glasses in the freezer. Combine Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Strain and pour into the chilled coupe glasses. Garnish each glass with a lime wheel & enjoy!
3. Snowy Day
@charming.cocktails welcomes the spirit of the season with this sip that’s just as luxurious as fresh snowfall. Silky and sweet with a slightly sharp edge for balance; it’s a tasty dream that dazzles our taste buds!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 oz Cream of Coconut Syrup
- ¼ oz Falernum Liqueur or Syrup
- Egg White
- Dried Shredded Coconut & Rosemary Sprig, for garnish
Method
Add some cream of coconut syrup to the rim of your glass and rim with dried shredded coconut. Add lime juice, egg white, cream of coconut, falernum, and gin to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, and strain. Shake again without ice. Double strain into your prepared cocktail glass and add a sprig of fresh rosemary as a garnish. Enjoy!
4. The Great 1908 Blizzard
@cooking_with_wine makes braving the chilly weather a bit easier with this dessert-like treat. With white chocolate and hints of cherry and vanilla, it’s too good to pass up on!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1½ oz White Chocolate Liqueur
- ¼ oz Luxardo Maraschino
- ⅛ tsp Vanilla Extract
- White Chocolate Shavings & Maraschino Cherry, for garnish
Method
Shake all ingredients except chocolate shavings in a shaker with ice. Pour into a chilled martini glass (use a strainer if needed to remove ice chunks as you pour). Grate some white chocolate right over the top of the glass, add a cherry (optional), and serve!
5. Winter Blues
Soothing and gorgeous, this beautifully layered creation by @thekitchenmccabe is bound to alleviate the frosty bite of winter through notes of florals and spice along with a smooth texture from a touch of cream.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ½ oz Cold Water
- ¼ tsp Butterfly Pea Flower Powder
- 2 tsp Lavender Syrup
- ½ oz Cream
- ½ oz Ginger Liqueur
- ¼ oz Limoncello
- ¼ oz Elderflower Liqueur
- Edible Flowers, for garnish
Method
To create the blue layer, add ½ oz Empress Indigo Gin, cold water, pea flower powder, lavender syrup and cream to a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a tumbler over fresh ice. To create the purple layer, add the remaining ½ oz Empress Indigo Gin, ginger liqueur, limoncello, and elderflower liqueur to a clean shaker and shake with ice. Layer into the tumbler, garnish and enjoy!
6. Mulled Gin
It’s hard to think of anything more satisfying and wholesome than a hot and heartwarming drink in your hands. Curl up on the couch for your next evening in with a mug of this spiced and zesty Mulled Gin by @afullliving! Recipe serves 12.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 2 cups Red Wine
- 2 cups Cranberry Juice
- 1¾ cups Fresh Orange Juice
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup (to taste)
- 1 Orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 Pear, sliced into rounds
- 5 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 Star Anise
- 2 Cardamom Pods
- 8 Whole Cloves
- 4 slices Fresh Ginger
Method
Combine all ingredients, except the gin, in a large pot over low heat. Heat slowly, stirring occasionally for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours to allow the flavours to combine. Next, strain out the fruit and spices, and add in Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. Stir to combine. Ladle into tea mugs while warm. Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and whole spices. Enjoy!
January may not be everyone’s favourite month, so why not treat yourself to a cocktail to melt away any gloom of the season? With plenty of deliciousness and stunning sips to go around, we’re sure that at least one of these will make you fall in love with winter’s magic.
For more cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!
