Guides
Our Three Favourite Winter Flavour Combos!
Expand your seasonal cocktail repertoire with these festive mixes!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With a frosty chill in the air, glitzy lights to dazzle the night sky, and jingling bells to spread the holiday cheer; is it any wonder that we’re full of merriment? The festive season comes the need for equally joyful cocktails, so we’re here to share some unique flavour pairings that embrace all things winter!
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1. Berries and Herbs
Starting off with a crowd-pleaser – we love how the vibrant, yet deep burst of fruitiness pairs with wintery herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage! This is a great option for those who may prefer brighter flavours while still being season-appropriate. Choose herbs with a more alpine, woodsy finish to contrast with the juicy berries; a cocktail with this profile is sure to transport you to a winter wonderland.
Try out this mix of blackberries, rosemary, and Chartreuse in @jfdesfosses‘ Winter’s Veil!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ¾ oz Blackberry Syrup*
- ¼ oz Green Chartreuse**
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 small Rosemary Sprig
- 1 Egg White
- Blackberries, for garnish
Method
Add all ingredients to a shaker, and dry shake (without ice) for 10-15 seconds. Add a large ice cube, and shake to chill for an additional 10-15 seconds. Fine strain into a coupe, garnish with fresh blackberries & enjoy!
*For the syrup, blend equal parts (by weight) fresh blackberries and water. Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing out as much juice as possible. Weight the juice yield. Add the same amount of sugar and blend until dissolved. Bottle up and keep in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
**Green Chartreuse can be tricky to replace due to its unique herbal complexity, though Génépi would make for a great alternative with a similar profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own with @jfdesfosses’ DIY recipe!
2. Citrus and Spice
It’s got everything nice! When you combine the bounty of seasonal citrus fruits with cozy spices, the result is undoubtedly better than the sum of its parts. Similar to berries and herbs, the vibrancy makes for easy sipping, but has its own appeal with added warmth for an extra soothing touch. The spices also cut through the acidity to highlight the more fragrant qualities of citrus to create a sip that’s overall light and approachable, yet not too sharp.
@thesocialsipper makes the most of this duo in her zesty Citrus & Spice Cocktail!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ½ oz Blood Orange Juice
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz Honey Syrup
- 2 dashes Spiced Bitters
- 2 oz Prosecco
- Citrus & Spice Ice*
Method
Add Empress 1908 Indigo gin, blood orange juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, and bitters to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into coupe glass over a citrus & spice ice cube. Top with Prosecco & enjoy!
e gin. Float with Empress Elderflower Rose Gin and garnish. Stir before enjoying!
*To make the ice; divide blood orange slices, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, and star anise pods into a large ice mold and fill with water. Freeze eight hours or until solid.
3. Coffee and Cream
Who knew that gin and coffee could be so good together? Finishing off with our most decadent approach, the richness and darker taste mix together for a cocktail that’s oh-so cozy! We especially love how the depth of coffee pairs with the rounder profile of our Empress Indigo expression compared to most other gins. With the mix of bold and indulgent flavours, it’s sure to be a yummy treat to enjoy while watching the snowfall.
Keep yourself toasty and warm with the Indigo Spiked Coffee & Cream by @ashleighscottcreative!
Ingredients
- 1 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ½ oz Rich Dark Brown Syrup*
- 4-5 oz Strong Brewed Coffee
- Heavy Cream, lightly whipped
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg, for garnish
Method
Start by preheating your mug with hot water to warm it up. Once the mug is heated, pour out the water and add the Indigo gin, brown sugar syrup, and brewed coffee and stir to combine. Lightly whip the heavy cream until thick and fluffy. Slowly pour the cream over the back of a cocktail spoon to help keep the cream layer separate from the coffee. Top with freshly grated nutmeg and enjoy!
*To make the rich dark brown syrup, combine ½ cup dark brown sugar, ¼ cup water, and ½ tsp vanilla in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once dissolved, remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool. Transfer the syrup to a container and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. Syrup will keep in the fridge for a few weeks.
These were just a few of our recent favourites, but let this act as a starting point for the next time you’re whipping up delicious cocktails at home. If you’re in need of some more inspo for ingredients to play around with this time of year, check out this feature from 2023! With the holidays in full swing and winter solstice approaching, there’s hardly anything that lets us appreciate our sense of place more than season-oriented drinks.
For more cocktail inspiration, check out our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!
