Friends of Empress 1908
Conjure Up these Seven Scarily Delicious Cocktails!
The Halloween festivities call for spooky sipping!
It’s that time of year where we embrace all things haunting, whether by donning a ghoulish alter-ego, investigating the paranormal, or immersing ourselves in an eerie tale. One thing is certain, though: we’ll be doing all of these while enjoying tasty tipples crafted by our creator friends in antici…..pation of Hallow’s Eve! So what are you waiting for? Put on your costumes and follow along with us to discover the libation that’s calling your name!
Ready to brew your concoction? Jump to the recipes ahead, but beware of what awaits!
- Crimson Cosmo
- Midnight Monster Smash
- Apple Cider Club
- Poison Caramel Apple Cocktail
- Cauldron Cobbler Toddy
- Beet Martini
- Golden Twilight
1. Crimson Cosmo
Let’s begin with this spine-chilling twist on a classic! @moodycocktails revamps the iconic Cosmo with an added touch of florals and a burst of berries for a sip that’s as alluring as a vampire’s kiss.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- ½ oz Cointreau
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 Barspoon of Raspberry Preserves
- Raspberries, for garnish
Method
In a shaker tin, add all ingredients and shake over ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish.
2. Midnight Monster Smash
Who’s your favourite Halloween monster? Ours may very well be this creepy, yet whimsical refresher by @thegandmkitchen that encapsulates our favourite horror flicks. The melon and pomegranate eyes especially make for the perfect final touch for that extra spooky factor!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin
- 2 Cucumber Slices
- ¼ cup Sliced Honeydew
- 2 Basil Leaves
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- ½ oz Elderflower Liqueur
- 2-3 Honeydew Melon & Pomegranate Seed Eyes and Dragon Fruit Slice, for garnish
Method
Add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour over ice and garnish with melon balls with pomegranate seeds pushed in the center of the balls and a slice of dragon fruit.
3. Apple Cider Club
Another delight by @thegandmkitchen, if you don’t want as much of a fright with your sipping, this cozy and frothy number would be right up your alley! After all, the comforting flavours of baking spices and apples are sure to ward off the ghastly creatures of the night.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 oz Apple Cider Syrup*
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Egg White
- 1 dash Cinnamon Bitters
- Dried Apple Slice, for garnish
Method
Add everything to a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds (no ice). Add ice and shake for 30 seconds more. Double strain into a coupe glass. Dust with cinnamon and garnish with a dried apple slice.
*To make the syrup, simmer 3 cups of apple cider in a small pot over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup (about 1 hour).
4. Poison Caramel Apple Cocktail
Speaking of apples, aren’t caramel apples the best this time of year? Well, our friends at @afullliving got the memo and adapted this staple into a drink that’s too delicious to resist. Fruity with a touch of decadence and sparkle, this one puts the “treat” in “trick or treat!”
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ½ oz Caramel Syrup
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Apple Cider
- 1 oz Pomegranate Juice
- Pinch of Edible Gold Glitter (optional)
- Caramel Sauce, to rim
Method
Start by rimming a cocktail glass with caramel sauce and set aside. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake to chill. Strain into prepped glass, carefully add a small piece of dry ice* for a dramatic effect (optional), and enjoy!
*Handle dry ice with extreme caution. Do not allow it to touch your skin. Use gloves and tongs to add it to your drink, and be sure to let the ice melt completely before sipping. Absolutely no chunks should remain in the liquid.
5. Cauldron Cobbler Toddy
What’s brewing in the witch’s cauldron this time? This hot and fruity elixir by @kevrosehome that is sure to warm the soul! Pairing the botanicals of our Empress Indigo Gin with tangy berry tea, rich maple, and a touch of cinnamon spice; this wicked toddy will capture you under its spell that dazzles the tastebuds.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 1 cup Hot Berry Tea
- Berry-Flavoured Maple Syrup, to taste
- Cinnamon-Infused Frothed Milk*
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg, to garnish (optional)
- Fresh Berries, to garnish (optional)
Method
Steep tea bags in hot water and combine with gin in a heat-safe mug. Add syrup until you’ve reached the desired level of sweetness. Top with cinnamon-infused frothed milk and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. Add fresh berries for garnish. Enjoy!
*To make cinnamon-infused milk, add about 1 cup of milk to a pot with 2-3 cinnamon sticks. Warm on low heat and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove from the stove and use an electric milk frother to create foam.
6. Beet Martini
Historically, Halloween was a time to honour the autumn harvest, so let’s pay a tribute with this dirty martini twist! Uniquely savoury and earthy with a hint of sweetness, this striking cocktail reflects both the traditional and macabre sides of the holiday.
Fun fact: Jack O’Lanterns were originally carved with root vegetables like turnips and beets from Irish folklore, making this recipe a particularly great way to commemorate the history!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin
- ½ oz Dry Vermouth
- ½ oz Pickled Beet Brine
- Pickled Beet, for garnish
Method
Stir ingredients over ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with pickled beet.
7. Golden Twilight
Last but not least, we have this glowing sip by @maplechutney that’s perfect for celebrating both Halloween and Diwali! The warming and earthy complexity of turmeric and ginger mix with elegant notes of florals and coconut in a cocktail that evokes the mystery of the witching hour.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- ½ oz Turmeric-Ginger Syrup*
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 oz Coconut Water
- Edible Flowers, for garnish
Method
Shake the ingredients over ice to chill and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with edible flowers such as dahlias and enjoy!
*To make the syrup, combine ½ cup each of sugar and water along with ½ teaspoon of turmeric and a 1-inch piece of grated organic ginger. Bring to a simmer until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, let it cool, strain, and store in the fridge for up to a week.
Whether you’re celebrating the occasion with company or staying in for the night in solitude, these delectable potions are a must-add to your grimoire of mystical recipes. If you need some more drinkspo for Halloween, check out our article from a couple years ago!
For all your cocktail needs, be sure to head on over to our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!
