Recipes
Shake Up these 5 Cocktails on St. Patrick’s Day!
You’re sure to feel lucky with any of these sips in hand!
Is St. Patrick’s Day really complete without a tasty bevy? If you’re looking to swap out your green beers this year, try out any of these cocktails that perfectly fit the occasion! Whether you’ll be enjoying a bit of an elevated happy hour before hitting up the pubs or spending the evening at home, these recipes will add a dash of charm to the festivities.
Jump to the recipes ahead!
1. Cucumber Basil G&T – @foodie_renee
You won’t get pinched if you’re seen with a glass of this green-hued sip! The vibrant mix of vegetal and herbal flavours is bound to be a hit for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 oz Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin
- ⅔ oz Cucumber Basil Juice*
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ⅓ oz Simple Syrup
- Tonic Water, to top
- Cucumber Ribbon, for garnish
METHOD
In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients with ice and shake vigorously for a few seconds. Fill a cocktail glass with an ice sphere and add tonic water. Pour the cucumber mixture over the top and garnish with a cucumber ribbon.
*To make the juice, purée 2 Persian cucumbers, 10 basil leaves, a dash of lemon juice, and ½ cup ice water in a food processor until very smooth. Strain into a pitcher.
2. Matcha Sour – @takestwoeggs
Just as green as the last, but with a whole new layer of flavour that evokes the lush, rolling hills of Ireland! Irresistibly silky and frothy with a unique savoury earthiness from matcha, the taste is as awe-inspiring as the Cliffs of Moher.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin
- ½ tsp Matcha Powder
- 2 tbsp Hot Water
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 Egg White or Aquafaba
- Edible Flowers & Matcha Powder, to garnish
METHOD
In a small bowl, whisk together ceremonial-grade matcha powder with hot water (175°F ) until no clumps remain. Add Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, matcha mixture, and one egg white to a shaker. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 1 minute until frothy. Next, add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass and shake out the frothy egg white. Dust with matcha powder, garnish with edible flowers, and enjoy!
3. Spiked Coffee & Cream – @ashleighscottcreative
Let’s take a break from all the green drinks. Reminiscent of an Irish coffee, this cozy mug of decadence is such a treat! Make a round for the lads as well and everyone’s sure to have a merry time.
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, to 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 Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, brown sugar syrup, and brewed coffee. Stir to combine. Lightly whip the heavy cream until it’s thick and fluffy. Slowly pour the cream over the back of a bar spoon to help keep the cream layer separate from the coffee. Top with freshly grated nutmeg and enjoy!
*To make the 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 the heat and allow it to cool. Transfer the syrup to a container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
4. Empress Melon Ball – @sweettooth_foodtography
St. Paddy’s Day is all about jolly whimsy, right? This sip captures that vibe perfectly with a kiss of sweet melon and gorgeously layered presentation! The aromatic basil complements the overall palate very nicely for a refined touch.
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ¾ oz Melon Liqueur
- 3-4 Basil Leaves
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- Melon Balls & Basil, to garnish
METHOD
Add melon liqueur, basil leaves, simple syrup, and lime juice to a shaker. Shake with ice for 8 seconds. Fill your favourite glass with ice. Strain the cocktail over the ice, and top with Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. Garnish with melon and a basil sprig. Enjoy!
5. Emerald Rose by @mykalekitchen
Last but not least, we have this beauty that can best be described as a delicious homage to the Emerald Isle! Whether it’s the cucumber and mint reflecting the lush greenery or the light floral notes creating a sense of serenity like the countryside, a glass will be oh-so satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- ¾ oz Cucumber Mint Syrup*
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Club Soda, to top
- Dried Rose Buds & Mint Leaves, for garnish
Method
Add syrup and juice to a collins glass then fill with ice. Add club soda, leaving room for the gin. Float with Empress Elderflower Rose Gin and garnish. Stir before enjoying!
*To make the syrup, combine 1 cup each of sugar and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and continue to cook until the syrup starts to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in 300 g chopped cucumber and 10-15 mint leaves. Allow syrup to cool to room temperature, cover and set aside for 30 minutes up to 2 hours. You can also keep it refrigerated overnight for a stronger flavour. Strain the mixture, then optionally add 1 drop of Pandan Leaf food colouring for a bold emerald hue (if using gel colouring, dissolve in 1-2 tsp of water).
With so much deliciousness to try, experiencing these cocktails will feel like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We hope you enjoy all the celebrations to come!
For more cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sláinte, and sip responsibly!
