This year, with the COVID pandemic, we've stuck close to home more than usual - resulting in a new found interest and appreciation for making fun cocktails...
One of our favourite liqueurs to mix is elderflower (St. Germain), so when I was approached by Empress 1908 Gin to collaborate, I knew my drink had to involve this combination.
I'm also fond of Empress 1908 because of my prior residence in Canada and marriage to a Canadian. Empress 1908 Gin is hand-crafted by Victoria Distillers in British Columbia, inspired by the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria.
Empress 1908 features flavours from eight different botanicals: juniper, rose, coriander seed, grapefruit peel, ginger root, cinnamon, butterfly pea blossoms and, of course, the Fairmont Empress Blend Tea. The gin gets a beautiful indigo color from the butterfly pea blossoms and makes the most beautiful cocktails.
I'm also happy to report that Empress 1908 is all-natural and gluten-free!
Empress Gin and Elderflower Cocktail
INGREDIENTS (5+):
Empress 1908 Gin (2 oz)
Elderflower liqueur (1.5 oz) we love St. Germain
Lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed (1 oz)
Bitters (3 dashes)
Ice
Mint (optional - 2-3 leaves) or lavender (1 sprig)
-Add ice to a cocktail shaker
-Add ingredients and shake well to chill contents - feel free to add mint or lavender to add an extra hint of flavour, but be sure to use food grade lavender, if you do!
-Pour into coupe or cocktail glasses with or without ice (to preference).
-Enjoy safely!
