Sweet and fruity layered cocktail featuring Empress Gin
Empress Gin is one of my favourite bottles in my liquor collection. I adore the beautiful indigo hue which turns pink when combined with an acidic mixer. The colour comes from the infusion of butterfly pea flower. Today’s recipe is from Empress Gin’s Instagram @empress1908gin – the Empress Strawberry and Basil Smash! It was so beautiful and delicious, I had to share on the blog. Make sure you follow Empress 1908 for more recipes featuring this stunning spirit. Pick up a bottle at your local liquor store and try it for yourself!
Empress Gin is distilled in Victoria on Vancouver Island. It is named after the luxurious Empress Hotel. This gin features a few non-traditional botanicals such as butterfly pea blossom, grapefruit peel, ginger root, Fairmont Empress tea, and cinnamon bark. These botanicals combined with a couple traditional elements gives Empress its sophisticated and balanced profile.
When Empress first launched, I was drooling over the gorgeous marketing photos and styling of their Instagram feed and website. I love how the unique indigo-purple spirit pairs with rose gold bar ware and accessories. Empress is now available worldwide as per their website and I have been seeing a lot more bartenders using it in drinks on Instagram, which is great. It is nice to see a lovely local brand gain recognition all around the world!
You can make the fabulous Empress Strawberry and Basil Smash right in a rocks glass, so it’s easy to whip up a few at once for your and your friends. What a fantastic way to use fresh and juicy summer strawberries! Make sure to stir this cocktail before drinking, but take plenty of photos beforehand. I am always excited to pull out this bottle to try new recipes. Keep an eye out for more of my Empress creations!
Empress Strawberry and Basil Smash
Equipment
- Rocks Glass
- Bar Spoon
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress Gin
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 2 Strawberries
- 3-4 Basil Leaves
Instructions
- Muddle the strawberries and basil leaves in your rocks glass.
- Add lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir to combine with the muddled berries and basil.
- Add ice to your glass.
- Using a bar spoon, carefully layer Empress Gin on top.
- Garnish with a strawberry. Stir cocktail before enjoying (but take pictures first). Cheers!
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