Guides
Let’s Mix Up The Classics!
Classic Cocktails with Empress 1908 Gin!
Are you a fan of classic cocktails? Here at Empress 1908, we love to pay tribute to timeless sips that have been enjoyed for generations. From the sweet and bubbly to the spirit-forward, there’s a traditional tipple out there to please just about everyone. Read on to explore 4 of our favourites— with an Empress 1908 twist!
Pictured above, the Bees Knees.
Last week, we shared our top tips for creating the perfect at-home glassware collection. Now that we’re experts on all things glassware, let’s talk about another home-mixology staple: the classics! These four well-known gin cocktails require only a few ingredients, are simple to mix up and, most importantly, delightful to sip on. Take the tried and true to the next level with our very own Empress 1908 riffs!
Let’s get to mixing!
1. Empress 75
The crowd-pleasing French 75 was originally developed in the 1920s and continues to be enjoyed by many. Our ‘Empress 75’ highlights the traditional flavours of this beloved cocktail, elevated further by a subtle lavender hue. A creation destined for celebration, the Empress 75 is sparkling, effervescent and deliciously sippable.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- Sparkling Wine (to top)
- Lemon Twist
Method
Shake on ice, fine strain into a chilled flute, top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.
If you’re looking to add a Fall twist to your Empress 75, trying mixing up Cinnamon 75!
2. Empress & Tonic
The Empress and Tonic (our signature sip) is an elevated take on a classic favourite: the G&T. In our rendition, we swap out the lime for a grapefruit slice, pair it with a premium tonic water (we recommend Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water) and opt for a copa glass. The result is a tart, refreshing, and effortlessly delicious drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 3 oz Premium Tonic Water
- Grapefruit Slice
Method
Fill a copa glass with ice, add Empress 1908 Gin, and serve with tonic on the side. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Looking to take your Empress & Tonic to the next level for fall? Try out the citrus & spice Spanish E&T!
3. Empress Negroni
If you’re a lover of spirit-forward cocktails, the Empress Negroni is perfect for you. To let our all-natural colour shine, we let Luxardo Bitter Bianco take the place of Campari and switch the sweet vermouth for dry. A modern take on the Italian classic, the Empress Negroni is just the right amount of dry, bitter, citrusy and sweet.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
- ¾ oz Luxardo Bitter Bianco
- ¾ oz Dry Vermouth
- Grapefruit Twist
Method
Stir over ice. Strain into a rocks glass onto a large ice cube/sphere. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Prefer the classic Negroni specs? Empress 1908 makes the perfect addition to Campari and sweet vermouth, too!
4. Bees Knees
A timeless classic, the Bees Knees is delightfully sweet with the delicate richness of honey. This lovely cocktail is perfect for any season– try adding a drop of your favourite fruit jam for summer or a spiced honey syrup for winter!
Ingreidents
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Honey Syrup (Recipe Below)
- Lemon Twist
Honey Syrup
- 1 cup Honey
- 1 cup Warm Water
method
To make the honey syrup, mix the honey and warm water together until both ingredients are fully incorporated. To make the cocktail, shake ingredients on ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
For a cozy, autumnal twist of this delightful cocktail check out The Queen Bee (above) featuring apricot jam and cinnamon syrup.
For more of our favourite classic cocktails head to our cocktails page, or check out our Instagram!
Sip responsibly!
