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Cocktails

Cheers to
Brilliant Creations

With Empress 1908 Gin, every cocktail is unforgettable. Crafted for creative cocktail culture, Empress 1908 provides the platform to innovate, create, and share ideas. Whether you’re a professional mixologist who’s perceptive and of the moment or a casual cocktail maker just looking to impress a special someone, there’s nothing like presenting a deliciously sophisticated drink that’s also beautiful.

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  • Cocktail No. 1:

    EMPRESS & TONIC

    A match made in heaven – and it also happens to be our signature drink! Tart, refreshing, and effortlessly delicious, the Empress and Tonic is an elevated take on a classic favourite. Pairs well with: Citrus, honey, tropical coconut, guava, fresh herbs.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 gin
    3OZ
    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.
  • Cocktail No. 2:

    EMPRESS MARTINI

    Regal, dry and fit for royalty. The Empress Martini is a spirit-forward, crisp classic bound to satisfy any cocktail connoisseur. Pairs well with: mediterranean meats and cheeses, olives, lemon, fresh baked bread.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1/2OZ
    Lillet Blanc
    Grapefruit Twist
    Method
    Stir on ice, strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
  • Cocktail No. 3:

    EMPRESS 75

    A cocktail made for celebration, the Empress 75 is sparkling, effervescent and deliciously sippable. Think of it as a graduated mimosa. Pairs well with: fresh salads, bright lemon, watermelon, sophisticated backyard cookout dishes.
    ingredients
    1½OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    3⁄4OZ
    Fresh Lemon Juice
    1⁄2OZ
    Simple Syrup
    Sparkling Wine
    Lemon Twist
    Method
    Shake on ice, fine strain into a chilled flute, top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.
  • Cocktail No. 4:

    WINDSOR GARDEN

    Meet your new favourite cocktail. Between an impressive array of fresh herbs and a delicate hint of lemon, the Windsor Garden is like sipping on spring. Pairs well with: roast meats, grain salads, herbed potatoes, glazed vegetables, Sunday dinner.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1/2OZ
    Fresh Lemon Juice
    1/2OZ
    Simple Syrup
    Basil, Thyme, Rosemary & Mint Leaves
    Method
    Lightly muddle herbs and shake ingredients over ice. Strain into a stemless wine glass with ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
  • Cocktail No. 5:

    Q1908

    A favourite of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Bar, the Q1908 is smooth, balanced and beautiful too. Add your favourite edible flowers for the perfect final touch. Cocktail created at Q Bar, Fairmont Empress Hotel.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    3/4OZ
    Fresh Lemon Juice
    3/4OZ
    Simple Syrup
    3/4OZ
    Egg White
    Edible flowers
    Method
    Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain to remove ice. Shake again without the ice. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with edible flowers.
  • Cocktail No. 6:

    EMPRESS NEGRONI

    A modern take on the Italian classic, the Empress Negroni is just the right amount of dry, bitter, citrusy and sweet. Pairs well with: bold flavours, rich meats, spiced dishes, curries, nuts.
    ingredients
    1½OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    3/4OZ
    Luxardo Bitter Bianco
    3/4OZ
    Dry Vermouth
    Grapefruit Twist
    Method
    Stir over ice. Strain into a rocks glass onto a large ice cube/sphere. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
  • Cocktail No. 7:

    ROYAL TREATMENT

    Fresh fruit, sparkling wine, and a splash of cranberry juice – what more could you ask for? The Royal Treatment is exactly as it sounds: the perfect cocktail for those days you need to treat yourself. Cocktail created by Elizabeth Savage for Victoria Gin’s 2010 Toronto Cocktail Competition.
    ingredients
    1½OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    3OZ
    White Cranberry Juice
    Sparkling Wine
    Kiwi, Berries, Mint Leaves
    Method
    Build ingredients in a stemless wine glass. Top with sparkling wine, and lightly stir. Garnish with kiwi slices (skin removed), berries, and a mint leaf.
  • Cocktail No. 8:

    EMPRESS AVIATION

    Balanced with a touch of sweetness, the Empress Aviation is an early 20th century classic revamped and ready for take-off.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1/2OZ
    Maraschino Liqueur
    3/4OZ
    Fresh Lemon Juice
    Lemon Twist
    Method
    Shake ingredients on ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
  • Cocktail No. 9:

    ROYAL HAWAIIAN

    Tall, tropical and tasty. If you’ve ever wanted a sip of sunshine, the Royal Hawaiian is as close as you’ll get.
    ingredients
    1½OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1OZ
    Unsweetened Pineapple Juice
    1/2OZ
    Fresh Lemon Juice
    1/2OZ
    Orgeat Syrup
    Pineapple Slice
    Method
    Shake all ingredients except gin with ice. Strain into a collins glass with crushed ice, layer gin on top. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
  • Cocktail No. 10:

    BEES KNEES

    A timeless classic, the Bees Knees is delightfully sweet with the delicate richness of honey.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    3/4OZ
    Fresh Lemon Juice
    1/2OZ
    Honey Syrup
    Lemon Twist
    Method
    Shake ingredients on ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
  • Cocktail No. 11:

    CUCUMBER BLUE

    Simple and refreshing, light and herbal, this cooling cocktail might just be your new summer drink.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    Soda Water
    Cucumber
    Mint
    Basil
    Method
    Muddle cucumber, basil, and mint. Add ice and Empress 1908. Shake, strain into a glass with fresh ice, top with soda water. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and basil.
  • Cocktail No. 12:

    EMPRESS LAYOVER

    Take a break with this delightful and delicious cocktail. Hints of cucumber and rosemary make the Layover a perfect drink to sit back and relax with. Cocktail created in the Victoria Distillers cocktail lounge.
    ingredients
    1½OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1OZ
    Fresh Lemon Juice
    1OZ
    Elderflower Cordial
    Soda to top
    Cucumber and Rosemary
    Method
    Muddle cucumber and then add rosemary. Shake ingredients on ice, strain into a chilled collins glass. Top with fresh ice, soda and garnish with a cucumber ribbon.
  • Cocktail No. 13:

    CLASSIC BLUE

    Created for Pantone’s 2020 Colour of the Year reveal party, this cocktail is as timeless, bold and classic as the colour itself. If you’re looking to highlight Empress 1908’s botanical recipe, the Classic Blue cocktail is for you. Cocktail imagined by Tracey Eden, Empress 1908 Gin New York Brand Ambassador.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1/3OZ
    Giffard Pamplemousse
    1/3OZ
    Dry Vermouth
    1/3OZ
    TEALEAVES Classic Blue Tea
    Citrus peel
    Method
    Stir ingredients on ice. Strain into chilled a Nick & Nora glass. Express citrus and garnish with citrus peel (or blueberries for an extra pop of Classic Blue).
  • Cocktail No. 14:

    EMPRESS LAVENDER LEMONADE

    Your favourite childhood treat, reimagined. The freshness of homestyle lemonade sings alongside the lightly floral lavender honey, keeping you coming back for more. Cocktail created at Q Bar, Fairmont Empress Hotel.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1OZ
    Lavender Honey Syrup
    2OZ
    Homemade Lemonade
    Lavender Sprig
    Method
    Fill a stemless wine glass with crushed ice. Shake lemonade and syrup on ice and strain into the glass. Layer Empress 1908 Gin on top and add more crushed ice. Garnish with a lavender sprig.
  • Cocktail No. 15:

    GARDEN CITY

    Named after our hometown of Victoria, B.C., the Garden City’s flavours are as colourful as flowers in full bloom. Sip this perfect mix of vibrant citrus and balanced sweetness all season long! Cocktail created in the Victoria Distillers cocktail lounge.
    ingredients
    1.5OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1OZ
    Grapefruit Juice
    ½OZ
    Lemon Juice
    ½OZ
    Lychee Simple Syrup
    Soda to top (Optional)
    Method
    Shake grapefruit juice, lemon juice and lychee syrup on ice. Strain into a chilled collins glass with ice. Layer the gin into the glass and top with sparkling water (optional).
  • Cocktail No. 16:

    EMPRESS & ELDERFLOWER

    This spring-inspired take on our signature serve is delightfully refreshing with its subtle floral notes and bright citrus garnish.
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    3-4OZ
    Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic
    Grapefruit Slice
    Method
    Build in a copa glass on ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
  • Cocktail No. 17:

    COOL AS A CUCUMBER

    A fresh twist on the beloved gimlet cocktail, the Cool As A Cucumber brings tart, herbal spring flavours into the spotlight.
    ingredients
    1.5OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1OZ
    Lemon Juice
    1OZ
    Simple Syrup
    4-5
    Cucumber Slices
    6-7
    Basil Leaves
    Method
    Muddle the cucumber slices in the bottom of your shaker. Add the remaining ingredients and shake on ice. Strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a basil leaf and cucumber ribbon.
  • Cocktail No. 18:

    SPRING GIN PUNCH

    Light, sippable, and perfect for sharing. The Spring Gin Punch will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at your next garden party!
    ingredients
    16OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    ½C
    Simple Syrup
    6OZ
    Lemon Juice
    6OZ
    Lime Juice
    6DASHES
    Angostura Bitters
    32OZ
    Sparkling Water
    Edible flowers
    Lemon and lime wheels
    Method
    Combine ingredients in a punch bowl or pitcher and add ice. Garnish with edible flowers, and lemon and lime wheels.
  • Cocktail No. 19:

    ROYAL SPRITZ

    A layered spring twist on our signature Royal Treatment, this cocktail is a showstopper fit for sipping all summer long.
    ingredients
    1½OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    3OZ
    Red Cranberry Juice
    1½
    Sparkling Wine
    Berries, Mint Leaves
    Method
    Build ingredients in a stemless wine glass, starting with the berries, followed by ice. Slowly layer the cranberry juice, sparkling wine and finally, the gin on top. Garnish with a mint spring. We recommend stirring before sipping!
  • Cocktail No. 20:

    SPRING FEVER

    Add a punch of vibrant citrus to the classic Bees Knees with this refreshing recipe. Featuring tangy grapefruit soda, delicate honey and a pop of fresh lemon, it’s the perfect drink for sipping in the sun!
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    ¾OZ
    Lemon Juice
    ½OZ
    Honey Syrup
    2OZ
    Grapefruit Soda
    Lemon Wheel
    Method
    Shake 1oz of Empress 1908 Gin, the lemon juice and honey syrup on ice. Strain into a copa glass on fresh ice. Add 2oz of grapefruit soda and layer the remaining 1oz of Empress 1908 Gin on top. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
  • Cocktail No. 21:

    SPARKLING ELDERFLOWER

    This spring spritz is a favourite for garden parties and afternoon happy hours alike. If you’re a fan of floral flavours, this cocktail is for you!
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    ½OZ
    Lime Juice
    ½OZ
    Elderflower Liqueur
    5-6
    Mint Leaves
    Elderflower Soda/Tonic
    Method
    Shake the gin, lime juice, elderflower liqueur and mint leaves on ice. Strain into a chilled red wine glass. Top with elderflower soda or tonic and garnish with a lime wheel or mint spring.
  • Cocktail No. 22:

    ORANGE YOU GLAD

    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    ½OZ
    Lemon Juice
    1OZ
    Orange Juice
    ½OZ
    Vanilla-Infused Simple Syrup
    Soda Water
    Orange Slice
    Method
    Shake the orange juice, lemon juice, and vanilla syrup on ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with fresh ice. Layer the Empress 1908 Gin on top. Garnish with an orange slice. We recommend stirring before you sip!
  • Cocktail No. 23:

    EMPRESS SOUTHSIDE

    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    1OZ
    Lime Juice
    ¾OZ
    Simple Syrup
    5-6
    Mint Leaves
    Sparkling Water
    Method
    Shake the gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves on ice. Strain into a chilled collins glass on fresh ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a mint spring and premium cherry.
  • Cocktail No. 24:

    WATERMELON SUGAR

    The Watermelon Sugar cocktail is the summer sip you’ve been waiting for. With the refreshing flavours of watermelon, lime, and basil this drink is bound to be a hit!
    ingredients
    2OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    ¾OZ
    Simple Syrup
    ¾OZ
    Lime Juice
    3
    Watermelon Cubes
    5-6
    Basil Leaves
    Method
    Shake the ingredients vigorously on ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass on ice. Garnish with a watermelon slice & basil leaf.
  • Cocktail No. 25:

    ELDERFLOWER SOUTHSIDE POPSICLE

    Simple, floral and refreshing. This Elderflower Southside Pop is as cool and delicious as it is beautiful! Yields 10 3oz popsicles. Recipe created by Chantelle Gabino.
    ingredients
    3OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    2OZ
    Lime Juice
    1OZ
    Simple Syrup
    23.5
    Elderflower Tonic Water
    Fresh Mint Leaves
    Method
    Mix all ingredients, except the mint, in a container or pitcher at least 1L in size. Stir, and pour into the popsicle molds. Take 2-3 whole mint leaves, clap them between your hands to release the oils, and place in them in the molds, using a popsicle stick to push them inside. Freeze for minimum 6-8 hours, until solid. Remove the popsicles from the freezer and let sit for a few moments before slowly pulling them from the molds. Avoid using hot water to remove as this will encourage melting. Enjoy!
  • Cocktail No. 26:

    PALOMA POPSICLE

    A gin twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, in popsicle form! The bold, tart flavours of grapefruit and a savoury hint of salt come together in perfect frozen harmony. Yields 10 3oz popsicles. Recipe created by Veronica Saye.
    ingredients
    4OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    2½OZ
    Lime Juice
    24OZ
    Grapefruit Soda
    Kosher or Flaked Salt
    Method
    Mix all ingredients in a container or pitcher at least 1L in size. Stir and pour into the popsicle mold. Freeze for a minimum of 6-8 hours. Remove the popsicles from the freezer and let sit for a few moments before slowly pulling them from the molds. Avoid using hot water to remove as this will encourage melting. Lightly sprinkle with flaky or kosher salt, and enjoy!
  • Cocktail No. 27:

    E & TEA POPSICLE

    This frozen E & Tea is an afternoon delight! Featuring the nutty, rich flavours of black tea and a light touch of citrus, it’s the perfect backyard treat. Yields 10 3oz popsicles. Recipe created by Veronica Saye.
    ingredients
    4OZ
    Empress 1908 Gin
    2½OZ
    Lemon Juice
    24OZ
    Chilled Black Tea (Sweetened With 2 Tbsp Sugar) or Bottled Iced Tea
    Yogurt (Optional)
    Method
    Mix all ingredients in a container or pitcher at least 1L in size, and stir. Pour into popsicle mold and freeze for a minimum of 6-8 hours. Once frozen, carefully remove from mold and dip the end of popsicles in yogurt (optional). Place flat on a lined sheet pan, freeze for an additional 30 minutes and repeat as needed. Sprinkle with dried flowers before the final freeze for a floral effect!
Cool As A Cucumber Cocktail
Royal-Spritz-Cocktail
Spring-Fever-Cocktail
Orange-You-Glad-Cocktail
Empress-Southside-Cocktail
Elderflower-Southside-Popsicle