The Imperial Confidante

Empress 1908 Gin: The Enchanting Elixir for Extraordinary Cocktails

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For lovers of botanical spirits and captivating concoctions, gin cocktails hold a special place. Among the myriad brands, one truly stands out, not just for its exquisite flavor but also for its mesmerizing visual transformation: Empress 1908 Gin. This hand-crafted Canadian spirit, hailing from Victoria Distillers in British Columbia, has rapidly captured the hearts of mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Our journey with Empress 1908 began serendipitously in Chicago, Illinois, a few years back, and since then, we’ve been utterly captivated by its unique charm. It’s more than just a gin; it’s an experience, a canvas for creativity in both taste and sight, making every sip an adventure. From naturally dyed sourdough bread to a spectrum of vibrant cocktails, its versatility is truly boundless, promising delicious, fun, and colorful creations every time.

What sets Empress 1908 apart is its distinctive indigo hue and the magical color-changing properties it possesses. This enchanting quality comes courtesy of one of its eight exquisite botanicals: butterfly pea blossoms. When poured over pristine filtered ice, which we’ve discovered often has a pH over 8, the gin presents a stunning sky-blue shade. With this initial pour, the subtle characteristics of ginger, coriander, and rose gently unfold on the palate. The real spectacle begins with the addition of anything acidic, such as a splash of fresh lemon juice or even tonic water. As acidity interacts with the butterfly pea blossoms, the gin gracefully transitions through the indigo spectrum, accelerating through purples and settling into a soft, inviting pink. This striking visual journey perfectly complements a gin that is as stunning in flavor as it is in appearance. It was this remarkable foundation that inspired our quest to craft a truly distinctive cocktail, one that would not only honor this exceptional gin but also elevate a forgotten classic to new heights.

Unearthing a Forgotten Gem: The Bridesmaid Cocktail

Our creative process often draws from cherished memories and forgotten traditions. For this particular cocktail, the second piece of the puzzle came from a distant memory of an old drink called the “Bridesmaid.” It’s “old” in the sense that it has been over a decade since I last heard a bartender passionately describe it. That singular encounter in a restaurant was the first and only time I’d ever encountered this drink, though I admit I never actively sought it out. Yet, the bartender’s enthusiasm and the delightful taste of the cocktail he prepared stuck with me. It was undeniably “very good,” yet not truly memorable until recently. It was while reviewing the botanical list of Empress 1908 Gin that this forgotten nugget of a cocktail dislodged itself from my memory. The question then became: How could we elevate a cocktail that seemed destined to remain in obscurity, never quite making it out of the minor leagues?

Knowing that ginger was one of the key botanicals in Empress 1908, and recalling the Bridesmaid’s classic ingredients, the path forward became clear. This indigo-hued gin, with its subtle spicy notes, seemed like the perfect partner to reimagine and revitalize a lost classic. The excursion to create something truly special, something that would celebrate both the gin’s unique characteristics and the Bridesmaid’s simple elegance, had begun. Our goal was not just to recreate, but to innovate, transforming a good but unremarkable drink into an unforgettable experience. By harnessing the power of Empress 1908’s vibrant botanicals and captivating color, we aimed to give the Bridesmaid the promotion it deserved, ensuring it would never be overlooked again.

The Inspiration Behind The Empress Maid of Honor: A Classic Reimagined

Our quest to uncover the original Bridesmaid cocktail’s details led us to Stuart Walton’s “The Ultimate Book of Cocktails,” published in 2009. Within its pages, we found a concise description and recipe that confirmed our hazy recollections. The Bridesmaid, as we remembered, was a stirred drink, served on the rocks, featuring gin, ginger ale, lemon juice, and bitters. Mr. Walton’s recipe provided a solid baseline, listing gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters, and ginger ale. While we wouldn’t categorize it as a “classic cocktail” in the widely recognized sense – indeed, most people have likely never heard of it – it presented an excellent foundation for our creative endeavors. This was our chance to take a good, yet obscure, recipe and transform it into something truly extraordinary, perhaps even creating a new classic in the process. The potential to elevate this forgotten gem, especially when paired with the magnificent Empress 1908 Gin, was immediately apparent and incredibly exciting. It was time to give this humble Bridesmaid the star treatment it deserved, ushering it into the spotlight with a grand new title.

Our Twist on the Bridesmaid Cocktail: Promotion to Maid of Honor

Introducing The Empress Maid of Honor: our refined and elevated interpretation of the Bridesmaid cocktail. This exquisite creation meticulously incorporates our preferred ratios, premium ginger bitters, and a custom-crafted pink peppercorn-infused simple syrup. And, of course, the undeniable star that elevates both taste and presentation is the majestic Empress 1908 Gin. This isn’t just a simple modification; it’s a well-deserved promotion, transforming a delightful but overlooked drink into a truly unforgettable experience. The Bridesmaid has officially been elevated to Maid of Honor, ensuring its place in the pantheon of exceptional gin cocktails, never to be forgotten again.

Despite its sophisticated profile, this is a remarkably approachable 5-ingredient cocktail. Our unwavering determination was to discover a harmonious blend of flavors that would impeccably complement Empress 1908. Through extensive experimentation and a singular focus on allowing the gin’s unique botanicals and color-changing magic to shine, we believe we have achieved something truly special. The result is a light, refreshing, and beautifully balanced drink that accentuates the gin’s inherent qualities. What began as a good, simple cocktail has been transformed through careful consideration and a dash of creativity into a distinct and beautiful libation. The Bridesmaid has not merely been updated; it has been reborn as the elegant and captivating Empress Maid of Honor, ready to grace any celebration with its presence and charm.

What is in The Empress Maid of Honor? A Symphony of Flavors

In any exceptional cocktail, the main spirit should always be the star, and in the Empress Maid of Honor, Empress 1908 Gin proudly takes center stage. Its vibrant hue and complex botanical profile form the very foundation of this concoction. However, even the most brilliant star benefits from a strong supporting cast, and our carefully selected ingredients elevate this gin rocks drink to an art form. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and unforgettable flavor experience, designed to highlight, rather than overshadow, the gin’s unique qualities.

A high-quality ginger ale is not merely recommended; it is essential. We particularly favor Fever-Tree for its crisp, clean flavor and natural ginger spice, which perfectly complements the ginger notes already present in Empress 1908. Generic ginger ales can often be overly sweet or lack the vibrant spice needed to balance the gin and other ingredients, leading to a less refined drink. The right ginger ale provides the necessary effervescence and a subtle warmth that enhances the cocktail’s overall complexity.

Ginger bitters are another vital element, readily available at most liquor stores or online. These concentrated flavor enhancers deepen the cocktail’s ginger profile, adding an extra layer of warmth and complexity. If, for any reason, ginger bitters prove elusive, we suggest a substitute like grapefruit or any high-quality citrus bitter. Grapefruit bitters, in particular, harmonize beautifully with the grapefruit peel aromatic used in Empress 1908 Gin, reinforcing its citrus undertones. Citrus bitters, generally, also work well by providing a bright counterpoint to the sweetness and spice.

Our homemade pink peppercorn-infused simple syrup is a cornerstone of this recipe, meticulously crafted to enhance Empress 1908. We deliberately selected pink peppercorns for their ability to accent the juniper and cinnamon bark botanicals found within the gin, while simultaneously complementing its faint, intriguing earthiness. After experimenting with numerous infused syrups, pink peppercorns consistently emerged as the ideal choice, creating the perfect bridge between the syrup’s sweetness, the lemon’s tartness, and the gin’s aromatic spice. This subtle yet impactful infusion adds a layer of sophisticated flavor that truly sets the Empress Maid of Honor apart.

Crafting our simple syrup is, as its name suggests, quite simple. It involves a slightly higher sugar-to-water ratio than the traditional 1:1, resulting in a richer, more concentrated sweetness. This homemade syrup can be effortlessly prepared ahead of time, making cocktail creation a breeze. Stored in an airtight container, it will maintain its freshness and flavor in the refrigerator for up to four weeks, ensuring you’re always ready to mix up an Empress Maid of Honor whenever the mood strikes.

Empress Maid of Honor Recipe: Crafting Perfection

What you will need for your cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2.5 oz Empress 1908 gin
• 2.5 oz quality ginger ale (we recommend Fever-Tree)
• ¾ oz pink peppercorn simple syrup (homemade, see recipe below)
• 1 oz freshly filtered lemon juice
• 2 dashes ginger bitters (or grapefruit/citrus bitters as a substitute)
• Ice (preferably large cubes or spheres for minimal dilution)
• Edible flowers or a thin lemon wheel (optional, for garnish)

Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Chilled serving glass (large martini or lowball glass recommended)

The Empress Maid of Honor is best enjoyed served over fresh, crisp ice. While the specific style of glass is ultimately a matter of personal preference, we find that large martini glasses or classic lowball glasses beautifully showcase the cocktail’s vibrant colors and elegant presentation. The key is to choose a vessel that feels special and enhances your drinking experience.

One of the most captivating aspects of Empress 1908 Gin is its renowned color-changing properties, which are always a delightful crowd-pleaser. To fully appreciate this enchanting transformation, we highly recommend adding the ingredients one at a time when assembling your Empress Maid of Honor. This allows you to witness the mesmerizing shift in color with each addition, turning the cocktail-making process into an engaging visual spectacle.

Here’s a detailed guide to creating this stunning cocktail:

1. Begin by adding 2.5 oz of Empress 1908 Gin to your mixing glass. At this stage, the gin will present its striking indigo-blue hue, a testament to its natural botanicals.
2. Next, add 2.5 oz of your chosen quality ginger ale. Gently stir the mixture with your bar spoon. As the ginger ale, which typically has a slightly acidic pH, interacts with the gin, you’ll immediately observe the captivating color shift from the initial indigo blue to a deeper, richer purple-pink. This is the first exciting visual transformation.
3. Now, incorporate ¾ oz of the pink peppercorn simple syrup, followed by 1 oz of freshly strained lemon juice. Mix gently. With the introduction of the highly acidic lemon juice, the cocktail undergoes its final, dramatic color change, brightening into a lighter, more vibrant pink. This vibrant shade perfectly complements the cocktail’s refreshing flavors.
4. Add a generous amount of fresh ice to your mixing glass.
5. Finally, add two dashes of ginger bitters. Stir your drink continuously, ensuring the bar spoon touches the outside of the glass, until you can feel the glass become thoroughly chilled to the touch. This typically takes about 20-30 seconds of consistent stirring to achieve the ideal temperature without over-diluting the cocktail.
6. Once chilled, strain your Empress Maid of Honor over fresh ice into your chosen chilled serving glass.
7. For an elevated presentation, consider a delicate garnish. A spritz from a lemon peel, releasing its aromatic oils, or a thin lemon wheel adds a touch of citrus elegance. Alternatively, a small edible flower can enhance its visual appeal and provide a delightful pop of color. Serve immediately and savor every sip of your perfectly crafted Empress Maid of Honor!

We are confident that you will fall in love with this unique and enchanting cocktail. If you enjoy creating and tasting the Empress Maid of Honor, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment and share your experience!

📖 Recipe: The Empress Maid of Honor

The Empress Maid of Honor

Prep Time

30 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Course
Drinks and Cocktails

Cuisine
American

Servings

1 serving

Calories

300 kcal

Ingredients

Pink Peppercorn Simple Syrup (make ahead)

• 1 ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup pink peppercorns (whole)

Cocktail

• 2.5 oz Empress 1908 gin
• 2.5 oz quality ginger ale (e.g., Fever-Tree)
• ¾ oz pink peppercorn simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (strained)
• 2 dashes ginger bitters
• Lemon wheel or edible flowers for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Pink Peppercorn Simple Syrup (make ahead)

1. Combine all syrup ingredients (sugar, water, pink peppercorns) in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup begins to thicken slightly, which should take approximately 5-10 minutes.
2. Once desired consistency is reached, remove from heat. Strain the syrup to remove the pink peppercorns, ensuring a smooth texture. Allow the infused syrup to cool completely before using it in your cocktail. Store the prepared syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Cocktail Assembly

1. In a mixing glass filled with cubed ice, combine Empress 1908 gin, pink peppercorn simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is well chilled, typically 15-20 seconds.
2. Add the ginger ale to the mixing glass and give it a final gentle stir to combine, being careful not to over-agitate the carbonation.
3. Strain the entire cocktail over fresh ice into your preferred chilled serving glass (e.g., a large martini glass or a lowball glass).
4. Finish with 2 dashes of ginger bitters. For an extra touch of elegance and aroma, express oils from a lemon peel over the drink by gently twisting it, or garnish with a thin lemon wheel or a small edible flower. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories:
300
kcal

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