Empress Gin Lavender Cocktail: Floral Sophistication in a Glass

Empress 1908 Gin stands out in the world of spirits, not only for its eye-catching indigo color but also for the depth and complexity in its botanical blend. When paired with lavender, the result is a modern gin cocktail that balances vivid hue, sumptuous aroma, and a taste reminiscent of blossoming spring meadows.

What Makes Empress 1908 Gin Distinctive?

Crafted in Victoria, British Columbia, Empress 1908 Gin pays homage to the Fairmont Empress Hotel’s famous afternoon tea traditions. Its signature color comes from the infusion of butterfly pea blossom, a natural botanical that gives the gin its deep blue-violet hue—a color that shifts to soft lilac or blush pink when acidity is added.

Signature botanicals: butterfly pea blossom, grapefruit peel, cinnamon, rose, ginger, coriander, and the classic juniper
Handcrafted in copper pot stills for a refined, smooth finish
Natural, color-changing ingredient: blue at neutral pH, turning lavender or pink when citrus or tonic is added

Why Lavender Pairs Brilliantly With Empress Gin

Lavender and Empress 1908 Gin both have floral backbones, yet each brings its own unique aromatic signature. Lavender offers a gentle earthiness and perfumed sweetness that lifts Empress gin’s juniper core and citrus undertones. Together, they create an aromatic synergy—bright, calming, and reminiscent of artisan apothecary blends.

Lavender highlights Empress Gin’s floral botanicals without overpowering its complexity
Works beautifully in both shaken sours and sparkling highballs
Accentuates the color-changing effects when acid is introduced, turning deep blue to enchanting lavender or pink

Signature Empress Gin Lavender Cocktail Recipe

A lavender Empress gin cocktail layers fresh citrus, a hint of sweetness, and the aromatic pop of lavender. Here’s a recipe that spotlights these elements:

45 ml Empress 1908 Gin
15 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml lavender syrup (see below for method)
60 ml soda water, to top (optional for a spritz variation)
Dried lavender sprig or lemon twist, for garnish

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add Empress 1908 Gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup.
Shake until well chilled, about 12 seconds.
Double strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
Top with soda water for a lighter twist, or leave unsparkled for a classic sour.
Garnish with a sprig of dried lavender or a lemon twist.

empress gin bottle with lavender and citrus

Homemade Lavender Syrup for Cocktails

100 ml water
100 ml white sugar
2 ml dried culinary lavender buds

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan; bring just to a boil, stirring.
Add dried lavender, lower heat, and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes, then strain and cool.
Store syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Serving and Styling Tips: Let Empress Shine

Serve in clear glassware (coupe, Nick & Nora, or rocks) to highlight the dramatic color.
Add citrus last—watch the violet gin transform with a swirl of lavender and lemon.
Garnish with a minimalist touch: a single lavender sprig or a twist of lemon to echo the botanicals.
For a layered look, float Empress gin slowly over the back of a spoon to create a striking visual gradient.

empress gin lavender cocktail with garnish

Flavor Variations and Recipe Twists

Add 15 ml egg white for a velvety, cloudlike texture—dry shake before adding ice.
Swap lemon for 15 ml fresh lime juice for a sharper citrus note.
Substitute the lavender syrup with 15 ml honey syrup for a cool-weather twist.
Top with 60 ml dry sparkling wine for a show-stopping Lavender Empress French 75.