Empress 1908 Gin is more than a pretty bottle. It’s a must-have for your home bar collection.

These days life is so busy, and I feel like when I have the opportunity to host a gathering, there is no time for extras…things like a perfectly set table, fresh flowers in the center of it, and just an all-around lovely atmosphere like I used to create before life was crazy. When it’s time to entertain, I am always looking for shortcuts that add to the atmosphere and make guests feel welcome. Enter – Empress Gin.
I love gorgeous cocktails. I can’t handle anything too sweet, but if it’s pretty and tastes refreshing I’m all in. I first discovered gin when I had a gin and tonic just a few years ago. It’s a fascinating botanical spirit and each bottle is so different. Empress Gin, by Victoria Distillers, is my new go-to for gin, especially when serving cocktails to guests, and it’s not just because of the beautiful indigo color. However, that part is a fabulous conversation starter.
Classic Gin Notes
When you first see a pretty drink made with Empress, you may assume it’s going to taste like flowers or maybe quite sweet, simply because it’s that lovely. However, the notes are surprisingly classic and include juniper and citrus in the aroma and a hint of rose and grapefruit on the palate. The finish is nicely warm with cinnamon and coriander. It has many characteristics of a London dry gin, which makes it perfect for a wide variety of cocktails. And guys, just because it’s colorful doesn’t mean it’s only for girls. You deserve a fancy drink as well.
Elegant color and bottle design
The appealing color comes from the Butterfly Pea Flower in the gin. I have never heard of Butterfly Pea Flour, but it sounds magical, so I’m in. As an added fun twist and a way to make your guests smile, when you add a little lemon to a cocktail made with Empress, the drink turns pink. How fun is that?
I love the bottle design and label as well of Empress 1908 Gin. It has this simple elegance and reminds me of the early 1900s, which is, of course, fitting to 1908.
Let’s make cocktails
Let’s get to the important stuff. Empress 1908 Gin has great recipe ideas! Try one or all for your next get-together, or treat yourself to an evening at home with your feet up. These cocktails pair well with charcuterie boards and salty snacks. They require few ingredients since the gin is the star of the show.
Empress and Elderflower

I imagine this cocktail on a spring day while relaxing with friends on the deck. Floral notes and citrus make the Empress and Elderflower light and crisp.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 3 oz Premium Elderflower Tonic or Sparkling Elderflower
- Grapefruit Slice
Instructions: Build in a Copa glass on ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Pink Empress

Using sparkling grapefruit soda is the perfect match with Empress 1908 gin and its citrus notes. Plus, the color is irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 4 oz Pink Grapefruit Soda
- Grapefruit Slice
Instructions: Fill your cocktail glass with ice and pour the Pink Grapefruit Soda in, then float the gin on top. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and give it all a stir. Simple and elegant!
For more Empress 1908 Gin cocktail recipes, click here.