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The Empress Classic Blue Cocktail

Elegant, vibrant, and guaranteed to impress, the Empress Classic Blue Cocktail gets its stunning indigo color from Empress 1908 Gin, which is naturally infused with butterfly pea blossom. Add a splash of citrus, and watch the cocktail magically transform from deep sapphire blue to a gorgeous violet. It's a true showstopper for holidays, bridal showers, garden parties, and summer entertaining.
Print Recipe
Servings: 1 PERSON
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 3 oz tonic water or club soda for a less sweet version
  • Ice
  • Garnish
  • Lemon wheel or twist
  • Fresh rosemary sprig
  • Edible flowers optional
  • Fresh blueberries optional

Method
 

  1. nstructions
  2. Fill a highball or stemmed wine glass with ice.
  3. Pour in the Empress 1908 Gin.
  4. Add the simple syrup.
  5. Slowly pour in the tonic water.
  6. Just before serving, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and gently stir.
  7. Watch the magic happen! The cocktail changes from a brilliant blue to a beautiful lavender-purple as the citrus changes the pH of the butterfly pea blossom.

Notes

Homemade Simple Syrup

Ingredients

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  1. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Cool completely before using.
  4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Delicious Variations

🫐 Blueberry Empress Spritz

Muddle a handful of fresh blueberries in the bottom of the glass before adding the gin.

🍊 Citrus Sunset

Replace the lemon juice with fresh grapefruit juice for a softer, slightly bittersweet flavor.

🥂 Sparkling Empress

Top with chilled Prosecco instead of tonic water for an elegant sparkling cocktail.

🌸 Lavender Blue

Add ¼ ounce lavender simple syrup for a floral twist that's perfect for spring and summer.

Gal Pal Tips

  • Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold without watering it down.
  • Add the lemon juice tableside for a dramatic color-changing presentation.
  • Use clear ice cubes for the most vibrant color.
  • Garnish with edible flowers and fresh blueberries for a garden-party-worthy presentation.

Perfect Pairings

This stunning cocktail pairs beautifully with:
  • White chocolate-dipped patriotic strawberries
  • Brie-stuffed mushrooms
  • Bacon-wrapped dates
  • Roasted beet and goat cheese salad
  • Coconut cake with whipped cream frosting
  • Fresh fruit and cheese boards

Gal Pal Tip

For the ultimate "wow" factor, serve this cocktail in a large balloon wine glass with oversized crystal-clear ice, a sprig of rosemary, edible flowers, and a dehydrated lemon wheel. The dramatic blue-to-purple color change is guaranteed to become the highlight of your cocktail hour. 💙🍸🌸