This Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic is a celebration of a true classic – crisp, refreshing, and elegantly simple – reimagined with a stunning, colour-changing twist. The structure stays faithful to the old-fashioned gin & tonic you know and love, but the deep indigo hue instantly transforms it into something eye-catching and modern, perfect for warm evenings or effortless entertaining.
Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!
Some cocktails don’t need reinvention, just a little polish. This one proves that a classic gin & tonic can feel brand new with the right gin and thoughtful presentation. Clean, balanced, and visually dramatic, it’s a drink that’s as enjoyable to sip as it is to serve. So, let’s dive into this Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic.
Why You’ll Love This Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic
- Timeless: A true gin & tonic at heart, built on the classic formula.
- Visually stunning: The natural indigo colour creates instant drama in the glass.
- Light and refreshing: Crisp, clean, and perfect for warm weather.
- Effortless: Minimal ingredients, zero fuss, maximum impact.
- Entertaining-friendly: A guaranteed conversation starter for guests.
What Is Empress 1908 Indigo Gin?
Are you familiar with the Canadian Empress 1908 Gin? (Note: this post is not sponsored.) Empress 1908 Gin is created by Victoria Distillers and inspired by the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. It has a beautiful indigo colour thanks to the addition of butterfly pea extract. Its taste is smooth and delicate with the notes from citrus, herbs, flowers, and spices.
Why Does Empress 1908 Gin Change Colour?
Empress 1908 Gin gets its signature deep indigo colour from butterfly pea flower. This natural ingredient contains pigments that react to acidity, causing the colour to shift when mixed with other ingredients.
When you add tonic water or citrus juice, the drink transforms from blue to shades of purple or even pink. This is a completely natural reaction and part of what makes this cocktail so unique.
How Tonic Water Affects the Colour
Even without citrus, tonic water will already start changing the colour of Empress gin.
Because tonic is slightly acidic, it shifts the deep blue into a soft purple or lilac shade. The exact colour can vary depending on the tonic you use and the ratio of gin to mixer.
How Citrus Affects the Colour
In this recipe, slices of grapefruit, lemon, or lime are not just for garnish – they also influence the colour of the drink.
All citrus fruits are naturally acidic, and even a small amount of juice released into the glass will start shifting the colour of Empress 1908 gin.
- Lemon and lime tend to create brighter pink or magenta tones.
- Grapefruit produces a softer, slightly warmer pink hue.
Because the juice is released gradually, the colour can continue to evolve as the drink sits, making each glass slightly different.
How to Control the Colour (Blue, Purple, or Pink)
One of the most fun aspects of this cocktail is how easy it is to adjust the colour.
- Deep blue: Use mostly gin with minimal tonic.
- Purple: Combine gin and tonic in a classic ratio.
- Pink: Add a splash of lemon or lime juice.
You can even experiment with layering the ingredients to create a gradient effect.
Why Layering Creates a Gradient Effect
If you slowly pour tonic over the gin and ice, you may notice a temporary colour gradient.
This happens because the liquids mix gradually, creating a transition from deep blue to purple or pink. It’s a simple technique that makes the drink especially visually striking.
Does Empress Gin Taste Different?
Although its colour is unusual, Empress gin has a balanced and approachable flavour.
It features subtle floral and citrus notes, with a smooth profile that works well in classic cocktails. The colour-changing effect does not alter the taste — it simply adds a visual element.
Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic: Flavour Profile
This cocktail is clean, crisp, and refreshing, with gentle floral notes from the gin balanced by tonic’s bitterness. Citrus adds brightness without overpowering, while the ice keeps everything light and sharply defined. The result is smooth, refreshing, and perfectly balanced – never heavy or sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic
You will need just several ingredients to enjoy this stunning Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic Cocktail.
- Empress 1908 Indigo Gin: A floral, citrus-forward gin infused with butterfly pea blossom for its signature colour-changing effect.
- Tonic water: Light, bubbly, and gently bitter to balance the botanicals.
- Ice cubes: Plenty of ice keeps the drink crisp and properly chilled.
- Citrus slices: Grapefruit, lemon, or lime add brightness and enhance the colour shift.
Possible Additions and Variations
- Herbal touch: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil for extra aroma.
- Extra citrus: A squeeze of fresh grapefruit or lime juice brightens the drink.
- Lighter version: Use a low-sugar or light tonic water.
- Floral accent: Add a drop of lavender or elderflower syrup for a softer profile.
- Festive serve: Finish with edible flowers or a citrus twist for special occasions.
How to Make Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic
To make this Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic, fill a glass generously with ice and pour in the gin. Top with tonic water and give it a gentle stir to combine. Garnish with citrus slices, letting the acidity subtly transform the gin’s deep indigo hue into a vibrant purple-pink gradient. Serve immediately and enjoy while ice-cold.
More Empress Gin Cocktails
Are you looking for more fun cocktails with indigo gin, like this Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic? Be sure to check more recipes below:
- Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail – Colour-Changing & Floral
- Vanilla Rose Empress 1908 Cocktail
- Lavender Rose Empress 1908
- Vanilla Empress 1908 Cocktail
- Lilac Empress 1908 Cocktail
- Rose Raspberry Gin Cocktail
I’d love for you to try this Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic cocktail. If you give it a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.
Cheers!
Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic
A vibrant Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic made with colour-changing indigo gin. Fresh, crisp, and visually stunning with citrus and ice.
What a truly stunning cocktail. That empress gin gives it the most beautiful colour.
Thanks so much Marie!
We’re huge fans of Empress 1908 here – the flavor is great, and I really like the color. The way citrus changes the color is so cool! It’s Monday morning now, but I’m thinking we could have a happy hour this afternoon. :-)
Thank you David!
I actually had one of these at the Empress Hotel before it became a Fairmont Hotel – though not a fan of G&T either, I was lured in by the color. And I loved it for that alone. Now I wonder if the Empress Indigo Gin is available here… (I also had tea there – which then was lovely and reasonable. Now it is a zoo and outrageously expensive.)
Thank you David!
What a fantastic color, Ben! I want to try to find that gin.
You know, the mother of a good friend used to have 4 gin and tonics a day. Not one more, but not one less, either. And she lived to be 99…
Thank you Frank!
This was one of my favourite cocktails when I still drank. Really love this one with that lovely deep purple tone.
Thank you Angie!
Wow. I love gin and tonics, and my favorite color has always been purple. So this gin has my name on it!
Thank you Mimi!