Purple Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin

This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin is bright, citrusy, and beautifully vibrant. Combining tart rhubarb syrup, fresh lemon juice, orange liqueur, and Empress 1908 Gin, this elegant drink delivers a balance of botanical, fruity, and citrus flavours while showcasing a stunning purple hue. Inspired by the classic Daisy cocktail family, this Rhubarb Gin Cocktail is refreshing enough for summer yet sophisticated enough for cocktail enthusiasts.

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Hey, folks – I hope you’re all doing well!

Today, I’m thrilled to share this Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin. Although the recipe is inspired by the classic Daisy cocktail, it is served without soda water, resulting in a more concentrated and elegant drink. It is also one of those cocktails that looks far more complicated than it actually is. The ingredients are simple, the preparation takes only a few minutes, and the colour is absolutely gorgeous.

As for Daisy the cat? Despite lending her name to this Daisy cocktail, she apparently decided that supervising the photo session was beneath her dignity. Instead, she spent the afternoon napping elsewhere while I handled the important work of mixing, photographing, and taste-testing. So, let’s dive intis empress gin 1908 with rhubarb!

Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail

There are plenty of reasons to keep this cocktail in your summer rotation.

Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
Beautiful presentation thanks to the vibrant colour.
Balanced flavour profile that is neither overly sweet nor aggressively tart.
Versatile recipe that can easily be customized.
Classic cocktail roots inspired by the Daisy family of drinks.
Perfect for entertaining because it looks impressive while remaining easy to make.

Rhubarb Gin Daisy: Flavour Profile

This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin offers a balance of tartness, citrus, botanicals, and subtle sweetness.

Bright citrus notes from fresh lemon juice provide freshness and structure.
Tart rhubarb flavour adds fruitiness without becoming overly sweet.
Orange liqueur contributes body and smoothness while tying the flavours together.
Botanical gin character remains present rather than getting lost behind the other ingredients.
Silky texture results from vigorous shaking and proper dilution.
Elegant finish makes this cocktail feel closer to a Sidecar than a long sparkling drink.

What Is a Daisy Cocktail?

The Daisy is one of the classic cocktail families dating back to the nineteenth century. Traditionally, a Daisy combines a spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetening component. Many versions are also lengthened with soda water.

Several modern cocktails trace their origins to the Daisy family. In fact, many cocktail historians consider the Margarita a tequila Daisy, while numerous gin, rum, and whiskey variations have appeared over the years.

This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail follows the Daisy formula by combining gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and rhubarb syrup. However, unlike many traditional Daisy cocktails, it is served straight up in a coupe glass without soda, resulting in a richer and more concentrated experience.

Daisy Cocktail vs Gin Sour: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, a Daisy and a Gin Sour may appear nearly identical.

A Gin Sour typically combines gin, citrus juice, and a sweetener.
A Daisy usually incorporates a liqueur in addition to citrus and sweetness.
Many Daisy recipes are topped with soda water, though not always.
Daisy cocktails often display slightly more complexity because multiple sweetening components are used.

In practice, the two families frequently overlap. This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail sits comfortably between the two styles, borrowing characteristics from both.

What Is Empress 1908 Gin and What Makes Special?

Empress 1908 Gin – a specialty from British Columbia, Canada – has become famous for its remarkable colour, but there is more to the spirit than appearance.

Butterfly pea blossom creates the distinctive indigo colour.
Traditional botanicals such as juniper, coriander, and citrus provide structure.
Floral notes complement fruit flavours exceptionally well.
Smooth texture works beautifully in shaken cocktails.

While Empress 1908 Gin is responsible for the dramatic colour of this Rhubarb Gin Cocktail, other gins work perfectly well. A quality London Dry Gin will create a delicious drink, although the colour will be very different.

Rhubarb gin Daisy cocktail with Empress indigo 1908 gin.

Why Does Empress Gin Change Colour?

One of the most fascinating aspects of Empress 1908 Gin is its ability to change colour.

The butterfly pea blossom used during production contains natural pigments that react to acidity. When lemon juice is added, the deep indigo spirit gradually shifts toward shades of violet and purple.

This reaction is completely natural and is one of the reasons Empress cocktails are so visually striking.

Does Rhubarb Pair Well with Gin?

Absolutely.

Rhubarb and gin share several characteristics that make them natural partners.

Both have bright, aromatic qualities.
Rhubarb’s tartness complements gin’s botanical profile.
Citrus flavours enhance both ingredients simultaneously.
Floral botanicals found in many gins pair beautifully with rhubarb.

Not surprisingly, rhubarb has become a popular ingredient in many British-inspired gin cocktails.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail

Only four ingredients are required for this Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin.

Empress 1908 Gin – contributes botanical complexity and the signature purple colour.
Rhubarb syrup – provides tart fruit flavour and gentle sweetness. How to Make Rhubarb Syrup (Less Sweet, Perfect for Cocktails)
Fresh lemon juice – balances sweetness while brightening the cocktail.
Cointreau or other orange liqueur – adds depth, citrus character, and roundness.

You will also need plenty of ice for shaking and, optionally, a lemon twist for garnish.

Possible Additions and Variations

This Rhubarb Gin Daisy Cocktail is easy to customize.

Add egg white for a silky sour-style texture.
Include orange bitters for additional citrus complexity.
Add a splash of soda water to create a lighter highball-style Daisy.
Use crème de violette for a floral variation.
Add elderflower liqueur for a softer, more aromatic profile.
Experiment with different gins ranging from London Dry to floral contemporary styles.

How to Make This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail

Like many classic cocktails, this Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin follows a variation of the golden ratio approach. Spirit, citrus, and sweetness form the foundation, while the rhubarb syrup and orange liqueur create additional layers of flavour.

Keep in mind that homemade rhubarb syrup can vary significantly. Some syrups are intensely tart while others are noticeably sweeter. Therefore, consider the recipe a starting point rather than a rigid formula.

Taste your syrup first and adjust accordingly.
Reduce lemon juice slightly if your syrup is very tart.
Increase rhubarb syrup for more fruit-forward flavour.
Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds to achieve proper chilling and dilution.
Double strain for the smoothest texture.
Serve in a chilled coupe glass for maximum elegance.

Ultimately, the best cocktail is the one that suits your own palate.

How to Make This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Egg White

If you enjoy silky, frothy cocktails, consider adding 1 egg white (about 1 oz / 30 ml) to this Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin. Egg white doesn’t noticeably affect the flavour, but it dramatically changes the texture, creating a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and a beautiful foam cap.

To make the cocktail, combine the gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, rhubarb syrup, and egg white in a shaker. First, perform a dry shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds to properly aerate the egg white. Next, add ice and shake again until well chilled. Finally, double strain into a chilled coupe glass. The result is a softer, creamier, and more luxurious version of the cocktail that bridges the gap between a classic Daisy and a modern Gin Sour.

How to Serve This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail

This Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin is versatile and can be served in several ways depending on the occasion and your personal preference.

Straight up (recommended) – Double strain into a chilled coupe glass for the most elegant presentation and concentrated flavour.
On the rocks – Serve over fresh ice in a rocks glass for a slightly lighter and more refreshing drink.
As a longer cocktail – Add a splash of club soda to transform it into a more traditional Daisy-style drink.

For glassware, consider:

Coupe glass – The classic choice for shaken cocktails served without ice.
Nick & Nora glass – Elegant and slightly smaller than a coupe.
Rocks glass – Ideal when serving over ice.

For garnishes, try:

Rhubarb ribbons or strips – A natural garnish that immediately signals the cocktail’s flavour.
Lemon twist – Adds brightness and aroma.
Dehydrated or fresh lemon wheel – Attractive and practical for entertaining.
Edible flowers – Particularly appropriate if using Empress 1908 Gin and aiming for a garden-party presentation.

More Rhubarb and Other Summer Cocktails

If you enjoy this Rhubarb Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin, you might also enjoy:

I’d love for you to try this gin Daisy cocktail with rhubarb and Empress Indigo Gin 1908. 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!

Rhubarb cocktail made with Empress 1908 Gin

Rhubarb gin Daisy cocktail with Empress 1908 gin

Rhubarb Gin Cocktail – An Empress 1908 Gin Daisy