Cherry Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin

This cherry gin cocktail combines cherry liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and gin into a vibrant, well-balanced drink with a lightly sweet and refreshing finish. Made with Empress 1908 Gin for colour and depth, this cocktail works beautifully for summer evenings, special occasions, or elegant entertaining.

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This is one of those cocktails that feels both playful and refined, with bright cherry flavour balanced by citrus and gin botanicals. It’s visually striking, easy to mix, and endlessly adaptable depending on how bold or refreshing you want it. So, let’s dive into this Cherry Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Gin Cocktail

• Balanced and refreshing: Cherry sweetness is tempered by fresh lemon juice and gin botanicals.
• Visually striking: Empress 1908 Gin adds a beautiful hue that makes this cocktail stand out.
• Easy to customise: Adjust citrus, sweetness, or strength to suit your taste.
• Perfect for entertaining: Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for casual sipping.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

For this cherry gin cocktail, you’ll need just a few bar staples and fresh citrus.

• Gin: A total of 1½ oz; a combination of Empress 1908 Gin and strawberry gin adds colour and subtle fruit notes.
• Cherry liqueur: Provides sweetness and a deep cherry flavour; McGuinness works well here. Since this cocktail is quite sweet, I didn’t need any additional sweetener.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the cocktail and balances the sweetness; adjust to taste.
• Ice: Essential for proper chilling and dilution.
• Garnish: Fresh mint and cherries add aroma and visual appeal.

Possible Additions and Variations

• Adjust sweetness: I did not add any simple syrup, as the cherry liqueur already provides enough sweetness for my taste; however, you can add a small amount of simple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
• Make it lighter: Top with a splash of tonic water or soda.
• Boost the cherry flavour: Add a few muddled fresh cherries before shaking.
• Try another gin: A floral or citrus-forward gin also works beautifully.
• Serve as a long drink: Pour over ice in a tall glass and lengthen with sparkling water.

How to Make Cherry Gin Cocktail

To make this cherry gin cocktail, add the gin, cherry liqueur, lemon juice (starting with ⅔ oz), and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 25–30 seconds, until well chilled.

Taste and adjust as needed, adding a little more lemon juice for brightness or a small splash of spirit for a stronger drink. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass for a cleaner, more intense flavour, or serve over ice for a slightly softer finish. If serving without ice and the cocktail tastes too strong, top with a small splash of tonic water or still water.

Garnish with fresh mint and cherries, and serve immediately.

More Summer Cocktail Ideas

Looking for more refreshing summer cocktail ideas? I have many on Havoc in the Kitchen:

• Passion Fruit Peach Cocktail
• Frozen Mango Passion Fruit Cocktail
• Peach Raspberry Gin Cocktail
• Rose Raspberry Gin Cocktail
• Lavender Empress 1908 Cocktail
• Vanilla Empress 1908 Cocktail
• Blueberry Gin Cocktail
• Blackberry Lavender Cocktail
• Lavender Orange Gin Cocktail

So, I hope you like this Cherry Gin Cocktail, and you will it a try soon. If you make it, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share you photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

Cherry Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

Cherry gin cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin, cherry liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. A vibrant, refreshing drink perfect for entertaining.

Course: Cocktails

5.0 from 1 vote

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Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 oz. gin (45 ml) – I used half of Empress 1908 gin and half of strawberry gin

• 2 oz. (60 ml) cherry liquor – I used McGuinness brand

• 2/3 – 1 oz. (20-30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice

• a handful of ice

• mint and cherries, for garnish

• simple syrup, honey, or other sweetener, optional (see Notes)

Directions

• Add the gin, cherry liqueur, lemon juice (starting with ⅔ oz), and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 25–30 seconds, until well chilled. Taste and adjust as needed, adding a little more lemon juice for brightness or a small splash of spirit for a stronger drink. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass for a cleaner, more intense flavour, or serve over ice for a slightly softer finish. If serving without ice and the cocktail tastes too strong, top with a small splash of tonic water or still water. Garnish with fresh mint and cherries, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

• I did not add any simple syrup, as the cherry liqueur already provides enough sweetness for my taste; however, you can add a small amount of simple syrup or honeu if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.