Empress Lavender Lemonade

Empress lavender lemonade is a light and refreshing gin lavender lemonade made with Empress 1908 gin, fresh lemon juice, and soda or lemonade. This boozy lemonade combines floral, citrusy, and slightly herbal notes with a vibrant colour-changing effect and a crisp finish.

Hey folks, today I’m sharing a bright and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warmer days and easy entertaining. It looks stunning in the glass and comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. So, let’s dive into this Empress Lavender Lemonade.

Why You’ll Love This Empress Lavender Lemonade

• Light and refreshing: Crisp citrus and bubbles make it perfect for warm weather.
• Floral and balanced: Lavender adds aroma without overpowering.
• Visually striking: Naturally colour-changing thanks to Empress gin.
• Simple: Minimal ingredients and very quick to make.
• Flexible: Easy to adjust sweetness and strength.

What Is Empress 1908 Gin?

Empress 1908 Indigo gin is a Canadian gin known for its smooth, slightly citrusy and floral profile. Its signature indigo colour comes from butterfly pea flower, which reacts to acidity and changes colour when mixed with citrus. Compared to classic London dry gin, it feels softer and more aromatic, making it ideal for light, floral cocktails like this one.

Why This Cocktail Changes Colour

The colour-changing effect comes from butterfly pea flower in the gin. When you add lemon juice or lemonade, the acidity shifts the colour from deep indigo to shades of purple or pink. This makes the drink not only refreshing but also visually dynamic, especially if you layer it.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Empress Lavender Lemonade

It’s easy to make this Empress lavender lemonade with a handful of ingredients that create a balanced and aromatic cocktail:

• Empress 1908 gin: The base spirit with floral and citrus notes and a natural colour-changing effect.
• Lavender simple syrup: Adds floral sweetness and aroma; use sparingly to keep balance.
• Fresh lemon juice: Provides brightness and acidity; always use freshly squeezed for best flavour.
• Lemonade or soda: Lightens the drink; choose less sweet lemonade or sparkling water depending on preference.
• Ice: Crushed ice helps chill quickly and enhances the texture.

Possible Additions and Variations

Although this recipe is already delicious, you can customize it easily:

• Stronger version: Increase the gin slightly for a more pronounced flavour.
• Lighter version: Add more soda for a lower-alcohol drink.
• Different syrups: Try honey or elderflower syrup instead of lavender.
• Non-alcoholic: Skip the gin and use lavender syrup with lemonade or soda.
• Herbal twist: Add a few fresh herbs like mint or thyme.

How to Make Empress Lavender Lemonade

Combine the gin, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and lemonade or soda in a glass or pitcher with ice, stir gently, and divide between glasses. For a layered effect, fill glasses with crushed ice, add the lemonade mixture first, then slowly pour the gin on top to create a colour gradient. Garnish with lemon slices or a lavender sprig and serve immediately.

How to Balance Flavour in a Gin Lemonade

It’s easy to adjust this cocktail to suit your taste:

• Balance sweet and sour: Adjust lemon juice and syrup gradually.
• Control floral intensity: Use less lavender syrup to avoid overpowering flavour.
• Adjust strength: Add more soda for a lighter drink or more gin for intensity.
• Use less sweet lemonade: Keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
• Skip syrup altogether: Use lavender soda or lavender lemonade for a cleaner, lighter flavour profile.

Tips for the Best Lavender Cocktail

• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavour.
• Don’t overuse lavender—it should remain subtle.
• Chill ingredients before mixing for the best result.
• Use clear ice or crushed ice for a more attractive presentation.

More Empress 1908 Gin Cocktails

Are you looking for more fun recipes, like this Empress gin lavender lemonade. Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Empress 1908 Gin Mojito – A colourful twist on the classic mojito made with Empress gin, lime, and mint. Light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy, it’s perfect for warm weather.
• Lavender Limoncello Gin Cocktail – A vibrant floral cocktail with lavender, limoncello, and Empress gin. Bright and refreshing, it feels especially pretty and summery.
• Lavender Empress Gin Cocktail – A clean and elegant floral cocktail that lets the lavender and the striking colour of Empress gin shine. Simple but beautiful, it’s one of the most versatile drinks in the collection.
• Rose Limoncello Gin Cocktail – A bright and fragrant Empress gin cocktail with rose and limoncello. Fresh, floral, and citrusy, it’s a lovely choice for spring and summer.

And be sure to check my curated collection Floral Cocktails with Rose, Lavender and Lilac

I’d love for you to try this Empress 1908 Gin lavender lemonade 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!

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Empress Lavender Lemonade

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Cocktails

This boozy Empress Lavender Lemonade is made with the Canadian Empress 1908 gin. It is also light and refreshing and with a pleasant herbal aroma.

Servings

2-3

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 4 oz (120 ml) Empress 1908 gin

• 2 oz (60 ml) Lavender simple syrup

• 1/2 to 1 oz (15–30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 4 oz (120 ml) lemonade or sparkling water

• ice cubes

Directions

• Combine all ingredients with ice, stir, and divide between glasses. For a layered version, pour lemonade mixture over ice, then gently add gin on top. Serve immediately.