Lilac Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail

This Lilac Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail is an elegant floral drink made with lilac syrup, vanilla liqueur, citrus, and Empress 1908 gin. The lilac flavour is intentionally very delicate and subtle, complementing the bold botanical character of the gin rather than overpowering it. As a result, the cocktail tastes balanced, refreshing, and lightly floral while still allowing the distinctive gin profile to shine.

Hey folks! Spring is the perfect time for floral cocktails, and lilac syrup happens to be one of my favourite seasonal ingredients. However, since lilac flavour can be quite delicate, I prefer to use it thoughtfully in drinks rather than making it the dominant note. That’s exactly what happens in this cocktail. The lilac syrup gently softens the botanicals of the gin while vanilla adds a smooth, rounded finish. So today, let’s dive into this Lilac Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail.

Why You’ll Love This Lilac Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail

• Elegant flavour balance: Lilac syrup adds a delicate floral note without overwhelming the botanicals of the gin.
• Visually stunning: Empress 1908 gin gives the cocktail its beautiful purple hue.
• Simple yet sophisticated: Despite its refined appearance, the drink is very easy to make.
• Perfect for spring: Floral flavours and citrus create a refreshing seasonal cocktail.

About Empress 1908 Indigo Gin

Empress 1908 Indigo Gin is a Canadian gin known for its naturally deep indigo colour, which comes from butterfly pea blossom infusion. The gin also contains a blend of botanicals including juniper, citrus peel, rose, coriander, ginger, and other aromatics.

Interestingly, the colour of the gin changes when it interacts with acidic ingredients such as citrus juice. As a result, cocktails made with Empress gin often develop beautiful shades of purple, pink, or lavender depending on the acidity level.

Because the gin itself has a bold botanical character, it pairs best with flavours that complement rather than compete with it — such as citrus, vanilla, and light floral notes.

Lilac Empress Gin Cocktail: Flavour Profile

This cocktail has a refreshing, balanced flavour where the botanicals of the gin remain prominent while the lilac note stays very delicate. In other words, the lilac syrup adds a subtle floral aroma rather than a strong lilac flavour.

Vanilla softens the drink slightly, while citrus adds brightness and freshness.

If you prefer a more pronounced lilac flavour, you can substitute Empress gin with a milder, less botanically intense gin, which will allow the floral notes to become more noticeable.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Lilac Empress Gin Cocktail

To make this cocktail, you only need a handful of ingredients that work beautifully together.

• Empress 1908 Gin: This distinctive Canadian gin is known for its indigo colour and botanical profile. It provides both the colour and the bold aromatic base for the cocktail.
• Vanilla liqueur: Vanilla liqueur adds a soft sweetness and smooth aromatic note that pairs beautifully with both citrus and floral flavours.
• Lilac syrup: Lilac syrup introduces the floral element in the drink. Because Empress gin already has strong botanicals, the lilac flavour remains quite subtle.
• Citrus juice: Lemon or lime juice balances the sweetness and brightens the drink. Lemon is slightly preferred because it complements the floral notes particularly well.
• Ice: Ice chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail, helping to soften the botanicals and blend the flavours.

Possible Additions and Variations

• Adjust sweetness: Add slightly more lilac syrup if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
• More citrus brightness: Increase the lemon juice for a fresher, sharper profile.
• Milder gin: Using a lighter botanical gin will highlight the lilac flavour more.
• Sparkling version: Top the cocktail with a splash of soda water for a lighter drink.

More Delicious Lilac Cocktails

Are you looking for more fun drinks like this Lilac Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Lilac Mojito – A Fresh Floral Twist on the Classic Mojito
• Lilac Dry Vermouth Cocktail – Light Aperitif Martini
• Raspberry Lilac Martini Cocktail
• Lilac Honey Vanilla Cocktail with Lilac Sugar and Limoncello
• Lilac Cocktail with Rum, Limoncello, and Lilac Sugar

More Empress 1908 Cocktails

• Rose Limoncello Gin Cocktail (Bright & Citrusy)
• Lavender Limoncello Gin Cocktail
• Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic – Colour-Changing Indigo Cocktail
• Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail – Colour-Changing & Floral
• Vanilla Rose Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908

I’d love for you to try this Lilac Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail. If you give the recipe 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!

Lilac Empress 1908 Cocktail

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

Lilac Empress gin cocktail with lilac syrup and vanilla. The floral flavour stays delicate, balancing the bold botanicals of Empress 1908 gin.

Course: CocktailsCuisine: Author’s Recipes

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Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) Empress 1908 Gin – or other gin with delicate botanical flavour. Please not the color would be different if not using the listed liquor

• 1 oz (30 ml) vanilla liquor (I used Galliano Vanilla Liqueur)

• 1 oz (30 ml) lilac syrup or more, to taste

• 1/2 oz (15 ml) lemon or lime juice, or more to taste (lemon is recommended)

• Ice

Directions

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, vanilla liqueur, lilac syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Shake vigorously until the drink is well chilled and slightly diluted. Taste the cocktail and adjust the balance if desired by adding a little more lilac syrup, citrus juice, or gin.
• Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Serve immediately, with or without additional ice depending on preference.