Rose Limoncello Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908

This Rose Limoncello Gin Cocktail is a light, citrus-forward drink made with Empress 1908 gin, limoncello, rose syrup, and fresh lemon juice, resulting in a beautifully balanced cocktail that’s floral, refreshing, and gently aromatic.

Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!

If you’re craving something elegant yet easy, this cocktail is a lovely way to bring a touch of brightness to your glass. It’s refined without being fussy, vibrant without being overpowering, and perfect for warmer days or relaxed evening sipping. So, let’s dive into this Rose Limoncello Gin Cocktail.

What Is Empress Gin 1908

Empress 1908 Indigo Gin is liquor produced in Empress 1908 Indigo Gin (disclaimer: not sponsored) is a Canadian gin produced in British Columbia, known for its complex botanical profile featuring juniper, black tea, grapefruit peel, and rose petals. The flavour is fresh and aromatic, with earthy, citrusy, and floral notes.

Its signature indigo colour comes from butterfly pea blossoms, which naturally shift from deep blue to shades of purple and pink when mixed with acidic ingredients. This colour-changing effect makes Empress 1908 especially striking in citrus-based cocktails and an excellent match for floral flavours like rose and lavender.

If Empress 1908 isn’t available, any lightly botanical gin will work well as a substitute.

Why You’ll Love This Rose Limoncello Gin Cocktail with Empress 1908

• Bright and refreshing. Limoncello and lemon juice keep the cocktail crisp and lively.
• Gently floral. Rose syrup adds aroma and softness without dominating the drink.
• Beautifully balanced. The botanicals of gin, citrus sweetness, and light acidity work in harmony.
• Naturally eye-catching. Empress 1908 gin and rose syrup create a stunning pink hue without artificial colour.
• Perfect for summer. Light, fragrant, and ideal for warm-weather entertaining.

Flavour Profile

This cocktail is light-bodied and smooth, with a clean, refreshing mouthfeel. The first sip brings bright citrus from limoncello and lemon, followed by subtle floral notes from rose syrup. The gin’s botanicals add gentle structure, while the finish is crisp, aromatic, and softly perfumed rather than sweet or heavy.

Ingredients for Rose Limoncello Gin Cocktail

Ingredients you will need for this Rose Limoncello Gin cocktail:

• Empress 1908 Indigo Gin – works as the base spirit. Empress 1908 Inigo Gin is a spirit distilled in British Columbia, Canada. It contains Butterfly pea blossom that gives Empress 1908 its distinct indigo hue. This deep indigo hue changes to bright lavender, soft pink, or fuchsia, depending on the pairing. Besides Butterfly pea blossom tea, the gin’s distinct flavour profile includes other botanicals such as black tea, juniper berries, grapefruit peel, and rose petals. Indigo gin has a pleasant herbal earthy aroma with a hint of citrus. Any other gin in place of Empress 1908 Indigo works well in this cocktail – with the major difference being the purple hues.
• Limoncello – also works as both a modifier and sweetener. It also makes the flavour profile more complex, adding sweetness, tartness, and even a subtle bitterness.
• Rose Syrup works as a modifier and sweetener. It also gives the cocktail a beautiful and dramatic colour. If fresh rose petals are not available to make this syrup, dried roses could be an option, although they tend to be less fragrant. And if you don’t have dried rose petals either, you can make a simple sugar syrup infused with a few drops of rose water (not essence). Furthermore, you can completely avoid the syrup part and simply add a few drops of rose water. This option will be perfect for those who prefer less sweet cocktails (Limoncello is already quite sweet.)
• Lemon juice – balances out the sweetness of Limoncello and rose syrup, as well as modifies the colour of Empress 1908 Indigo gin.
• Ice cubes – for chilling. And you can also serve this cocktail on rocks if you prefer a lighter version. If serving on the rocks, you can also increase the amount of gin, so the melting ice will not affect the flavour too much.
• Garnish of your choice for a pretty presentation, optional. I used lemon wedges and fresh mint.

More Empress 1908 Indigo Gin Cocktails

Looking for more Empress 1908 Indigo Gin cocktail inspirations? Look no further!

• Empress 1908 Gin Mojito
• Vanilla Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail
• Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail
• Empress Lavender Lemonade (With Empress 1908 Gin)
• Lavender Limoncello Gin Cocktail (with Empress 1908 Indigo Gin)

More Rose Infused Cocktails

And be sure to check more rose-infused cocktail inspirations:

• Vanilla Rose Empress 1908 Cocktail
• Lavender Rose Empress 1908
• Rose Raspberry Gin Cocktail (Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail)
• Rosé Sangria Recipe (Rose Infused Sangria)
• Rose Raspberry Lychee Sangria

I hope you like this Rose Limoncello Gin cocktail, and you will try it. If you try it, please let me know in the comment section of this post below, send me an Instagram message, or share your photos by adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

Rose Limoncello Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

This Rose Limoncello Gin Cocktail is bright, citrusy, and lightly floral, made with Empress 1908 gin, limoncello, and rose syrup.

Course: Cocktails

5.0 from 3 votes

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Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Rose syrup

12

hours

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 2 oz. (60 ml.) Empress 1908 Indigo Gin

• 1/2 oz. (15 ml.) Rose Syrup,
  or more to taste

• 1/2 oz. (15 ml.) Limoncello,
  or more to taste

• 1/2 oz. (15 ml.) fresh lemon juice,
  or more to taste

• ice cubes

• lemon wedges and mint, for serving

Directions

• In a shaker, combine Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, Limoncello, rose syrup, lemon juice, and ice and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. Try and adjust the flavour by adding more Limoncello, syrup, or lemon juice if desired. Filter for a stronger version or serve on the rocks, over fresh ice. Garnish if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

• If you don’t have fresh rose petals for syrup, you can use dried petals, although they are less flavourful and more herbaceous. If you don’t have dried rose petals either, you can make simple sugar syrup and infuse it with a few drops of rose water (not essence or extract).