Vanilla Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail

This Vanilla Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail is a light, aromatic drink that highlights the floral notes of Empress 1908 gin with smooth vanilla liqueur and real vanilla bean. Delicate, gently sweet, and visually striking, it’s an easy cocktail that feels elegant without being fussy.

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

This cocktail is one of those quietly refined drinks that doesn’t need much embellishment — just good ingredients, balanced proportions, and a little care while mixing. So, let’s dive into this Vanilla Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail.

What Is Empress 1908 Indigo Gin

Empress 1908 Indigo Gin is a Canadian gin inspired by classic London Dry styles and infused with a blend of botanicals, including butterfly pea blossom. This natural ingredient gives the gin its deep indigo colour, which dramatically transforms to shades of purple and pink when mixed with acidic ingredients such as lemon or lime juice. The flavour profile is clean and aromatic, with soft juniper, citrus peel, floral notes, and subtle spice, making it an ideal base for elegant, citrus-forward cocktails.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail

• Elegant yet simple. A short ingredient list with a polished, bar-worthy result.
• Beautiful flavour balance. Floral gin, warm vanilla, and subtle citrus notes work seamlessly together.
• Flexible strength. Serve it straight for intensity or on the rocks with soda for a lighter sip.
• Visually stunning. Empress 1908’s colour makes this cocktail naturally eye-catching.

Flavour Profile

This cocktail is silky, lightly sweet, and aromatic, with soft vanilla rounding out the botanical character of the gin. The optional soda adds freshness and lift, while lemon peel brightens the finish without overpowering the vanilla notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Cocktail

• Empress 1908 Gin. Floral, aromatic, and naturally colourful, forming the base of the cocktail.
• Vanilla liqueur (such as Galliano). Adds smooth sweetness and depth without heaviness.
• Vanilla bean seeds. Provide real vanilla aroma and a subtle, luxurious texture.
• Soda water. Optional, for a lighter, more refreshing version.
• Lemon peel. Adds gentle citrus brightness and aroma.
• Ice cubes. Essential for proper chilling and dilution.

How to Make Vanilla Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail

Add the gin, vanilla liqueur, scraped vanilla bean seeds, lemon peel, and ice to a shaker. Shake vigorously for about 25–30 seconds, until well chilled and aromatic. Taste and adjust if needed, adding a touch more gin or liqueur to suit your preference. Strain into a chilled glass for a stronger, more concentrated cocktail, or serve over fresh ice for a lighter version. If serving on the rocks, top with a small splash of soda water, if desired, and gently stir before serving.

More Delicious Cocktails

Are you looking for more cocktails, like this Vanilla Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail? Be sure to check more recipes below:

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

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

Vanilla Empress 1908 Cocktail

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

This Vanilla Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail blends Empress 1908 gin, vanilla liqueur, real vanilla, and soda for a light, refreshing drink.

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

• 2 oz. (60 ml) Empress 1908 Gin

• 1 and 1/2 oz. (30-45 ml) vanilla liqueur – I used Galliano

• 1/4 – 1/2 small vanilla bean, seeds scraped

• 1/2 oz. (15 ml) or more as desired soda of your choice (optional)

• lemon peel – few pieces

• handful of ice cubes

Directions

• Add the gin, vanilla liqueur, scraped vanilla bean seeds, lemon peel, and ice to a shaker. Shake vigorously for about 25–30 seconds, until well chilled and aromatic. Taste and adjust if needed, adding a touch more gin or liqueur to suit your preference. Strain into a chilled glass for a stronger, more concentrated cocktail, or serve over fresh ice for a lighter version. If serving on the rocks, top with a small splash of soda water, if desired, and gently stir before serving.