Mixology: Empress 1908 Gin Fizz

Any cocktail involving an egg white makes me smile...

Combine it with one of my favorite spirits, Empress 1908 Gin, and you're in for a very special treat. Few brands are as mounthwateringly Instagrammable as this one! The cocktails you can create range in color from deep violet to lighter shades of magenta and pink as the spirit changes color with the addition of citrus. 

Of course, the color is the first thing most people notice, but the spirit itself is more than just a pretty face. The Empress brand was inspired by the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria British Columbia. It’s handcrafted in small-batch copper pot stills with a signature infusion of the same black tea served at the hotel plus a blend of herbs and citrus that give it a remarkable aromatic profile. The distinct color is derived from addition of butterfly pea blossom for a full sensory experience.

The technical piece in this particular recipe is separating the egg white. I recommend doing this in a bowl or container away from your other ingredients to ensure you don't accidentally get shells or yolk in your tin. You can also purchase liquid egg whites from the store or try a vegan option made with Aquafaba, a product derived from chickpeas.

Get those muscles involved when you’re shaking this drink! The goal is to create that delectable, frothy egg white top. I think you’ll love this spin on the classic version!

Let’s build it! 

Ingredients

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin

• .75 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice

• 1/2 egg white

• .75 simple syrup

• Ice

• Soda Water

Preparation

• Chill the glasses by filling them with ice cubes and water

• Combine ingredients in a cocktail tin and dry shake 15 seconds

• Add ice and shake another 15 seconds

• Pour through a strainer

• Top with soda

• Garnish with lemon

Need new stemware? I’m using this fun set from Mikasa, available on Amazon! I love it because each glass features its own subtle etched design so you can keep track of which drink is yours.

Did you make this drink?! Tell me about it in the comments! 

Photos and Video by McMillen New Media