A Sophisticated, Fruity and Gently Floral Cocktail
I was inspired by Guerlain's Limited Edition Floral Denim Collection, released in late spring this year, to create a new cocktail - the “Violet Summer Jean” Cocktail using Empress 1908 Gin* and Monin Violet syrup** . Since Guerlain is known for it's gentle violet scent, and their gorgeous beauty director is named Violette, I couldn't resist pairing Empress 1908 gin, with it's stunning blue-violet color, with the violet syrup, some green vegetables to add freshness, topped with a rasberry garnish. If you want to view the items I purchased from the makeup collection, and my makeup look, you can read the blog post here.
Crisp and Refreshing, yet Subtly Sweet
I was originally thinking this might be more a variation on a gin & tonic, but I ended up adjusting my plans as I started crafting this cocktail, and I nixed the Tonic from the recipe. To start, I muddled some fresh cucumber and celery with celery in the bottom of the cocktail shaker, while I chilled the coupe glass on the side, and prepared the rasberry garnish.
Then, I added the ice to the cocktail shaker, added the Empress 1908 gin and the Monin Violet Syrup (about a 2 to 1 ratio), and shook vigorously. This chills and dilutes it nicely, while allowing everything to combine and also gives it a bit of a frothier texture vs. just stirring. I then strained it into the chilled coupe glass, garnished and enjoyed this lovely herbal, sweetly floral beauty!
About Empress 1908 Gin in Cocktails
The Empress 1908 Gin is a stunning indigo (blue-violet) color, which changes, based on the companion ingredients. The deep indigo color changes to bright lavender, soft pink, or fuchsia depending on the mixer, adding to the rich sensory experience. Citrus (acids) will turn it more pink, whereas cucumber (basic) will turn it more blue, which is another reason I wanted to add the cucumber to this particular cocktail to maintain the blue-violet color. No artificial colors or stabilizers are used, so while the flavor will last forever, the unique indigo color will fade over time (according to the website). Therefore, they recommend storing away from sunlight in a cool, dark place, and to drink the bottle within a year of purchase (not usually an issue!)
Handcrafted in small batch copper-pot stills, Empress 1908 Gin is made by Victoria Distillers and inspired by the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. On top of traditional botanicals, we add a signature blend of black tea served at the Empress Hotel and butterfly pea blossom, an exotic herb that balances the traditional citrus notes of gin with a warm herbal earthiness, and gives the gin its natural indigo colour. Empress 1908’s combination of exquisite taste, delicate aroma, soft texture, and remarkable presentation provide the perfect base for a new aesthetic of cocktail creation and enjoyment.
- from the Empress 1908 Gin website
Monin Violet Syrup Sample Turned into a Full Bottle Purchase
I received this small Monin syrup in a floral collection set as a gift. I loved this cocktail so much that I purchased a full bottle. It is not overly sweet, nor overly floral, which makes it a perfect mixer for this cocktail and others. I have since used it, paired with Prosecco, to make a Violet mimosa, which was a visual and taste treat! You can buy the full bottle at my Amazon affiliate link and let me know what delicious concoctions you mix up! Cheers!
Full Recipe for the Violet Summer Jean Cocktail
Ingredients & Materials
2 parts Empress 1908 Gin
1 parts Monin Violet Syrup
4 fresh Rasberries for garnish
1 tsp. Sugar
Several slices of Fresh Cucumber
1/2 Stick of Celery
Plenty of Ice
Cocktail Shaker
Martini or Coupe Glass
Fancy Cocktail Pick
1 part Soda or sparkling water (optional)
How to Make It:
Add plenty of ice to glass to chill it
Muddle slices/cubes of cucumber and celery with 1 teaspoon sugar in bottom of cocktail shaker
Add 2 parts Empress 1908 Gin (2 oz)
Add 1 part Monin Violet syrup (1 oz) (adjust to taste)
Transfer ice from glass to cocktail shaker
Shake vigorously
Pour into chilled glass
Top with rasberry garnish
(optional) Add a splash of Soda Water or unsweetened Sparkling Water
Cheers & Enjoy!
All items |PURCHASED|
*Links included for convenience, not affiliate or sponsored.
**Amazon affiliate links, for which I receive a small commission from Amazon. It is greatly appreciated if you use my link to purchase.
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