As the leaves start to turn, I find myself craving cocktails that fit the mood. Empress 1908 gin has this way of making autumn drinks feel extra special.
The Empress Gin Autumn Twilight Cocktail is one of my favorites when the evenings get cool. That deep color and floral flavor? It’s all thanks to Empress gin’s unique blend, especially those butterfly pea blossoms.
Honestly, it’s so easy to make a gin cocktail that feels fancy with Empress. It stands out on the table, and those flavors just scream autumn.
If you love a French 75 or want to branch out with a honey lavender gin lemonade, you’ll probably get a kick out of this elderflower gin cocktail.
Let’s break down what you’ll need for the Pacific Empress Autumn Twilight, plus a few of my own tips for nailing the color and taste.
Empress Gin Autumn Twilight Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail combines Empress 1908 Gin with fall flavors like cinnamon and pomegranate. It’s got fresh botanicals, and a mix of floral, citrusy, and spicy notes.
It’s colorful, tasty, and honestly just fun to make.
Equipment
-
Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
I use this to get everything ice-cold and blended. -
Jigger or measuring spoons
If you want it balanced, you gotta measure. -
Bar spoon
Handy for stirring things up. -
Strainer
Keeps the ice (and any pulp) out of your glass. -
Rocks glass
Short glass, classic for this drink. -
Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Especially if your pomegranate juice isn’t perfectly smooth. -
Peeler or zester (optional)
For a fancy citrus twist, if you’re feeling it. -
Small plate
Good for rimming the glass with sugar or spices.
Ingredients
-
2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
It’s got butterfly pea blossom, black tea, botanicals—the works. -
1 oz pomegranate juice
Tart, deep color, can’t skip it. -
1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
Adds a soft, floral sweetness. -
1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup or thyme syrup
Both work, just depends if you want spice or herbal. -
1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
Brightens everything up. -
1/4 oz peach liqueur (optional)
Sometimes I add it for a little extra fruitiness. -
2 dashes cardamom bitters
For a hint of spice. -
Ice cubes
You’ll need plenty for mixing and serving. -
Cinnamon stick, star anise, or citrus twist (for garnish)
Makes it look and smell festive.
Instructions
- Fill your mixing glass or shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the Empress 1908 Gin, pomegranate juice, elderflower liqueur, cinnamon or thyme syrup, grapefruit juice, and peach liqueur if you’re using it.
- Add the cardamom bitters.
- Stir or shake for about 10-15 seconds until it’s cold.
- Strain into your glass.
- If you want a sugared rim or extra garnish, prep the glass first.
- Top with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a grapefruit wedge.
- Drink it while it’s nice and cold.
Notes
Fresh grapefruit juice really does make a difference, but bottled works if you’re short on time. Cinnamon simple syrup is easy—just simmer water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks, then let it cool.
With butterfly pea blossom gin like Empress 1908, the color changes when you add citrus. Grapefruit juice turns it from blue to a gorgeous purple-pink.
If you want more spice, muddle the star anise before garnishing. Swapping thyme syrup for cinnamon syrup makes it more herbal and less sweet, which is great if you’re into that.
I usually strain pomegranate juice through a fine mesh to keep things smooth. And honestly, the garnish isn’t just for looks—it adds a little something extra every time you sip.
Equipment
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Small plate (optional for sugar/spice rim)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- ½ oz elderflower liqueur e.g. St Germain
- ½ oz cinnamon simple syrup or thyme syrup
- ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ¼ oz peach liqueur optional
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: cinnamon stick star anise, or citrus twist
Instructions
- Add Empress Gin, pomegranate juice, elderflower liqueur, syrup, grapefruit juice, peach liqueur (if using), and cardamom bitters.
- Stir or shake well (10–15 seconds) until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a twist of citrus.
- Serve cold and enjoy.
Notes
Tasting Notes
First thing I notice with the Empress Gin Autumn Twilight Cocktail is the gentle herbaceous aroma. It’s like stepping into a fall garden—rosemary, thyme, maybe a little something else I can’t quite name.
The first sip is smooth and balanced. Earthy gin flavors blend with citrus and spice.
This autumn gin cocktail really does feel cozy. The flavors are mellow, with just enough bite to keep things interesting.
Quick flavor checklist:
- Herbaceous: Rosemary, subtle garden herbs
- Earthy: Gin and bitters
- Citrus: Orange or lemon from the garnish
- Spice: Just a faint undercurrent if you use spiced syrup
Each sip just feels like autumn. The colors, the flavors—they fit the season perfectly.
