Empress Gin Autumn Twilight Cocktail Recipe

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.

Empress Gin Autumn Twilight Cocktail Recipe

Empress Gin Autumn Twilight Cocktail Recipe
A cozy, color-shifting cocktail perfect for fall. Featuring Empress 1908 Gin, pomegranate juice, floral liqueurs, and warm spices, this drink is a beautiful and balanced sip for chilly evenings.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer
  • Rocks glass
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional)
  • Peeler or zester (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

  • Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  • 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

Fresh grapefruit juice brightens the flavor and enhances the gin’s color shift.
Cinnamon syrup adds cozy spice, while thyme syrup makes it more herbal.
Peach liqueur adds fruitiness but is totally optional.
If your pomegranate juice has pulp, strain it for a smoother texture.

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.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitute

Sometimes I’m out of an ingredient or two. No big deal—I’ll just swap in another gin cocktail with similar vibes.

A few solid substitutes:

If I want something classic and light, Tom Collins is always a winner.

Equipment

  • Shaker
  • Strainer
  • Jigger
  • Glass

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • Club soda
  • Ice

Instructions

  • Add gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker with ice.
  • Shake well.
  • Strain into a glass.
  • Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon slice.

For something fruity, I really like the Gin and Lychee Gimlet Cocktail. Sometimes, if I’m in a hurry, I’ll just go for a simple Gin and Tonic.

If I’m after something sweet and refreshing, the Bee’s Knees Cocktail—with gin, lemon, and honey—hits the spot. The Royal Hawaiian brings in pineapple juice, and honestly, it makes the drink taste like a vacation.

Swapping in any of these cocktails means I still get to enjoy my favorite flavors, even when the original recipe isn’t an option.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

Similar Posts

Blueberry Gin Smash Cocktail Recipe
|

Blueberry Gin Smash Cocktail Recipe

Cherry Blossom Collins Cocktail Recipe
|

Cherry Blossom Collins Cocktail Recipe

Elderflower Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe
|

Elderflower Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

Dusk ‘Til Dawn Cocktail Recipe
|

Dusk ‘Til Dawn Cocktail Recipe: Mixology Magic in a Glass

Midnight Mojito Cocktail Recipe
|

Midnight Mojito Cocktail Recipe

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating