If you’re after a playful, easy drink you can whip up at home, you might want to try this one. Empress Gin Candy Apple Smash is a vibrant cocktail with loads of flavor, but it’s not fussy to make.
The combo of apple, lemon, and those distinctive botanicals from Empress Gin gives every sip a crisp, just-sweet-enough vibe.
I first tasted this at a friend’s party and thought, “Yep, I need to make this myself.” If you’re looking for a pretty cocktail for parties or just a chill night in, you’re in the right place.
Here’s how I make it, step by step.
Empress Gin Candy Apple Smash Cocktail Recipe
I like using Empress 1908 Gin because it’s got a bold color and a bright, floral flavor. The Candy Apple Smash brings together sweet apple, tangy lemon, and those purple gin notes for a seriously fun drink.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: For mixing and chilling everything together.
- Muddler: To crush the apples and mint.
- Fine mesh strainer: Keeps the drink smooth—no chunky bits.
- Jigger: Makes measuring easy.
- Bar spoon: Handy if you want to stir.
- Rocks glass: My go-to for this kind of cocktail.
- Ice: You’ll want plenty to keep it cold.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping apples and garnishes.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1/2 fresh green apple, diced
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (or honey lavender simple syrup for a floral twist)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz elderflower tonic water or soda water
- Ice (enough to fill the glass)
- Optional garnishes: Apple slice, mint sprig, or lemon wheel
Sometimes I swap in honey lavender syrup for the simple syrup. Pink Empress gin is an option if you want a different color, but honestly, the classic 1908 is hard to beat.
Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference here—bottled just doesn’t cut it.
Instructions
- Toss the diced apple and mint leaves into your shaker. Give them a good muddle to get those flavors going.
- Add Empress 1908 Gin, your syrup of choice, and lemon juice.
- Fill up the shaker with ice and shake until it’s nice and cold—about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top it off with elderflower tonic or soda water for a little fizz.
- If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with an apple slice, mint sprig, or lemon wheel.
Sometimes I’ll throw in a splash of lavender syrup or riff on the recipe for a gin sour or gin fizz.
Notes
Empress 1908 Gin’s color comes from butterfly pea blossom—it’s all natural, and it shifts shades when you add citrus. The lemon juice actually turns the drink a pinkish-purple.
I’m partial to honey lavender syrup for a soft floral note, but if you don’t want it too sweet, just dial back the syrup a bit. Soda water keeps things light, while elderflower tonic leans into the floral side.
Fresh mint and apple are key for that crisp taste. I stick with fresh lemon juice every time.
Equipment
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1/2 fresh green apple diced
- 3 –4 fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 oz simple syrup or honey lavender syrup
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz elderflower tonic water or soda water
- Ice enough to fill the glass
- Optional garnish: apple slice mint sprig, or lemon wheel
Instructions
- Add diced apple and mint leaves to a shaker and muddle well.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with elderflower tonic or soda water.
- Garnish with an apple slice, mint sprig, or lemon wheel if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tasting Notes
First sip of the Empress Gin Candy Apple Smash? It’s bright, crisp, and a little sweet, but not in a cloying way. Honestly, it’s extra refreshing on a warm day.
What stands out:
- Tart apple and gin play off each other.
- The floral notes from Empress Gin peek through.
- There’s a candy-like sweetness, but it’s balanced.
The drink’s texture is soft and smooth, and the botanicals in the gin really shine. The apple doesn’t overpower—it just fits.
The color is honestly gorgeous—purple swirling into pink, especially with the apple slices floating on top. Every time I make one, I’m reminded why I keep coming back to gin cocktails.
It’s not overly sweet, not too dry. For anyone who likes a balanced, easygoing cocktail, this one’s a winner.
Substitute
Sometimes I don’t have every ingredient for my Empress Gin Candy Apple Smash.
Here are some simple swaps I use:
Ingredient Substitutes
- Empress Gin: I can use regular gin instead. If I want to mimic the color, a dash of butterfly pea flower tea works.
- Apple Cider: Fresh apple juice gives a similar taste. Store-bought cider is good too.
- Simple Syrup: Honey or maple syrup makes it a bit richer.
If I’m out of Empress Gin, I sometimes make an Empress Gin and Tonic.
For this, I use:
- Gin (any kind)
- Tonic water
- Lime or lemon slices
For a twist, I try elderflower tonic instead of regular tonic in my gin drinks. It adds a floral note.
If I want something with citrus, a Cucumber Lemon Gin is nice:
- Gin
- Lemon juice
- Slices of cucumber
Sometimes, I like to add a splash of elderflower syrup to gin for a quick take on elderflower rose gin. Rose water is optional, but it gives a nice aroma.
For a tropical option, I make a Royal Hawaiian cocktail by mixing gin, pineapple juice, and coconut water.
I honestly just enjoy experimenting with these swaps. It’s easy to use what I have at home and still get something delicious.
