I love trying new cocktails, especially when they look as interesting as they taste. That’s why the Empress Gin Ghostly Gin Fizz caught my eye.
This drink stands out thanks to its striking purple color and smooth, creamy fizz that’s both refreshing and unique.
If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic gin fizz, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll show you what equipment and ingredients you need and how to make this easy cocktail at home.
It only takes a few steps to create a beautiful drink that’s sure to impress.
Empress Gin Ghostly Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe
This Empress Gin Ghostly Gin Fizz uses Empress 1908 gin for its color-changing magic. The flavor is bright from lemon juice and creamy from egg white, with tonic and soda water giving it a bubbly lift.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine mesh strainer
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Bar spoon
- Coupe glass
- Citrus juicer
- Small bowl (if using aquafaba)
- Ice cubes
- Microplane or peeler for garnish
These tools help me make and serve the cocktail the right way. The coupe glass keeps it chilled and shows off the beautiful color from the butterfly pea blossom in the gin.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white (or 1 oz aquafaba for a vegan option)
- 2 oz chilled tonic water
- 2 oz chilled soda water
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Lemon peel, edible flowers, or dried butterfly pea blossom
Empress Gin stands out because of its blue-purple hue from butterfly pea blossom, and it changes with lemon juice. Simple syrup balances the tart lemon, while tonic water adds a slight bitterness.
Using egg white or aquafaba makes a silky, foamy top.
Instructions
- Add Empress 1908 gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba) to a shaker without ice.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds to create foam (this is called a dry shake).
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds to chill.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass using a fine mesh strainer.
- Slowly pour tonic water and soda water down the side of the glass to keep the foam thick.
- Garnish with a lemon peel, edible flower, or a few dried butterfly pea blossoms.
I try to pour gently at the end, so the foam stays tall and even.
Notes
I always use fresh lemon juice; it tastes cleaner than bottled. If I want a vegan fizz, I use aquafaba instead of egg white—both create a foamy top, but aquafaba is plant-based.
For sweetness, I sometimes adjust the simple syrup by a little bit based on my mood. If I want more color, I add an extra pinch of butterfly pea blossom as garnish.
Serving in a coupe glass really makes the color pop. Drink it soon after making, so the fizz and foam are at their best.
I don’t recommend skipping the tonic water; it gives the drink extra complexity.
Equipment
- Small bowl (if using aquafaba)
- Microplane or peeler (for garnish)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white or 1 oz aquafaba
- 2 oz chilled tonic water
- 2 oz chilled soda water
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: lemon peel edible flowers, or dried butterfly pea blossom
Instructions
- Add Empress Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba) to a cocktail shaker—do not add ice yet.
- Dry shake for about 15 seconds to build foam.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass using a fine mesh strainer.
- Slowly pour tonic water and soda water down the inside edge of the glass to maintain the foam.
- Garnish with lemon peel, edible flowers, or dried butterfly pea blossoms.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the color-changing magic and silky texture.
Tasting Notes
When I take the first sip of the Ghostly Gin Fizz, I immediately notice its refreshing quality. The fizz is light, making each mouthful crisp and lively.
The citrus notes stand out the most. I can taste the lemon, which brings a bright, zesty kick.
This mixes well with the botanicals in the Empress Gin.
Here’s what I pick up in the flavor:
- Aromas: Fresh lemon, soft juniper, a hint of herbs
- Taste: Tart citrus at the start, gentle sweetness, then slight earthiness from the gin
- Finish: Clean with a touch of creamy smoothness
This cocktail feels almost weightless thanks to the egg white foam on top. I notice how the foam gives the drink a silky body without making it heavy.
Substitute
If I don’t have Empress Gin on hand, I’ll switch things up with other gins. London Dry Gin gives you that classic taste.
A floral gin brings a gentle twist. Sometimes I’ll just grab gin from a gin and tonic set because it’s easy to mix with.
If I’m in the mood for something totally different, I’ll use champagne instead of club soda. It adds bubbles and a light, crisp flavor.
When I don’t want bubbles, I might swap in vermouth or dry vermouth for a more herbaceous note. Gotta say, it’s a fun way to shake things up.
Here are a few of my favorite simple swaps:
- For Gin: Any other gin, or go with vodka if you want a neutral flavor
- For Club Soda: Champagne, tonic water, or sparkling water
- For Citrus: Lemon juice can be swapped for lime if you want a little zing
- For Sweetener: Simple syrup, honey, or agave—whatever’s handy
I also like to play with flavors sometimes. A dash of orange bitters gives a spicy burst.
A splash of cointreau makes the drink extra citrusy and sweet. If you’re feeling adventurous, campari adds a bitter edge that’s pretty fun for adults.
Sample Substitute Recipe
- Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Strainer
- Highball or fizz glass
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz London Dry Gin (or vodka)
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz champagne
- Dash orange bitters
- Instructions:
- Pour gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters into a shaker with ice
- Shake well and strain into a glass
- Top with champagne
- Serve immediately
