I love trying new drinks at home, especially when I’m craving something a little out of the ordinary.
The Empress Gin Midnight Mule is one of my favorite cocktail recipes—it just looks so gorgeous and tastes super refreshing.
This drink mixes Empress 1908 Gin, whose natural indigo color adds a wow factor, with ginger beer and lime for a twist on the classic mule.
A mixologist might say this cocktail is both easy and impressive, which makes it perfect for sharing with friends or just treating myself after a long day.
The recipe is simple to follow—even if you don’t make drinks often.
If you want a cocktail that stands out and actually tastes great, this one’s a solid pick.
Empress Gin Midnight Mule Cocktail Recipe
This is one of my favorite twists on the Moscow Mule.
The deep indigo color of Empress 1908 Gin really pops in the glass, and ginger beer plus fresh lemon juice give it a bright, refreshing kick.
Equipment
- Copper mule mug or a highball glass
- Jigger for measuring spirits
- Bar spoon for stirring
- Citrus juicer (manual or electric)
- Ice scoop or tongs
- Small knife for cutting garnishes
- Cutting board
- Straw (optional, but I like it)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz ginger beer
- Soda water (optional, for top-up)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or mint sprig for garnish
I always use fresh lemon juice—it just brings out a brightness bottled stuff can’t touch.
Simple syrup sweetens things up without stealing the show from the gin.
Ginger beer brings that spicy kick, and soda water can lighten things up if you want.
Instructions
- Fill your mug or glass with ice cubes until it’s about three-quarters full.
- Pour in 2 oz of Empress 1908 Gin.
- Add 1/2 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Slowly pour in 3 oz of ginger beer.
- Stir gently with the bar spoon to mix everything together.
- Want it lighter? Top with a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or a sprig of mint.
- Serve right away, while it’s still cold and bubbly.
Notes
For the coldest sip, I always reach for a copper mug.
The dramatic color of Empress 1908 Gin can fade if you stir too much, so I keep it gentle.
Too much lemon juice can overpower the gin, so I stick to 1/2 oz.
Ginger beer—not ginger ale—is the move for that spicy flavor.
Some brands are sweeter or spicier, so I taste and tweak as I go.
If you like it less sweet, use less simple syrup or a bit more soda water.
Sometimes, for fun, I’ll layer the gin last for a cool gradient effect.
Fresh lemon juice is a must for the brightest flavor.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 oz grenadine
- 2 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 1 small cube dry ice optional, for effect
- 2 –3 fresh raspberries or 1 lemon twist for garnish
- Ice cubes for shaking
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds until cold.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with raspberries or a lemon twist.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the dramatic color and flavor.
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of the Empress Gin Midnight Mule, the first thing that hits me is the fresh, zesty vibe.
The ginger beer brings a spicy kick that wakes up my taste buds.
Empress Gin adds soft floral notes.
I pick up hints of grapefruit and juniper, which makes each sip feel lively and kind of playful.
That purple color? Honestly, it never gets old.
I love how the lime juice adds a tart, citrusy touch.
It reminds me a bit of a gin sour, but with more fizz and a bolder ginger punch.
The Empress Gin Mule and the Midnight Mule have similar ginger and lime flavors, but the Empress version is softer and more floral.
Compared to an Empress Gin Sour, this cocktail is less tart and more refreshing, thanks to the bubbles and ginger zing.
There’s also a slightly earthy note from the gin that keeps things balanced.
The finish is smooth, with a gentle sweetness that lingers just a bit—kind of perfect, honestly.
Substitute
Sometimes I want to make a Midnight Mule, but let’s be honest—I’m not always stocked up on every single ingredient. Here are a few easy swaps I reach for to keep things fun, even when my bar cart’s looking a little bare.
Honey Lavender Simple Syrup Substitutes
- Honey syrup: Just dissolve some honey in warm water. Works pretty well.
- Plain simple syrup: If floral notes aren’t your thing, plain simple syrup does the trick.
- Agave syrup: This one’s mild and sweet, and it mixes in super easily.
Swapping the Gin
- Regular gin: Any gin will do if Empress isn’t around, though you’ll miss out on that gorgeous color.
- Vodka: Sometimes I go with vodka for a smoother, more neutral vibe.
- Empress French 75: If I’ve got it, I’ll toss in a splash to shake up the flavors a bit.
Other Useful Ingredient Swaps
- Dry vermouth: A dash adds a nice herbal touch if I’m feeling fancy.
- Lime juice: Out of limes? Lemon juice steps in just fine.
- Ginger beer: Ginger ale’s a bit sweeter, but it’ll work in a pinch.
Equipment I Use for Substituting
- Jigger or just a measuring spoon
- Bar spoon, or honestly, any stir stick
- Cocktail shaker—though a big jar works if that’s all you’ve got
- Fine mesh strainer (totally optional, but nice if you want things extra smooth)
Instructions for Using Substitutes
- Swap syrups one-for-one.
- Use about 1 oz of any gin or whatever spirit you’re feeling.
- Adjust the citrus to your taste.
- Pour everything into your glass, stir or shake it up with ice, then strain if you’re picky about texture.
- Top with ginger beer or ginger ale. That’s it—cheers!
