Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail (Sparkling Indigo Martini)

Deliciously refreshing and aesthetically pleasing, this Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail is bright, citrusy, and perfect for sipping outside this spring or summer. Jump to Recipe

Using only a handful of ingredients, this Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail is easy to make, yet has a complex flavor profile. The boozy indigo martini is citrusy, floral, and tart. Most of all it’s refreshing and invigorating. Shake one up after a long day for happy hour, pour one for a friend on your back patio or even make as a larger batch to bring to the pool this summer. This color-changing grapefruit gin fizz variation is also a show-stopper to make for guests thanks to the Empress 1908 Gin.

Ingredients & Variations

Empress 1908 Gin

Empress 1908 Gin is made by Victoria Distillers and inspired by the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. Or more specifically, the Fairmont’s afternoon tea, which is used to make the gin. Combined with botanicals, you’ll get the juniper notes of a traditional London dry gin with a modern twist. Butterfly pea blossom is to thank for the gorgeous indigo hue. When mixing into a drink, the color will change based on the ingredients used. So fun!

Gin Variations: 

While I love using Empress 1908 for this Grapefruit Gin Cocktail, you can certainly use other types of gin. You’ll get just as tasty of a martini, just not the same color. Hendricks, Malfy, or Bombay Sapphire are great gin options for this drink. If you like your gin with a little less juniper taste, I cannot recommend Watershed enough.

Lillet Blanc

Lillet Blanc is an aperitif wine made from white grapes. You can enjoy it over ice with a twist of orange or lemon or incorporate it into cocktails like this one. It tastes slightly sweet, a tad bitter, with notes of honey and citrus. I love to mix it with gin. You can find Lillet Blanc in the area of the liquor/grocery store that contains other aperitifs, vermouths, tonics, etc.

Substitution:

If you don’t have Lillet Blanc on hand, I’d recommend St Germain Elderflower liqueur which is also absolutely delicious with gin.  

Lavender Infused Simple Syrup

The lavender simple syrup gives this Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail it’s floral and sweet notes. I make my own which is super easy (instructions below). All you need is sugar, water, and lavender (fresh or dried works fine). You can use store-bought lavender simple syrup as well. I like this one.

Substitution:

If you’re unable to get your hands on lavender or lavender simple syrup, then regular simple syrup will work fine.

Fresh Grapefruit Juice

I highly recommend using fresh grapefruit juice for this Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail as grapefruit is one of the main ingredients.

Ice

Used for shaking these delicious ingredients together.

Prosecco or Sparkling Rose

Prosecco or Sparkling Rose are used for topping at the end. Here is where you’ll really see the Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail change color! I used sparkling rose for the cocktail pictured. The reason I decided to add sparkling wine to this recipe, was I started with an Empress French 75 in mind, then made tweaks until I landed on this refreshing, citrusy drink. Plus who doesn’t love a little bubbly topper?

Substitution:

you can also use other sparkling wines, champagne, club soda, sparkling water, or tonic water. Tonic water will make it taste the most different from the original cocktail, but it’s still yummy.

Equipment

No heavy machinery needed. 😊 Just a simple cocktail shaker (and maybe a strainer). Here’s the one I use:

Cocktail Shaker

Instructions

Extra Easy Lavender Infused Simple Syrup

If you’re making your own simple syrup here’s how. Add ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water to a small saucepan. Bring to boil then reduce heat to simmer. Add about 1 tablespoon dried lavender (or a few fresh sprigs). Simmer about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool before mixing with drinks. If you don’t have lavender, simply omit, and follow the same instructions.

Make your Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail

Add Empress 1908 gin, Lillet Blanc, fresh grapefruit juice, and lavender simple syrup to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously (about 30-45 seconds to properly aerate). Strain into a coupe or martini glass. There might be some residual lavender from the simple syrup. Use a double strainer like this to remove if you wish. Then top with Prosecco or Sparkling Rosé.

Pro Tip:

Chill the glass in the freezer if you want it to be even more refreshing!

 

FAQs

What is the difference between Empress 1908 Gin and regular gin?

The taste actually isn’t that different. Empress is a dry gin with typical citrus and juniper notes. You don’t get any overwhelming distinctive flavors from the tea or botanicals used. The main difference in the gorgeous indigo color.

I hate gin. Can I use something else?

You can use vodka instead of gin for this recipe. The other ingredients will go great with vodka. Of course, it will give the cocktail a completely different taste, but if you don’t like gin that’s what you’re probably aiming for.

Why does Empress 1908 Gin change colors?

Butterfly pea blossoms contain anthocyanins which are pigments that change color depending on their pH levels. They turn pink when they’re acidic, purple when they’re neutral, and blue when they’re basic.

Can I use grapefruit flavored gin for this recipe?

I don’t recommend using a flavored gin for this Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail. Using a traditional gin with fresh grapefruit juice tastes 100x better.

What do I do with the leftover lavender simple syrup?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. Mix it into other drinks. You can also bake with it!

Is Empress 1908 Gin gluten-free?

Yes, it’s gluten-free and all-natural.

Can I make a mocktail/virgin version of this cocktail?

This Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail contains three different alcoholic ingredients, so there isn’t a great mocktail alternative. If you’re looking to make it a little less boozy, simply swap the Prosecco for sparkling or soda water.

Can I turn this cocktail into a large batch?

Of course! I did the math, so you don’t have to. To serve eight guests you’ll need: 2 cups gin, 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice, ½ cup simple syrup, ¾ cup Lillet Blanc, and about ⅔ a bottle of Prosecco. Serve in a pitcher or large drink dispenser.

What to serve this Grapefruit Empress Gin Cocktail with:

If you’re serving this cocktail to guests, make a little appetizer to go with them like these Burrata Crostini

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