Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin balances delicate flavors with a vibrant hue

While flavor is always paramount, a stunning visual can cause a cocktail drinker to place that order. With the new Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin, it blends tradition and innovation to pour a spirit that has people falling in love with the new approach.

Over the past several years, gin has been having a moment. While color changing cocktails offer a touch of showmanship, the spirit must deliver flavor beyond the smoke and mirrors. Although modern gins might fall more towards a vodka, the botanical forward spirits appeal to drinkers who appreciate each and every component in that bottle.

Several gin brands have offered rose gins. While the pretty pink color makes an impression on the shelf, it is often the floral forward pour that can be slightly polarizing. For some, the taste blooms in a cocktail. Others might prefer to keep those petals in the vase.

With the Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin, it is the use of elderflower with the rose that changes the conversation. While the spirit does not shy away from the floral, the additional ingredients counter those notes and lend themselves to cocktail creativity.

As Milestone Brands CEO and Chairman Eric Dopkins said, “We’re excited to take inspiration from our distillery’s home in the ‘City of Gardens’ as well as deep insights into consumer trends using elder flower and rose to create a world-class gin. Our master distiller has carefully balanced an innovative blend of botanicals specifically to make incredible cocktails.”

While this spirit has some traditional ingredients, like juniper berries, it is the use of black carrot which sets this offering apart from others on the shelf. While that vegetable helps to boost the color, it is the hint of sweetness that makes this gin special. There is a sense of vibrancy that inspires the drinker to experiment with some cocktails.

Beyond a simple gin and tonic, this Shades of Pink Cocktail showcases a layered look that plays into the appreciation of all the flavor notes. It is basically a version of Tom Collins, but it feels more special. Here’s how to make this cocktail.

Shades of Pink

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 oz Simple Syrup
• Soda Water

Method:

• Shake ½ oz Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, lemon and simple syrup on ice. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda and float remaining 1 oz gin on top. Garnish with a lemon wheel and lavender sprig.

Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin has a 42.5% ABV. A bottle has a suggested retail price of $39.99. Check with local stores for availability.