WE TASTE WITH OUR EYES FIRST…..
We’re all about aesthetics here, so an Empress Gin cocktail was obviously a no-brainer. I was so excited when I was contacted to make a cocktail using this beautiful gin. This Bougie Bees Knees definitely catches the eye. Beautiful, but it also tastes amazing. With that said, pull out your fancy glasses and charcuterie boards! Grab a bottle of @empress1908gin, figs, raspberry & chocolate bitters. Yes….chocolate!!
Figs are in season for fall. Chocolate is ALWAYS in season….all day, every day in my house. According to my Flavor Bible (awesome book), these two pair extremely well. I figured they were th perfect combo to use with Empress Gin.
WHY THIS PARTICULAR GIN?
The gin is smooth and made with butterfly pea blossom, which gives it a beautiful indigo color. A chemical reaction with the acid from lemons turns the cocktail to a beaufitul pink tint. Along with a vibrant color, there are earthy notes In the gin. To I compliment that earthiness, I made a Thyme Simple Syrup. I recommend homemade syrups, because they’re so easy and cheap to make. We’ll talk about that below.
With the color of the drink and fruit for garnish, you’ll want to snap a few photos before you take a sip of this one. And when you do take those pictures, please share them with me!
THYME SIMPLE SYRUP
- 1 C. Water
- 1 C. Sugar
- 4-5 Thymes Springs
Start by combining all ingredients in small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until all sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes. Strain into a container. Let syrup cool completely before use
THE COCKTAIL
- 1½ oz Empress Gin
- 1 oz Thyme Syrup
- ½ oz St. Germain
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- 2 figs (chopped) + more for garnish
- 3-4 raspberries + more for garnish
- 3 dashes of chocolate bitters
Add figs, raspberries & thyme syrup and muddle to break up fruit. Just long enough to express the juices to incorprate into the syrup. Add in remaning ingredients. Fill your shaker halfway with ice and shake to chill (Larger icecubes workbest). This should take about 10 seconds (make your shake fun with a twerk or two!) Strain into your favorite cocktail and garnish with extra fruit. Enjoy!
After you try this Bees Knees, head over to try a Raspberry Gimlet!
