We made it to another Friday, y’all! And, I’m back with another gin cocktail. This one is perfect if you like tart, herbal drinks that look amazing.
I’m going to be honest from the get go… I don’t think I love cucumber drinks. I have one other yet to try, but I prefer something slightly sweeter and a lot less herbal. Honey liked it but was a little hung up on “topping the cocktail with a side salad”. HA! I reminded him that he loves a loaded Bloody Mary.
For this creation, I climbed up into my tallest kitchen cabinet to retrieve the mandolin and hunted down the prettiest basil leaves in my garden. The cucumber ribbon took a few tries to perfect, but will be a fun addition to other summer drinks, salads and charcuterie boards. The key was to get the cucumber as long and thin as possible! You will also need something longer than a toothpick – I used skewers that I cut down to size.
Empress Cool as a Cucumber
A fresh twist on the beloved gimlet cocktail, the Cool As A Cucumber brings tart, herbal spring flavours into the spotlight.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 4-5 cucumber slices
- 6-7 basil leaves
Method
Muddle the cucumber slices in the bottom of your shaker. Add the remaining ingredients and shake on ice. Strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a basil leaf and cucumber ribbon.
If you’re a lightweight like me, you can always double the lemon juice and simple syrup!
Other Empress Cocktails
Empress 75
A cocktail made for celebration, the Empress 75 is sparkling, effervescent and deliciously sippable. Think of it as a graduated mimosa.
Empress Royal Hawaiian
Tall, tropical and tasty. If you’ve ever wanted a sip of sunshine, the Royal Hawaiian is as close as you’ll get.
Cool as a Cucumber
A fresh twist on the beloved gimlet cocktail, the Cool As A Cucumber brings tart, herbal spring flavours into the spotlight.
Empress Layover
Take a break with this delightful and delicious cocktail. Hints of cucumber and rosemary make the Layover a perfect drink to sit back and relax with.
Empress Aviation
Balanced with a touch of sweetness, the Empress Aviation is an early 20th century classic revamped and ready for take-off.
Empress Blue Moon
This cocktail is based on Hugo Ensslin’s 1916 Aviation recipe, merely omitting the Maraschino.
Watermelon Sugar
The Watermelon Sugar cocktail is the summer sip you’ve been waiting for. With the refreshing flavours of watermelon, lime, and basil this drink is bound to be a hit!
Empress Strawberry Basil Lemon Smash
The perfect cocktail for your summer harvest!
Empress & Elderflower
This spring-inspired take on our signature serve is delightfully refreshing with its subtle floral notes and bright citrus garnish.
Puzzle of the Day
Yesterday’s answer: 87. You are looking at the numbers upside down!
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All these drinks are so pretty! I’m so jealous, I haven’t even planted my basil yet (and thank goodness because it dropped well below freezing Friday and Saturday night) and yours already looks so nice and healthy!