Windsor Garden

Windsor Garden cocktail with mint and rosemary garnish

Gently muddle the herbs with the lemon juice and, if possible, leave to stand for a few minutes. Add the gin and syrup, shake with ice and double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Empress 1908 Gin has a stunning indigo color. The color is natural and comes from including butterfly pea blossom in the infusion. However, on mixing it with acid from the citrus juice, the color of the gin turns to a gentle lilac/pink—a true chemisty experiment—a litmus test. And then you get to drink it!

The Windsor Garden comes from the Empress Gin website. It is simply a Gin Basil Smash with a little less lemon juice and a mix of herbs. The lilac/pink color is beautiful and the aroma from the herbs comes through strongly. The drink works well served over ice but if you prefer less dilution it also works very well shaken with ice and served straight up.