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Color Changing Empress Gin Sour cocktail with vibrant purple hue and citrus garnish.

Color Changing Empress Gin Sour

This stunning cocktail is a delicious magic trick in a glass. Featuring Empress 1908 Gin, it transforms from a deep indigo to a blushing pink when stirred, thanks to the butterfly pea blossom's reaction with lemon juice. It's a perfectly balanced, silky-smooth sour that's as elegant as it is fun to make.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American, Modernist
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz egg white from about 1 large egg
  • Garnish: dehydrated lemon wheel or aromatic bitters

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh strainer
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Coupe or martini glass
  • Juicer (for lemon)
  • Cocktail spoon or straw

Method
 

  1. Chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer.
  2. Combine the Empress Gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker. Do not add ice.
  3. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds (this is the 'dry shake').
  4. Open the shaker, add a generous handful of ice, seal again, and shake hard for 10-15 seconds to chill.
  5. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass. It will be a deep indigo color with light purple foam.
  6. Give the drink one gentle stir with a cocktail spoon or straw to integrate the acid and trigger the color change to pink.
  7. Add your garnish: place a dehydrated lemon wheel on the rim or add 2-3 drops of aromatic bitters onto the foam.

Notes

For the best foam, ensure a vigorous dry shake. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for optimal acidity and flavor. If concerned about raw egg, use pasteurized egg whites or aquafaba. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and hot water, stir until dissolved, and let cool. For variations, try infusing the simple syrup with lavender, muddling berries, or topping the finished drink with sparkling wine.