Sipping Pretty With Shades of Pink

Photo: Carolyn Tillery

“A good, heavy book holds you down. It’s an anchor that keeps you from getting up

and having another gin and tonic.” — Roy Blount, Jr.

Gin cocktails are some of my favorites, and I’m always eager to find a new recipe or twist on a classic one. Part of gin’s charm is its variety. There are many choices, from Tanqueray's tangy lime to Hendricks’ fresh cucumber essence. I recently discovered a beautiful new one: Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin.

I’ve included their “Shades of Pink” cocktail. I had some fun experimenting with the recipe. I added all the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker and shook it vigorously. After pouring the mixture into an ice-filled Collins glass, I topped it with soda, added a quartered strawberry, and stirred it. It’s the perfect refreshing drink while enjoying a book on your deck or patio.

Ingredients

1 ½ ounce Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin

¾ ounce fresh lemon juice

¾ simple syrup

Soda water for topping

Lemon twist

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add ½ ounce of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup; shake well to chill.

2. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda and gently float the remaining 1 ounce of gin on top. Garnish with a lemon twist. Makes one cocktail.