Empress Gin Martini

In the 50s, a gin martini was what mom and dad sipped before dinner with the family, but not a lot has changed since then. Considered an iconic cocktail, a simple gin martini is one of the world’s most famous drinks. With its clean, bracing taste, there is no mystery to the martini, and all you need to make a memorable one is a fantastic gin (and a little dry vermouth). This is my Empress 1908 Gin Martini using a special, natural, gin made with 8 botanicals, which is infused with butterfly pea blossom, which adds adding a distinctly lush and vivid indigo blue color.

Martini’s themselves are a headed subject. There are countless ways to adjust the formula and technique: gin or vodka, dry, wet or dirty, shaken or stirred, olive or lemon garnish. But despite the countless variations, the only answer to a great martini is entirely based on personal preference.

But I’ve often wondered where the martini was born. The most referenced story in the history books is that it was created in the 1860s with a cocktail called a Martinez, made of gin, sweet vermouth, bitters, and maraschino liqueur.

Cocktails, such as martinis, have made an extraordinary comeback in recent years. And during the pandemic, many people have acquired home bartending skills like they’ve never imagined. Halloween this year will be another atypical holiday where social distancing makes it a bit more challenging to embrace this holiday like we once had. So this year, I’m simplifying my holiday approach, and this Empress gin martini is the best way I know how. With a lovely citrus-and-spice palette, light floral fragrance, soft texture brilliant natural color, and only a few necessary ingredients, seriously, what’s not to love?