This Empress Gin blood orange cocktail is brimming with fragrant and botanical flavors. Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, citrus, spices, and rosemary pair beautifully with crisp prosecco. You’re going to love the little pop from the citrus and spice ice!

I partnered with Empress Gin to mix up the Citrus & Spice Cocktail recipe! Recipe and ideas are my own.

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Citrus & Spice Cocktail (Gin Blood Orange Cocktail)

We get lots of citrus in our farm box this time of year, so I’m always looking for ways to add it to cocktails. I loved the combo of Empress Gin and blood orange in my Blustery Blood Orange Toddy so I wanted to use it again and the Citrus & Spice Cocktail turned out so lovely. The brightness of the citrus balanced nicely with the botanicals of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin and the hint of spice from the ice and the bitters.

The ice cubes are optional but really fun and add to the festive feel. I think this would be the perfect Empress Gin holiday cocktail!

Recipe Ingredients 

For the Cocktail

• Empress 1908 Indigo Gin: Butterfly pea blossom gives this gin its incredible indigo hue.  
• Blood orange juice: Fresh squeezed is ideal. Navel orange or mandarin juice could work as well.
• Lemon juice: Fresh is always best!
• Honey Syrup: Combine 1 part honey and 1 part water. 
• Spiced bitters: I used Bittercube Blackstrap Bitters in this recipe.
• Prosecco: The crisp, dry bubbles are perfect in the cocktail. Another sparkling white wine or champagne would also work.

For the Ice Cubes

• Blood orange
• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise
• Rosemary
• Water
  

Tools & Equipment List 

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Knife
• Citrus Juicer
• Citrus Squeezer
• Large Ice Mold
• Ribbed Coupe Glass

You can check out my favorite glasses here

How to Make It 

For the Ice Cubes

• Prepare ingredients: Slice a blood orange into thin rounds. Trim rosemary into 1 inch pieces.
• Add 1 slice of blood orange, a cinnamon stick, some rosemary and star anise to each mold. I added the bit of leftover juice from my sliced blood orange before filling the ice cube mold with water.
• Freeze the ice for about 8 hours or until frozen solid.

For the Cocktail

• Add Empress gin, blood orange and lemon juice, bitters, honey syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake to chill the ingredients.
• Add the Citrus & Spice Ice cube to a coupe glass. Strain the cocktail mixture into glass. Top with chilled prosecco.

@thesocialsipper

This cocktail is citrus & spice & everything nice The botanicals of @Empress 1908 Gin balance so nicely with the bright citrus and hints of spice in this festive and refreshing libation. Citrus and Spice Cocktail (makes 1) Cocktail ◻️ 1 1/2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin ◻️ ½ oz blood orange juice ◻️ 1/2 oz lemon juice ◻️ 3/4 oz honey syrup ◻️ 2 dashes spiced bitters ◻️ 2 oz prosecco ◻️ Citrus & Spice Ice Citrus & Spice Ice ◻️ 1 blood orange, sliced ◻️ Cinnamon sticks ◻️ Rosemary ◻️ Star anise ◻️ Water Cocktail 1. Add Empress 1908 Indigo gin, blood orange juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, bitter and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled.  2. Strain into coupe glass over Citrus & Spice Ice cube. Top with prosecco. Citrus & Spice Ice 1. Divide ingredients into a large ice mold. Fill with water. Freeze 8 hours or until frozen solid.  #EmpressGin #sipresponsibly #drinkstagram #holidaydrinks #ginstagram #cocktailsathome #holidaycocktails

♬ original sound – The Social Sipper

Sipping Tips & FAQs 

Can I make the citrus and spice ice cubes in advance?

Yes! You’ll want to make the ice cubes in advance. They will hold for several weeks.

What if I don’t have spiced bitters?

Try using orange or aromatic bitters if you don’t have spiced bitters. For extra spice, add a small pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg directly into the drink.

Is the prosecco necessary?

Yes, it gives the cocktail its bubbly finish. You can swap it with another type of dry bubbly wine.

How do I prevent the ice from melting too quickly?
Make sure your glasses and ingredients are all chilled before making the cocktail to prevent everything from melting.

Can I scale the recipe?

Yup. All you need to do is multiply the quantities by the number of cocktails you want to make. 

Make Ahead and Storage Notes

• Citrus and spice ice: Make the ice ahead and keep in the freezer until you’re ready to use. To store them for longer-term use, pop them out of the trays and keep them in freezer bags for up to a week.
• Honey syrup: The honey syrup can also be made a few days in advance and kept in the fridge for about a week. Shake the syrup before using it in your gin blood orange cocktail.
• Citrus: Squeeze and slice all your citrus elements and store them for up to a day in the fridge. 

For maximum flavor and best results, make the Empress Gin holiday cocktail fresh. If you need to make it ahead, combine all the non-carbonated ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours. 

Add the prosecco and ice before serving.

More Festive Recipes to Try

• Empress Cranberry Sparkler
• Christmas Cookie Gin Fizz
• Poinsettia Punch
• Cranberry Vanilla Sparkler

If you loved this recipe, I would SO appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review below. Also, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me @thesocialsipper! 

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