Lavender Haze Recipe

Prepare glass

Choose a Collins or highball glass. Fill the glass with large ice cubes (or one large ice sphere) to chill while you assemble the cocktail.

Build and shake

In a mixing tin or shaker, add 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, 0.75 oz St-Germain, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 2 dashes lavender bitters. Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well-chilled.

Strain

Discard the ice from the chilled glass if desired and add fresh ice. Double-strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass over the fresh ice to remove small shards and any pulp.

Top with tonic

Gently top the cocktail with approximately 3 oz chilled tonic water. Pour slowly over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to preserve effervescence and the layered look of the Empress indigo gin if preferred.

Garnish and finish

Express a lemon twist over the drink to release the oils, rim the glass with it if desired, and drop it in (or place a lemon wheel on the rim). Garnish with a small sprig of lavender. Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer.

Optional adjustments

If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase St-Germain to 1 oz. For more citrus brightness, increase lemon juice to 0.75 oz. Adjust tonic quantity to taste for dilution and bitterness.