If you love your drinks bubbly, colorful, and downright breathtaking, the Blushing Botanica is the cocktail for you. It’s a layered beauty that starts with sweet-tart pink lemonade and a splash of cranberry for zing, then finishes with a float of Empress Gin for that signature violet glow and a champagne topper for elegant sparkle. Garnished with a twist of lemon and fresh mint, it’s botanical bliss in every sip.
Perfect for brunches, bridal showers, garden parties, or any day that needs a little extra sparkle.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Pink Lemonade (sweet and tart—sets the tone)
- Splash of Cranberry Juice (for color + tang)
- ¾ oz Empress 1908 Gin (or another indigo-colored gin)
- Champagne, to top (or Sprite for a non-alcoholic version)
- ⅓ oz Simple Syrup (optional – helps balance the dryness of champagne)
Garnish:
- Lemon peel twist
- Mint sprig
Instructions
1. Build the Base
In a champagne flute or coupe glass, add:
- 1.5 oz pink lemonade
- Splash of cranberry juice
- (Optional) ⅓ oz simple syrup, if desired for sweetness
Give it a quick swirl or gentle stir.
2. Add the Bubbles
Top the glass with chilled champagne (or Sprite for a non-alcoholic option), leaving a bit of room at the top.
3. Float the Gin
Carefully pour ¾ oz Empress Gin over the back of a spoon to float it gently on top, creating a two-tone, blushing-to-violet gradient.
4. Garnish & Serve
Top with a twist of lemon peel and a fresh mint sprig for aroma and elegance. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Empress Gin is naturally colored with butterfly pea flower—it reacts with citrus and turns a soft pink when stirred, but keep it floated for a stunning two-tone effect.
- For a lighter drink, skip the simple syrup or use a dry rosé bubbly instead of brut champagne.
- If layering is tricky, chill your base ingredients and pour slowly.
Helpful Tips
- Chill all ingredients beforehand to maintain the best fizz and separation.
- Pour gin very slowly over a bar spoon held just above the surface to avoid color mixing.
- Use a clear glass to show off the visual effect—this one’s made for the spotlight. ✨
Conservation and Storage
- This cocktail should be served immediately after assembling for best flavor and fizz.
- You can pre-mix the lemonade, cranberry, and syrup base and chill until ready to pour. Add bubbles and gin just before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- No Empress Gin? Use another botanical gin with a drop of butterfly pea flower tea or purple food-grade extract.
- Mocktail version: Use Sprite, pink lemonade, cranberry, and float butterfly pea tea on top.
- Make it herbal: Add a muddled basil leaf in the base for a savory twist.
Storage Instructions
- Base mix (lemonade, cranberry, syrup) can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Always add gin and champagne fresh to preserve visual layering and fizz.
- Garnishes should be added just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
You can pre-mix the lemonade, cranberry, and syrup in a pitcher and chill. Pour into individual glasses, then top each with champagne and float the gin for the effect.
Q: Will the gin mix in if I don’t pour it carefully?
Yes, it may blend—but even if it does, it’ll create a beautiful soft lavender hue. Still delicious, just less layered.
Q: Is it sweet or dry?
That’s up to you! With simple syrup and Sprite, it’s on the sweet side. With brut champagne, it leans drier and more refined. Perfectly customizable.
Conclusion
The Blushing Botanica is a cocktail that’s floral, fizzy, and unapologetically beautiful. With its layered color gradient, light botanical flavor, and elegant effervescence, it’s made to impress—from brunch to sunset toast.
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Cocktails / Sparkling
Method: Built in glass + float
Cuisine: Modern / Botanical
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Empress gin cocktail, pink lemonade cocktail, champagne cocktail, layered gin drink, butterfly pea gin
Equipment
- Champagne flute or coupe
- Jigger or measuring tools
- Bar spoon (for floating)
- Peeler (for lemon twist)
- Ice (optional for chilling shaker if desired)
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 140–160 (depending on champagne or Sprite)
Sugar: 9–14g
Alcohol: ~1.5–2 oz
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Blushing Botanica – A Sparkling Pink & Purple Lemonade Cocktail
Description
If you love your drinks bubbly, colorful, and downright breathtaking, the Blushing Botanica is the cocktail for you. It’s a layered beauty that starts with sweet-tart pink lemonade and a splash of cranberry for zing, then finishes with a float of Empress Gin for that signature violet glow and a champagne topper for elegant sparkle. Garnished with a twist of lemon and fresh mint, it’s botanical bliss in every sip.
Ingredients
-
1.5 oz Pink Lemonade (sweet and tart—sets the tone)
-
Splash of Cranberry Juice (for color + tang)
-
¾ oz Empress 1908 Gin (or another indigo-colored gin)
-
Champagne, to top (or Sprite for a non-alcoholic version)
-
⅓ oz Simple Syrup (optional – helps balance the dryness of champagne)
Garnish:
-
Lemon peel twist
-
Mint sprig
Instructions
1. Build the Base
In a champagne flute or coupe glass, add:
-
1.5 oz pink lemonade
-
Splash of cranberry juice
-
(Optional) ⅓ oz simple syrup, if desired for sweetness
Give it a quick swirl or gentle stir.
2. Add the Bubbles
Top the glass with chilled champagne (or Sprite for a non-alcoholic option), leaving a bit of room at the top.
3. Float the Gin
Carefully pour ¾ oz Empress Gin over the back of a spoon to float it gently on top, creating a two-tone, blushing-to-violet gradient.
4. Garnish & Serve
Top with a twist of lemon peel and a fresh mint sprig for aroma and elegance. Serve immediately.
Notes
Empress Gin is naturally colored with butterfly pea flower—it reacts with citrus and turns a soft pink when stirred, but keep it floated for a stunning two-tone effect.
For a lighter drink, skip the simple syrup or use a dry rosé bubbly instead of brut champagne.
If layering is tricky, chill your base ingredients and pour slowly.