Gin and Tonic with Elderflower Tonic garnished with Edible Bougainvillea Flower

While visiting Canada we were lucky to come across this gem. The French Canadians love their food just like their distant relatives in France. This Gin was our special find on our last trip which has become quite popular with friends.

The special Gin is Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, named after the famed Fairmont’s Empress hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. It’s no wonder it’s so good with Canada’s French and British history. A winning combo with a flavor profile reminiscent of Grapefruit, Juniper, Cinnamon, Rose, Coriander and a mixture of fine teas like Assam. And if you have been to the Empress hotel, you know they are very famous for their tea.

The distillery adds Butterfly Pea Flowers to the gin at the last moment and they give the gin an all natural vibrant blue and violet coloring. Butterfly Pea is known to be very sensitive to PH, so when the Gin is mixed with something with a low PH (like Tonic or Lime) the color changes from a deep bluish purple to a soft lavender. It’s quite a show. 1908 Gin is widely available and it can also be purchased at Total Wine and Spirits.

We love the color combination of the lavender with a the bright hues of lime green and a hot pink bougainvillea flower. The flowers are edible, however, they are better just for show as they don’t have much flavor), The stem is not edible, so make sure to just use the flower.

Lavender Gin with Elderflower Tonic Garnished with Bouganvillea

1 part Gin

2 Parts Elderflower Tonic

Juice of 1/4 lime

2 Lime Slices for Garnish

Bouganvillea Flower to garnish (discard the stems, they are not edible)

Pour the Gin over the rocks, add the Elderflower Tonic which gives a nice slightly floral finish. Watch as your drink turns from a vibrant royal blue to a soft lavender. Squeeze juice from ¼ lime. Garnish with lime and flower.