Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail

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This sparkling purple gin cocktail is a color-changing Empress gin drink that turns a vibrant shade of purple when mixed with citrus. Known as our Violet Femme, it's light, refreshing, and party-ready.

sparkling purple gin cocktail in coupe glass made with Empress 1908 gin

We love cocktails that double as conversation starters, and this purple gin cocktail always delivers. Made with Empress 1908 Gin, fresh grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, and champagne, it transforms into a vibrant shade of purple the moment citrus hits the glass. It's a simple bit of cocktail magic, but it never fails to impress.

This is one of our favorite drinks to serve when guests arrive. It's light, bubbly, and easy to make, which makes it perfect for sipping together while you catch up or get dinner started. If you're building a cocktail spread, this pairs beautifully with other festive favorites like our Empress Gin Frost Fizz or a bright, citrusy, Champagne Cocktail, but it's just as fun on its own.

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Ingredients You'll Need
🍸 Tools You'll Need
How to make This Purple Gin Cocktail
Variations and Easy Substitutions
💜 More Empress Gin Cocktails
FAQ
Related Recipes
Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

ingredients for purple gin cocktail on white surface

Empress 1908 Gin: the color-changing base that gives this purple gin cocktail its signature hue
Fresh grapefruit juice: adds bright citrus flavor and triggers the dramatic purple color
Elderflower liqueur: lightly floral and aromatic, balancing the tart citrus
Champagne: keeps the cocktail sparkling and celebratory
Ice: for chilling and serving
Optional garnish: edible flowers and sage add a pretty finishing touch

👉 see recipe card below for exact quantities.

🍸 Tools You'll Need

COCKTAIL SHAKER
COCKTAIL STRAINER
COUPE GLASSES, WINE GLASSES, OR MARTINI GLASSES
COCKTAIL PICKS

FEATURED RECIPE

Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

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purple gin cocktails in coupe glass on white board with herbs & Empress Gin

How to make This Purple Gin Cocktail

Chill the glass. Start with a cold coup or martini glass so the drink stays crisp and sparkling.
Shake the base. Combine the gin, grapefruit juice and elderflower liqueur in a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
Strain and top. Strain into the chilled glass, then finish with sparkling wine.
Garnish and serve. Add a grapefruit peel or edible flower and enjoy right away.

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Variations and Easy Substitutions

Switch the citrus: try lemon juice instead of grapefruit for a slightly different shade of purple and a brighter bite.
Change the bubbles: Prosecco keeps it light and dry, while Champagne feels more celebratory. For a softer sparkle, use sparkling water.
Make it lighter: reduce the elderflower liqueur and add a splash more sparkling wine for a drier finish.
Non-alcoholic option: use a non-alcoholic gin alternative (Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo) and sparkling water for a color-changing mocktail.

💜 More Empress Gin Cocktails

purple gin cocktail, garnished and sprinkled with purple flowers

This post is sponsored by our friends at Empress 1908 Gin. As always, all opinions are our own, and we only partner with brands we genuinely love and use.

FAQ

Why does this purple gin cocktail change color?

Empress Gin in naturally infused with butterfly pea flower, which reacts to citrus. When grapefruit juice is added, the cocktail shifts from blue to purple.

What makes Empress Gin turn purple?

The color change comes from the gin's botanical infusion, not artificial coloring. Citrus lowers the pH of the drink, triggering the dramatic purple hue.

Can I use a different citrus juice?

Yes. Lemon or lime juice will also create a color change, though the shade and flavor will vary slightly depending on the citrus used.

What kind of sparkling wine works best?

Champagne, prosecco, or any dry sparkling wine works well. Choose something crisp and not overly sweet so the purple gin flavor stays balanced.

Is this the same as a gin fizz?

No. A gin fizz is typically lighter and more effervescent. This purple gin cocktail is sparkling, citrus-forward, and designed for visual impact rather than froth.

Where do you buy edible flowers for garnish?

We like these Edible Cocktail Flowers from Amazon. You can also find edible flowers at farmers' markets or in the produce section at large gourmet food markets (near the packaged herbs).

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