Empress Gin Sour With Pear & Fig

Looking for the perfect adult beverage to welcome fall? Try my deliciously autumnal Empress Gin Sour with Pear & Fig to celebrate cooler weather in style. Made with just 6 ingredients in about 5 minutes, this is an elegant craft cocktail that should definitely be on your next happy hour menu.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

When it comes to unwinding at the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like a gorgeous cocktail shared with friends and loved ones. The only problem is that going out can be expensive! That’s why Calvin and I have taken to hosting a ritual Happy Hour at Home. 

For the price of a round of drinks for the two of us, we can stock our bar cart with a beautiful bottle that’ll yield far more good times than one night alone. This lovely Empress Gin Sour is proof that fancy cocktails are well within your reach as a home bartender. All you need are 6 ingredients and about 5 minutes to whip one up.

Aside from being more budget-friendly than paying for a night on the town, having your adult beverage(s) in the comfort of your own home means you can choose the guest list, the playlist, and even wear your slippers!

🍴Ingredients

As promised, you only need 6 ingredients to make this tasty gin sour cocktail. Here’s what to grab:

• Vanilla Bean Syrup - Making your own infused simple syrup is easy and much cheaper than buying store-bought. That said, feel free to use whatever vanilla simple syrup you prefer!
• Gin - I used Empress brand for the stunning purple hue, but feel free to swap in your favorite botanical gin instead.
• Spiced Pear Liqueur - Despite sounding like a super obscure specialty item, there are actually several brands to choose from on the market these days. You can also feel free to make your own.
• Fig Jam - While it’s delightful in this gin sour recipe, make sure to save a little of this gorgeous fruit spread to serve with my herby whipped goat cheese and homemade sourdough for the perfect snack pairing.
• Lemon Juice - Fresh is always best. To get the most juice from your fruit, give it a firm roll on the countertop for 10-15 seconds before slicing it open.
• Egg White - Feel free to use the pasteurized egg whites that come in a carton to keep your prep to a minimum.
• Ice - Use filtered water to make your ice for the best tasting cocktails.
• Fresh Pear and Fig Slices - Adding a garnish is the easiest way to make your homemade cocktails look professional. Take it over the top with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg!

🛠️ Equipment

Making these gin sour cocktails at home doesn’t require a bunch of fancy equipment. Here’s what to grab to make this Empress Gin Sour With Pear & Fig:

• Cocktail Shaker or Mason Jar with Lid - My gin and sour is a shaken cocktail that gets beautifully foamy from the addition of egg white. Feel free to use any style of cocktail shaker that you like, or swap in a mason jar with a tightly fitting lid.
• Coupe Glasses - Cocktails that are served up are nearly always served in beautiful coupes at my house because they feel so fancy. Don’t be someone who “saves” the good china for special occasions — you only get one life, so make the most of it! You’re plenty special enough.

📖 Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Shake. Add all the ingredients to a shaker and shake until chilled and frothy.

Step 2: Strain into your serving glass. Garnish with a thin slice of each pear and fig slice and grate a bit of nutmeg to finish. 

⏲️ Substitutions & Variations

While this might just be my favorite of all the gin sour recipes I’ve tried (at least for fall), there’s always plenty of room to customize any recipe to fit your needs. Feel free to try any of the following gin sour variations:

• Vegan - Swap in 1.5 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) for a perfectly vegan sip.
• Spring Season - Try my Lemon Lavender Gin Sour for when the frost starts to thaw.
• Summer Season - Blueberry Gin Sours are ideal for when the berry harvest starts in earnest. 
• Winter Season - Clementine & Blood Orange Gin Sours are full of bright, sunshiny citrus to help you through the winter doldrums.
• Add Bubbles - A light topper of club soda or sparkling mineral water adds a lovely bit of effervescence.
• Use Vodka - If you’re not a fan of gin, go for neutral-flavored vodka instead!

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

Being your own mixologist means you can make your drinks to your exact specifications. If you’re new to the game, there are really just two rules to remember:

• Perfecting the Blend: For the best Empress Gin cocktails, consider combining the signature blend of black tea from Victoria Distillers with pear nectar and a splash of soda! This mix provides a refreshing foundation that accentuates the natural indigo color and unique taste of the gin.
• Enhancing the Presentation: Beautiful cocktails taste great and are visually stunning. When serving an Empress Gin Sour, garnish with a sprig of rosemary or an edible flower and serve in a coupe glass, providing that elegant touch befitting a cocktail inspired by the famed Fairmont Empress Hotel!
• Achieving the Right Flavor Profile: The spicy flavor of ginger beer can add an unexpected twist to your Empress Gin Sour, complementing the fig and pear undertones beautifully. A splash of fresh lime juice or grapefruit juice balances the sweetness, resulting in a perfect drink every time.
• Elevating the Classic: While the Empress Gin Sour with Pear & Fig is a delightful twist on a classic cocktail, consider introducing a hint of sweetness with maple syrup or a zesty kick with orange zest. These additions can bring a depth of flavor, making your cocktail the star of any cocktail party.

💭 Recipe FAQs

More Cool Weather Happy Hour Recipes

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