Deandra Parchment is a bartender at Minnow Bar at the Kimpton Anglers Hotel in Miami Beach, FL.
A colorful, photogenic drink was requested to be featured during the video shoot for the Angler’s Always June rooftop bar this past spring. Given only a few quick minutes to whip up something bright and vibrant, I took the purple-hued bottle of Empress Gin as my inspiration and found that it matched the mood of the shoot: feminine, natural and poised.
I decided on a classic gin drink, incorporating blackberries to enhance the dark colors. To add an unexpected color contrast, I added an egg white and then finally topped off with a delicate garnish of edible orchids. This on-the-spot creation was such a hit that it has been given a name: Royal Empress, and it will be featured in Minnow Bar’s permanent menu of specialty cocktails.
Royal Empress
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Empress Gin
- ¾ oz. Lemon
- ¾ oz. Simple syrup
- 3-4 Blackberries
- Egg white
Instructions
- Muddle blackberries in shaker.
- Add ingredients and shake.
- Dry shake (no ice).
- Double strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with an edible orchid.
