The Jack Frost Cocktail is a frosty blue wonder that’s as stunning as a winter morning and just as refreshing. Made with the gorgeous purple hue of Empress Gin, this cocktail is elevated with tropical and citrus flavors for a festive drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This cocktail is a perfect balance of elegance and fun. The botanical notes of Empress Gin shine through, while blue curaçao and pineapple juice add a sweet and zesty twist. Topped with creamy coconut milk, the result is a cocktail that’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual showstopper with its icy, gradient effect.
Ingredients
Here’s a snapshot of the key ingredients—see the full measurements below.
- Empress Gin
- Blue curaçao
- Pineapple juice
- Coconut milk or cream of coconut
- Ice cubes
- Shredded coconut or sanding sugar for rimming the glass
Directions
- Rim your glass with water or lime juice, then dip it into shredded coconut or sanding sugar for a frosty effect.
- Fill a shaker with ice and add Empress Gin, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut milk. Shake vigorously until well combined and frothy.
- Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass filled with ice.
- Watch the magical gradient of colors as the Empress Gin layers beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Garnish with a slice of pineapple, a sprig of rosemary, or a small candy cane for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use freshly squeezed pineapple juice for the best flavor and color.
- Shake the cocktail well to ensure the coconut milk is fully incorporated, giving the drink a smooth and creamy texture.
- Chill all your ingredients before mixing to keep the drink refreshingly cold.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut milk with almond or oat milk.
- Swap blue curaçao with triple sec and add a few drops of blue food coloring for a similar flavor and color.
- Add a splash of lemon or lime juice for extra tanginess.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
The Jack Frost Cocktail pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon crostini, or goat cheese and cranberry bites. It’s also a delightful drink to enjoy alongside sweet holiday treats like sugar cookies or white chocolate bark.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This cocktail is best made fresh. If you want to prep in advance, mix the pineapple juice and coconut milk together and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the Empress Gin and blue curaçao just before serving to preserve the stunning color separation.
FAQs
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely! Replace the gin with sparkling water, and substitute the blue curaçao with a splash of blue sports drink or blueberry syrup.
Why is Empress Gin purple?
Empress Gin gets its unique color from butterfly pea flowers, which also give it a slightly floral note.
How do I get the layered color effect?
Pour the ingredients slowly, especially when adding the Empress Gin, to create a gradient effect.
Can I serve this drink warm?
This cocktail is designed to be served cold, but if you’re looking for a warm winter drink, consider mulled gin instead!
Conclusion
The Jack Frost Cocktail with Empress Gin is a holiday masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Its vibrant color, frosty garnish, and balanced flavor make it a show-stealer for any festive occasion. Shake one up, sip it down, and let the winter magic take over. Cheers!
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Jack Frost Cocktail with Empress Gin
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Jack Frost Cocktail is a stunning winter drink that combines the floral notes of Empress Gin with the cool, frosty flavors of coconut and pineapple. With its icy blue hue and refreshing taste, this cocktail is perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- Ice cubes
- Shredded coconut (for garnish)
- Honey or simple syrup (for rimming the glass)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Rim the edge of a coupe or martini glass with honey or simple syrup, then dip it into shredded coconut for a frosty effect.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add Empress Gin, blue curaçao, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and a handful of ice.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds to combine and chill.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top or a small edible flower for decoration.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the frosty, tropical flavors.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute blue curaçao with blue raspberry syrup and Empress Gin with a botanical sparkling water.
- Add a splash of lime juice for a hint of citrusy brightness.
- Blend with crushed ice for a frozen version of this cocktail.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg