Red White & Blue Empress Gin Cocktail

If you’re looking for the prettiest patriotic cocktail recipe for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, or any summer entertaining moment, this Red White and Blue Empress Gin Cocktail is about to be your new obsession.

Made with fresh muddled raspberries, crisp tonic water or sparkling water, and the iconic deep purple hue of Empress Indigo Gin, this layered cocktail creates a naturally stunning red, white, and blue effect right inside the glass—without any artificial colors needed.

The secret? It’s all about the pour. Fresh raspberries create a vibrant ruby-red base, the sparkling water or tonic gives the drink a light, frosty center, and when you slowly float the gorgeous purple gin over the top, the colors settle into beautiful patriotic layers that look absolutely jaw-dropping for entertaining.

Whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day cookout, a backyard pool party, a summer girls’ night, or just want something fun and beautiful to sip on the patio, this Empress gin raspberry cocktail tastes just as good as it looks.

And the best part? It only takes a few minutes to make.

Why This Cocktail Works

This layered gin cocktail is one of those drinks that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make.

• Fresh muddled raspberries add natural sweetness and gorgeous color
• Empress Indigo Gin creates a dramatic purple-blue top layer
• Sparkling water or tonic water keeps it light and refreshing
• The layered colors make it perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July parties
• Easily customizable depending on whether you like drinks sweeter or more botanical

Using tonic water gives this cocktail more classic gin-and-tonic vibes with a slight bitterness, while sparkling water makes it lighter, crisper, and extra refreshing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh Raspberries

Fresh raspberries are muddled directly into the bottom of the glass to create that gorgeous bright red base. They also add fresh berry flavor and a touch of natural sweetness.

Empress Indigo Gin

This vibrant purple gin is what makes the magic happen. When slowly poured over the drink, it naturally floats and creates the beautiful blue-purple layer on top.

Sparkling Water or Tonic Water

Choose your favorite:

• Sparkling water for a lighter, crisp, refreshing cocktail
• Tonic water for more traditional gin-and-tonic flavor with slight sweetness and bitterness

Ice

Ice helps create the separation between the raspberry base and gin float for that dramatic layered effect.

Red White & Blue Empress Gin Cocktail Recipe

Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 8–10 fresh raspberries
• Ice, enough to fill the glass
• 4 ounces tonic water or sparkling water
• 1½–2 ounces Empress Indigo Gin

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh raspberries
• Lime wheel
• Mint sprig

How to Make This Patriotic Gin Cocktail

Step 1: Muddle the raspberries

Add the fresh raspberries to the bottom of a tall glass. Gently muddle them until juicy and broken down.

Step 2: Fill with ice

Fill the glass all the way to the top with ice. This helps create the layered look and keeps everything chilled.

Step 3: Slowly pour in tonic water or sparkling water

Carefully pour the tonic water or sparkling water into the glass over the ice.

Step 4: Float the Empress gin

Very slowly pour the Empress gin over the top of the drink. For the prettiest layered effect, pour gently over the back of a spoon.

The gin will slowly settle into the drink, creating a gorgeous red, white, and blue ombré cocktail effect.

Step 5: Serve immediately

Serve right away while the colors are still beautifully layered.

Tips for the Best Layered Cocktail

• Use lots of ice to help separate the colors
• Pour the gin very slowly for the best float effect
• Chill your sparkling water or tonic beforehand
• Serve immediately for the most dramatic patriotic presentation
• Use a tall clear glass so the layers really stand out

Tonic Water vs Sparkling Water

Use Tonic Water If:

You love classic gin and tonic flavor and want a slightly sweeter, more botanical cocktail.

Use Sparkling Water If:

You want something crisp, refreshing, lower in sugar, and more berry-forward.

Both versions are delicious—it really depends on your taste preference.

Variations

Add Lime

Squeeze in fresh lime juice for brightness and extra summer flavor.

Make It Sweeter

Add ½ ounce simple syrup if you prefer sweeter cocktails.

Turn It Into a Party Drink

Set up a DIY patriotic cocktail bar where guests muddle their own raspberries and choose between tonic or sparkling water.

Mocktail Version

Skip the gin and use a splash of blueberry juice or butterfly pea flower tea on top for a layered patriotic mocktail look.

What to Serve With This Cocktail

This cocktail pairs perfectly with:

• Burgers and grilled hot dogs
• BBQ chicken
• Summer charcuterie boards
• Fresh fruit platters
• Pasta salads
• Memorial Day appetizers
• Fourth of July desserts

FAQs

Why does Empress gin change color?

Empress Indigo Gin gets its signature hue from butterfly pea blossom, which naturally creates its vibrant color.

How do you get the layered red white and blue look?

The trick is muddling the raspberries first, adding lots of ice, pouring sparkling water or tonic slowly, and then gently floating the gin on top.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This cocktail is best made fresh so the layered effect stays beautiful.

Is tonic water or sparkling water better?

Tonic water gives more classic gin flavor, while sparkling water tastes lighter and fresher. Both work beautifully.