Purple Reign
Why drink boring, Saratoga? Introducing a violet showstopper that's perfect for these celebratory times.
Editor’s note: Not interested in the newest potion that’s adding a dose of glam to everyday happy hours all over town? We won’t judge. Simply scroll down to the bottom for our favorite Saratoga bits and bobs of the week. Consider it your weekend guilty pleasure to look forward to every Saturday morning.
A crisp glass of sauv blanc is okay. But why settle for average when you can be a showstopper?
After a depressing lockdown year and a lukewarm (yet life-giving) slow year of reemergence, this summer is going to be one of serious celebration—no matter the scene or age bracket in which you reside. This is razzle-dazzle time, Saratoga, so dress and drink accordingly. I can’t help with your wardrobe, but I’ve got the latter covered. Meet: Empress 1908 Indigo Gin.
Did I mention that this gin is purple? And that you can change its shade depending on what you mix it with? They have it at Purdy’s, so run out right now (unless you’re reading this at 8am—then you have to wait a whole hour until the liquor store opens for the day) and buy some before reading on. The mad scientist (or artist, depending on your vibe) in you will thank me later.
Jessica Contompasis, who created the winter and spring cocktail menus for Henry Street Taproom, introduced me to this lovely lilac adult beverage. She mixes Empress with vanilla vodka, lavender simple syrup and lemon, and tops it with a (vegan) aquafaba froth, to create “Fit for a Queen.” After one sip, I decided that yes, I am royal-worthy. An ego boost, delicious refreshment and Instagram post all in one: I was hooked.
I later eyed my vibrant new obsession on a cocktail menu up north at Hotel Saranac, where the bartender gave Bill Nye a run for his money. Upon hearing I was new to the Empress world, she whipped out a set of shot glasses and started mixing and experimenting right before my eyes, showing me every shade of pink and purple imaginable. I was transfixed. Some basic chemistry to play with in your own home bar: Try citrus mixers to create and experiment with shades of pink. While she played with the butterfly pea flower-infused potion, I sipped on her “Saranac Six” masterpiece, made with Empress Gin, blueberry rose syrup, lemon and prosecco.
Back in Saratoga, I vowed to hunt down as many local Empress drinks as I could find. At The Bourbon Room, owner Brian Miller whipped up a pink concoction of Empress, pink lemonade and house-made rosemary simple syrup. The menu adds a PS: “Looks and Tastes Divine.” (None of the other drinks have a postscript.) Brian says that last season’s Empress drink had an egg white froth and each batch of egg whites turned the gin a different hue. “The drink was called Purple Ambition,” he says. “Depending on the egg white, the drink came out any color from plum to periwinkle.”
At Max London’s, and I love this, they use my beloved Empress (and some grapefruit liqueur) to doll up a regular ol’ gin and tonic and make it pretty. So even if you lean lazy with your home mixology, Empress really does make it easy to whip up some exquisite home drinks.
Before you go, here’s one last superfluous collage of liquid eye candy, courtesy of Empress’ @empress1908gin Instagram.
—Abby
ICYMI: This Week in Saratoga Living After Hours
On Monday, we toasted spring by revisiting Linkees.
On Tuesday, we visited (some more) with Dan Graham, a well-known guy whose business somehow flies under the radar. We tried to fix that.
Quote of the Week
“That’s the best thing I’ve put in my mouth in a long time.”
—party guest at Night at the Brewseum giving Bookmakers’ short rib tacos a rave review
Trumpeting Her Love for Saratoga
When Long Island correspondent Kath Gates showed up for Easter brunch at a restaurant called Trumpets on the Bay, she had no idea she was stepping into a Spa City homage. She was thrilled to find Greg Montgomery posters and even a photo of Secretariat signed by jockey Ron Turcotte, items collected by the restaurant’s owner, Helen Fehr. “She still goes to Saratoga and loves it!” Kath reports. “Her father used to bring her when she was little. She said he would lift her up to the railing and tell her to ‘listen for the trumpets—that’s when the fun begins.’" Helen, we look forward to seeing this summer.
Keeping It Simple
The week began with spring snow and ended with sunny and “near 60”. We’ll take it! CBS Channel 6 meteorologist Alyssa Caroprese knew we needed no fluff when delivering the good news.
Finding an Excuse for a Cute Animal Pic
In celebration of yesterday’s Earth Day, we bring you two happy Saratoga goats, Otis and Michael, who seem extremely content with the lovely spring weather.
Awkward Conversations
When your friend excitedly tells you they were pitched a house on Zillow (not pictured) on a Saratoga Lane in North Carolina, and you respond with, “you’re abandoning me, uh, looking to move?” In this case, the Carolinas remain but a daydream, but how fun that Saratoga Lane runs through a neighborhood with a Race Track Road, Preakness Place, Derby Park Avenue and Belmont Boulevard. Looks like somebody in New Bern, NC has a genuine interest in horse racing. (And in case you’re nervous, we will not be touting a “North Carolina correspondent” anytime soon. She promised.)
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