Luck Of The Iris: Premier Gin and Lime Cordial
Sep 15, 2025
Hail Iris. If you are craving something bright, floral and unapologetically festive, the Luck of the Iris is your cocktail. Inspired by the spirited women of the Krewe of Iris, this drink blends botanicals, bubbles and citrus into a layered showstopper worthy of Carnival season.
Empress Gin brings its signature hue. Crème de Violette adds a gentle floral lift. El Guapo Lemon Cordial ties everything together with a vibrant citrus backbone. The result is a sophisticated gin and lime cordial cocktail that sparkles both in the glass and on the palate.
Luck of the Iris Gin and Lime Cordial Recipe
The magic here is structure. Lemon for brightness. Violette for elegance. Brut rosé for lift. Empress Gin floated at the end creates the signature Mardi Gras gradient and releases a whisper of botanicals with each sip.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Empress Gin
- 0.5 oz Crème de Violette
- 0.5 oz El Guapo™ Lemon Cordial
- 2 oz Brut Rosé
- 1 oz Soda Water
- Mint and brûléed lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass combine the Crème de Violette and El Guapo Lemon Cordial.
- Add ice and stir until chilled.
- Add the soda water.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Gently add chilled brut rosé.
- Float the Empress Gin over the top for the color effect.
- Garnish with mint and a brûléed lemon wedge.
The Sweet-Tart Foundation: El Guapo Lemon Cordial
El Guapo Lemon Cordial is the backbone of this cocktail. Its balanced citrus profile creates the crisp, refreshing structure that supports the floral Crème de Violette and the botanical Empress Gin. Because the cordial is already perfectly calibrated for sweetness and acidity, the cocktail stays clean, bright and consistent every time. This is the ingredient that makes the Luck of the Iris more than pretty—it makes it balanced.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gin and lime cordial?
It is a citrus-forward cocktail that uses gin and a lime or lemon cordial as the primary balancing components. The cordial adds concentrated citrus flavor with a smooth sweetness for a polished finish.
What does the Luck of the Iris taste like?
Floral. Citrusy. Effervescent. The cocktail opens with botanical notes from Empress Gin, moves into the soft sweetness of Crème de Violette and finishes with bright citrus from the Lemon Cordial. Bubbles keep it lively from the first sip to the last.
Why use El Guapo Lemon Cordial
The cordial adds depth and consistency that fresh lemon juice alone cannot replicate. It provides the sweet-tart balance that anchors the drink and allows the floral elements to shine.
Can I substitute the Empress Gin?
You can use another high-quality gin, but you will lose the dramatic purple float that creates the signature layered visual. The flavor will still be delicious, but the presentation will change.
