Sip your way through cozy season at Fairmont Empress

It feels like we were just cooling off with a honey lavender lemonade on the veranda, but it’s already time for fall flavours to retake the spotlight. Simple fall cocktails are great, but sometimes you want an autumnal drink that’s truly special. Below are some of Fairmont Empress’ new fall cocktails you’ll find on their menu!

Smoke & Chill – The perfect fall margarita 

1 oz jalapeno infused casamigos 0.5 oz mezcal 0.5 oz Cointreau 0.75 oz lime juice 1 oz grapefruit 0.5 oz agave syrup

There’s no reason to say goodbye to the margarita just because summer is over. In this cocktail, the tequila is infused in-house for 24 hours to give it a subtle hint of spice. This cozy take on the classic is smoky, spicy, and the perfect warming fall cocktail to sip on with friends and family.

Mix all ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake, no strain. Rim your glass with Tajin spice from middle to top and garnish with a fresh lime wheel.

Autumn Harvest – Drink less, but drink better

Fall cocktails, but make them low-ABV. This seasonal stunner features a classic fruity combination you’ll want to sip all evening. The botanical rhubarb gin and blackberry syrup makes for a sweet and sharp mix of flavours that’s simply irresistible—a perfect thirst-quencher for the autumn months.

1.5 oz Sheringham Rhubarb Gin 0.5 oz Galliano 1 oz lime juice 0.5 oz blackberry syrup4 muddled blackberries

The same care goes into crafting Fairmont Empress’ low proof cocktails. They provide plenty of flavour without as much punch, so you can meet your moderation goals or stay in it for the long haul.

Build, muddle, shake, double strain, and add a sugar-dipped blackberry for garnish.

Bee Witched – Spooky season in Q Bar

Who needs candy when you have Halloween cocktails? As the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest, Victoria has a ghostly history that comes to life in the month of October. Before you head out on your favourite spooky adventure, make sure to stop by Q Bar for this boo-zy cocktail.

2 oz Belvedere 0.75 oz spiced Empress honey 0.5 oz lemon 0.5 oz orange

With a spice blend of cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, black peppercorn, and chili flakes with vanilla-infused Empress honey, this cocktail gives off all the fall spice vibes. 

Quick shake, double strain, and garnish with a burnt orange peel. 

Nergroni Violet – Riffs on riffs but still adhering to the bitter

A refreshing riff on the White Negroni. This cocktail brings in a little bit of Empress flair to the classic. Subbing in Empress Gin and locally made dry vermouth for a balanced and bitter taste.

1 oz Empress Gin 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc 0.5 oz Luxadro bitter 0.5 oz Esquimalt dry vermouth 2 dash orange bitters

Stir, strain, and serve on ice with a grapefruit twist. 

It’s officially time to say goodbye to the days of rosé and Aperol Spritz and to warm yourself up with a crisp fall cocktail—check out Q Bar’s fall cocktail menu. Q Bar is walk-ins only, open daily from 11:30am, live music daily from 6pm, and DJ’s from 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays.