As a proud sponsor of Pride Week in Victoria, British Columbia, the iconic Fairmont Empress hotel has created a “cocktail for two” in honor of love and equality. Developed and served in the vibrant and welcoming Q Bar, this mojito-inspired sip also features summer produce from the hotel’s edible garden, which encompasses the entire rooftop of the reception lobby and touts herbs, flowers and edibles like rosemary, sage, onions, strawberries, pansies and wild roses.
“Mint grows so fast we cannot ever seem to sell enough mojitos,” says Albert Kirby, Q’s general manager, about the blooming garden that inspired the Pride of the Empress. “Mojitos are one of those cocktails that love diversity — nearly everything goes with the refreshing mint-lime combo that partners with rum so well. It also happens to be one of our bestselling ‘off menu’ cocktails, so it’s a great opportunity to give it a few minutes of fame.”
The Pride of Empress proffers two cocktails in one glass — each large 800-milliliter cocktail serves a pair. “Think the spaghetti dinner in ‘Lady and the Tramp,'” Kirby says. “If you’re flying solo, one could enjoy this aesthetically beautiful, palate-pleasing cocktail. Just be sure to take it slow!”
An extra bonus: the Fairmont Empress offers the popular “Love is Love” package year-round and, for each package booked, a donation is made to Victoria Pride Society. Cheers to love!
Pride of the Empress
Serves 2
3 ounces white rum
2 ounces lime juice
1 1/2 ounces simple syrup
1/4 cup freshly picked mint
1/4 cup diced strawberries
6 ounces prosecco
Garnish: 2 mint sprigs, 2 strawberry slices
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake together to incorporate. Pour into a large format glass over fresh ice. Top the glass with 6 ounces of prosecco and garnish with a mint sprig and strawberry slice. Add straws to enjoy together.
