Cookin’ on the Coast: A Fresh & Fragrant Feast
Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin with Lemongrass Chicken Bowl
S14, E10
When you want a dinner that feels bright, vibrant, and completely revitalizing, Vietnamese-inspired noodle bowls are second to none. For Episode 10 of Cookin’ on the Coast, Chef Heidi is serving up a “better than takeout” family favorite: Lemongrass Chicken Bowls. Packed with crunchy veggies, fragrant herbs, tender marinated chicken, and a zesty garlic-chili dipping sauce, this bowl is a sensory explosion.
And to match a dish so overflowing with fresh botanicals and zippy citrus? We’re serving a pour from right here on Vancouver Island that takes the classic Gin & Tonic into a whole new dimension of refreshment.
The Beverage: Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin
Crafted just up the road in Sidney, BC, by Victoria Distillers, Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin is a masterclass in spirit innovation. Inspired by the legendary afternoon tea flavors of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, this spirit expertly blends eight hand-selected botanicals: classic juniper berries, lively lemon peel, juicy orange peel, fragrant jasmine, and warm cardamom, with fresh garden cucumber infused post-distillation to preserve its crisp, garden-fresh brightness.
In the glass, especially when topped with a quality tonic like Fever-Tree, it bursts with lively citrus zest, delicate floral aromas, and an unmistakable crisp cucumber finish. At 42.5% ABV, it strikes the ultimate balance between bold botanical complexity and effortless crushability.
Behind The Bottle
Victoria Distillers has been crafting some of North America’s finest spirits since 2008, holding a proud title as one of Canada’s pioneer artisan distilleries. Operating out of their stunning waterfront facility in Sidney, Master Distiller Phil Lecours and his team take endless inspiration from Vancouver Island’s coastal beauty.
Beyond creating world-renowned, award-winning spirits, Victoria Distillers is deeply committed to sustainable craftsmanship. Their custom closed-loop geothermal system recaptures excess heat generated during distillation and transfers roughly 850,000 BTUs of energy per run to the neighboring Sidney Pier Hotel. This ingenious setup saves over 7,000 liters of water per batch while significantly lowering their carbon footprint. Drinking local never felt, or tasted, so good.
Ready to elevate your home cocktail game? Head to your nearest Liquor Plus liquor store to pick up a bottle of Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin!
The Dish: Chef Heidi’s Lemongrass Chicken Bowls
This recipe is all about build-your-own fun, texture contrasts, and big, bold Southeast Asian flavors.
It begins with a deeply aromatic marinade made by pounding garlic, sliced lemongrass, cilantro roots (or stems), white and black peppercorns, coriander seeds, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are flattened and marinated to soak up every drop of flavor before being grilled or broiled to juicy perfection with a subtle, smoky char.
The bowls are assembled over a bed of chewy rice vermicelli noodles and an array of cold, crisp toppings: torn lettuce, matchstick carrots, sliced English cucumber, radishes, bean sprouts, fresh mint, and cilantro. Everything is brought together with a pour of sweet, sour, and savory garlic-chili nước chấm dipping sauce.
Grab the full recipe here: Chef Heidi’s Lemongrass Chicken Bowls
The Perfect Pairing: Why It Works
Pairing a cocktail with a complex, herb-heavy dish can sometimes be a gamble, but a Cucumber Lemon G&T and Lemongrass Chicken Bowls are pure culinary harmony:
- Mirroring the Aromatics: The lemongrass, garlic, and fresh herbs in the bowl find an instant soulmate in the gin’s jasmine, cardamom, and citrus peel. Instead of competing, the drink and the dish build an incredible aromatic bridge.
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The Post-Distillation Cucumber Factor: Because the garden cucumber is infused after distillation, its crisp, cooling profile acts like an extra slice of fresh English cucumber right on top of your bowl, effortlessly taming the heat of the red Thai chili.
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Citrus & Tonic Effervescence: The lively lemon and orange peel notes in the gin, combined with the crisp carbonation of tonic water, slice through the rich, savory umami of the fish sauce marinade and cleanse your palate after every bite.
- Dual Refreshment: Both the dish and the drink prioritize bright, fresh, and light elements. It’s a low-heavy-carb, high-flavor pairing that leaves you feeling energized rather than weighed down.
Cancel Your Takeout Orders
Who needs a flight to Southeast Asia or a restaurant reservation when you can turn your own kitchen into the ultimate flavor destination? Grab a bottle of Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin at your local Liquor Plus, load up your basket with fresh herbs and produce at Country Grocer, and tune in to Season 14, Episode 10 to cook along with Chef Heidi and Shanyn. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Liquor Plus Sponsors Cookin’ on the Coast
Each week, Liquor Plus sponsors the Pairings segment of Cookin’ on the Coast on CHEK. The show features unique food and drink pairings offered by BC suppliers, with recipes created by Chef Heidi Fink and sponsored by Country Grocer. All of the beverages featured on the program can be found in Liquor Plus stores across Vancouver Island.
