Empirical Cilantro
Empirical Cilantro is a 38% ABV (76 proof) botanical spirit in a 750mL bottle, vacuum-distilled in Brooklyn, New York by Empirical, the flavor company founded in 2017 by Noma alumni Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen. Built on a smooth French wheat base, it is an expression of the whole cilantro plant — leaf, stem and seed — lifted by tomatillo and lime, with no sugar added. Released in fall 2024 as the first bottling in Empirical's new bartender-focused line, it takes one of the kitchen's most divisive herbs and makes it bright, grassy and disarmingly approachable. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 38% (76 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Base: French wheat
- Botanicals: cilantro, tomatillo, lime
- Origin: Brooklyn, New York
- Production: low-temperature vacuum distillation; no sugar added
The Whole Plant, Stem to Seed
Empirical built its name on ignoring spirit categories entirely — flavor first, labels later — and Cilantro is the clearest statement of that ethos since the company relocated from Copenhagen to Brooklyn. Fresh cilantro leaves bring the green, citrusy top notes; tomatillo evokes the flavor of the stem; lime sharpens the leaf's natural brightness; and a touch of vinegar ties the whole plant together. Shelf-mates in the same new line, Empirical Olive and Empirical Stonefruit, take the same approach to savory olives and autumn fruit. Find Cilantro in the liqueur collection and on the spirits shelf, or browse all of Empirical's releases at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
A bright citrus bouquet and a pop of garden-fresh herbs up front, finishing dry and mineral with hints of fennel and green tomato. Refreshing, grassy and herbal — and notably free of the soapy note cilantro skeptics fear.
How to Enjoy
Split it with blanco tequila or mezcal in a Margarita for a savory, herbaceous twist, pour it long with soda in a highball where the green notes open up beautifully, or use it to give a Last Word a fresh herbal backbone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Empirical Cilantro a gin?
No — Empirical calls its spirits "uncategorized." It is a French-wheat spirit distilled with cilantro, tomatillo and lime, bottled at 38% ABV with no sugar added.
I don't like cilantro. Will I hate this?
Probably not — the distillate reads fresh, green and citrusy rather than soapy or metallic, and it was designed to win over skeptics in classic cocktails.
What cocktails does it suit?
Margaritas, highballs with soda, and herbal classics like the Last Word and Corpse Reviver.
Fresh, green and utterly singular — order Empirical Cilantro online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.