Martini Moments with Haku Vodka

Overview

If you're a massive fan of refined Japanese fare paired with a crisp yet flavoursome martini, then we have good news for you. Three Japanese restaurants in Sydney will be serving complimentary martinis made with House of Suntory's Haku Vodka to omakase diners during the months of September and October.

Haku Vodka's signature serve is the Haku martini, which showcases the craftsmanship, nuanced flavour and exceptional quality of the premium Japanese spirit. Haku Vodka frequently collaborates with notable omakase restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne to showcase its versatility and celebrate stunning Japanese cuisine. Head to these three restaurants to enjoy a bespoke martini paired with an incredible meal for the ultimate Japanese-themed night out in Sydney.

Besuto

This intimate spot, hidden on the second floor of the AMP building, is the perfect hideaway for an evening of fine dining with someone special. Besuto comes from Joel Best and Finnish celebrity chef Tomi Björck, who have enlisted Hirofumi Fujita to helm the kitchen, crafting the intricate dining experience for each of the restaurant's guests. We sat down with Best to get his take on omakase; read it here.

During the month of September, guests will enjoy a bespoke Haku Vodka Yuzu martini paired with the first dish of the omakase menu, the Mystery Bento box. This dish includes the freshest fish available that day at the market. It will contain Sydney rock oyster with yuzu jelly and finger lime for a pop of zesty freshness, firefly squid, three kinds of sashimi, mini blue-fin tuna roll, pipies, Hokkaido scallops and ikura.

You can also enjoy the special martini and seafood bento box at Bar Besuto, which is only a four-minute walk from the restaurant in a discreet basement hidden down an alleyway.

The Besuto x Haku Vodka activation bookings will open from September 1. The offer is available for bookings in October. Book your spot on the Besuto website.

Bay Nine

Located along the heritage Campbell's Stores waterfront precinct, Bay Nine is always a popular choice for lovers of high-end Japanese fare. The diminutive dining room has only a smattering of tables and a 10-seater counter where guests can watch as Chef Kim Kihoon prepares the delectable 11-course omakase meal. It's dinner and theatre, all in one.

The omakase menu changes daily, depending on what's in season and what fish is available at the city's best seafood suppliers. But regardless of what's on the menu, guests for the omakase menu during the month of September will receive a complimentary Bay Nine spring martini. The martini is made with Haku Vodka (of course), Yoshinogawa Yuzushu citrus liqueur, cherry juice and yuzu honey tea. It promises a subtly sweet taste profile balanced with a touch of citrus to provide the perfect counterpart to the fresh fish and delicate Japanese flavours on the menu.

The Bay Nine x Haku Vodka activation is available for Saturday lunch slots and during the omakase and set menu bookings on Thursdays to Saturdays from September 1. Book your spot on the Bay Nine website.

Moku Sydney

Native Australian ingredients and Japanese flavours and techniques combine at this two-storey bar and restaurant in Darlinghurst. Moku Sydney is helmed by celebrated head chef Ha Chuen Wai and bar manager Charles Chang, who creates considered cocktails to complement Chef Wei's menu.

Here at Moku, the omakase menu is truly a personalised affair. It's only served on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and there are only six seats available, so be sure to book well in advance. There are some truly special dishes on offer here, from the eye-catching sea urchin and caviar on 'crystal bread' to the delectable sashimi and sushi.

Guests who rock up for the omakase dinner during the month of October will enjoy a complimentary cocktail crafted by Chang that marries well with the Japanese-fusion fare. Chang has crafted a rice martini with gentle fruity notes with a savoury-forward junmai ginjo sake. It's served in a traditional Kagami crystal glass and garnished with lemon myrtle oil and leaf for a dash of freshness.

The Moku Sydney x Haku Vodka activation is available during the month of October. Book your spot on the Moku Sydney website.

Make your booking at either of these three restaurants during the month of September and receive a complimentary martini to enjoy with the first course of your omakase meal. To learn more about Haku Vodka, head to the House of Suntory website.

Image Credit: Mark Sherborne