Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition Launch at Botanic House

Overview

Luke Nguyen is diving into the spring season with an exclusive lunch and dinner at the stunning Botanic House in partnership with Roku Gin and Grandiflora for one day only, Thursday, September 26.

When thinking about Japan and springtime, the first thing that will pop into your mind's eye is undoubtedly cherry blossoms — or sakura. The sakura season is one of the most popular times of the year in Japan, as the pink petals blanket the country.

Roku, which translates to 'six' in English, is made with six distinctly Japanese botanicals. Each of these botanicals is plucked at the peak of its seasonality — as is the Japanese practice of Shun. Roku Gin is celebrating seasonality with the launch of Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition, the first in Roku Gin's Seasonal Festive Collection.

The menu on the day is inspired by the special edition gin and Japanese cuisine: "The flavour profile of Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition really marries well with my style of cooking," says Luke Nguyen. "I love cooking lovely, fresh, vibrant flavours. My cooking philosophy is very simple. Keep it simple. Don't complicate it, but always source the best ingredients. And when you use the most premium and fresh ingredients, the cooking is so much easier." A philosophy shared by Roku Gin.

Guests will enjoy a Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition cocktail on arrival — a G&T naturally — at neighbouring Palm House, where House of Suntory ambassador and host James Buntin will be waiting — read our chat with Buntin about Roku Gin and Shun. Following welcome drinks, guests will be ushered through the stunning Royal Botanic Garden to the Botanic House restaurant, There, guests will enjoy a three-course Japanese-inspired menu with paired cocktails for each course — Roku Gin Spritz for the entree, Roku Hanami Fizz for the main, and Spring Bramble for dessert.

In addition to the delectable Japanese-inspired menu, guests will also go home with a delightfully floral full-size fragrance from Grandiflora. It was crafted by florist-turned-perfumier Saskia Havekes, founder of Grandiflora  (50ml, valued at $220), who used the limited edition gin as the inspiration and template for the bespoke fragrance. This fragrance will only be available at exclusive Roku Gin and Grandiflora events happening throughout spring in Sydney.

Join Luke Nguyen at Botanic House for lunch at 12.30pm or dinner at 6.30pm on Thursday, September 26. Tickets are available on the Botanic House website. Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition is available at Dan Murphy's stores nationwide. Find out more info and purchase on the website.

Image Credit: Mark Sherborne