Roku Gin Spring Series

Overview

Sip, savour, and step into spring with Roku Gin. The Japanese craft gin brand is celebrating the beauty of the season and the launch of Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition with a series of special offers at select Sydney venues.

Each venue will craft a bespoke cocktail showcasing the refined flavours of the newly launched gin—the first in the Japanese gin's Seasonal Festive Collection—which highlights the delicate cherry blossom notes.

So, which venues are getting involved? Check them out below:

Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition at Botanic House

Botanic House — October 1–31

First up on the roster is Botanic House hidden away in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Fresh off the launch event for Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition with Luke Nguyen, the talented bartenders at this watering hole are adding a special cocktail to its menu called 'A Night in Tokyo' — a delicate fruity number with Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition, strawberry-infused Campari and jasmine tea.

Terrace on the Domain — October 1–31

Next on the list is this convenient locale at the cusp of the Royal Botanic Gardens opposite the Art Gallery of NSW. Finish a day of perusing the incredible art exhibitions at the Gallery or its new modern art sister gallery next door with a special cocktail and some tasty bites here.

Bar 83 — October 1–31

Not one for the faint-hearted — or those afraid of heights — this literal next-level venue is perched atop the iconic Sydney Tower. Bar 83 doesn't just deliver great views; its food and cocktails stack up as well. Its bartenders are serving up the My Amai cocktail. Translated, it means "my sweetness," and it is a subtly sweet drop with Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition, rose syrup for even more floral notes with lemon juices and whites for balance. Make the journey up Sydney's arguably most recognisable tower and toast to good company and epic vistas.

Roku Gin at Reign at The QVB

Reign at The QVB — October 1–31

The 120-year-old Queen Victoria Building has added a regal-themed bar to its decadent offerings. After spending an arvo working your way through the building's sprawling retail venues, make your way here to perch by the opulent windows and people-watch as you enjoy a delectable Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition cocktail with your friends (and some delicious eats). Dubbed the Sakuragi Spritz it's a suitably bubbly and fruity number made with Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition, St Germain, Pommery Brut Royal Rosé Champagne and chrysanthemum syrup.

Me-Gal Mosman — October 1–31

Taronga Zoo's one-of-a-kind eco-retreat is home to an elegant dining room that opened to the public last year. Me-Gal Mosman boasts panoramic views of the Sydney skyline from across the harbour — and a soundtrack of wildlife that you won't enjoy anywhere else in the city. We can't think of a more unique spot to wile away an evening this spring with a delicious floral cocktail.

Kid Kyoto — October 1– November 31

Transport yourself to the bustling Japanese city — without the airfare — with an evening at this neon-lit izakaya, Kid Kyoto. Expect nineties tunes (think grunge and rock: lots of Nirvana and Nine Inch Nails) paired with a menu that pays homage to classic Japanese flavours while toying with surprising ingredients and textures. Contrast your surroundings with a bright and floral concoction dubbed the Hanami-tini with Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition, Cinzano Bianco and a dash of cherry blossom syrup — it'll put you in the mood for spring.

Roku at Bistro George at Jackson's on George

Jackson's on George — October 15–November 15

This CBD stalwart is back with inventive pub feeds, a European bistro and an expansive rooftop bar. Jackson's on George is a flash multi-storey and multi-concept pub with a classic pub on the ground floor, a lush bistro above that and an expansive rooftop bar up on top. Here, you can enjoy a Pink Sakura cocktail, a nice celebration of the floral gin with Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition, apricot, honey-fermented blueberries and lemon as the sun sets on these warmer evenings in the city.

Green Moustache — October 1–November 15

North Sydney's foliage-filled Green Moustache is also taking part in Roku Gin's spring series with a cutesy Princess Peach cocktail. It's a delightfully fruity blend of Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition, crème de peche, lemon, rose syrup and whites for lift. Located mere steps from the new Victoria Cross Metro station, it's the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city north of the bridge with a bespoke cocktail.

Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition and Grandiflora fragrance

Each participating venue will offer a unique cocktail, and as a special gift, anyone who orders one of the special cocktails will receive a complimentary sample-sized Grandiflora sakura perfume crafted by florist-turned-perfumier Saskia Havekes, founder of Grandiflora. Havekes used the seasonal gin as the template and inspiration for the delicately floral perfume. This fragrance will only be available at exclusive Roku Gin and Grandiflora events happening throughout spring in Sydney.

Sip, savour, and step into spring with Roku Gin. The gin is available at Dan Murphy's stores nationwide. Find out more info and purchase on the website. Enter Roku Gin's competition to win a full-sized perfume here.

Images: Mark Sherborne