Suntory House
Matcha and melon-float-inspired cocktails, a basement izakaya and a vending machine stocked with konbini snacks are among the things waiting to be discovered.
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Overview
Sydney's CBD has a new spot for after-work drinks, group catch-ups and nights that are likely to stretch a little later than planned. Taking over the basement of Sakura House at 82–88 Elizabeth Street until Saturday, October 3, Suntory House brings Japanese-inspired cocktails, shared plates and a full lineup of Suntory drinks into one limited-time residency.
If you're familiar with Suntory, you'll already know a few of the names on the menu. Toki Whisky, Roku Gin, Haku Vodka, Hakushu, Yamazaki, Maker's Mark, Laphroaig, Jim Beam, Canadian Club, The Premium Malt's Beer, Minus 196 RTDs and Suntory BOSS Coffee are all part of the experience, giving you the chance to work your way through the brand's broad drinks portfolio in one place.
The cocktails take plenty of cues from Japanese ingredients and drinking culture, with signature serves inspired by matcha, wasabi, melon floats, Japanese coffee culture and even folklore. Classic cocktails also get a Suntory spin, with Japanese flavours bringing a different take to familiar serves.
Then there's the food. Head downstairs to the basement izakaya for a shared-style menu designed around nomikai, the Japanese tradition of drinking and eating together with friends. The setup is made for settling in over shared plates and drinks, with the kind of atmosphere that lends itself to a long catch-up.
There's more to discover between rounds, too. An in-venue vending machine is stocked with Suntory-branded merch, konbini (Japanese convenience-store) snacks, gifts and redeemable vouchers — giving you even more reason to explore the venue. For a taste of Japanese nomikai culture, visit mid-week. Hi-Kara Wednesdays pairs a Suntory Kakubin Whisky Highball with juicy chicken karaage for $25, making it an irresistible excuse to drop in for a drink and a bite.
Suntory Global Spirits' story goes back to 1899, when founder Shinjiro Torii began the company in Osaka, and its pioneering approach eventually led to the creation of Japan's first authentic single malt whisky. That history is reflected in the range on offer here, which spans Japanese whisky and gin, beer, RTDs and non-alcoholic drinks such as BOSS Coffee.
For Sydney drinkers, the appeal is really in getting all of that under one roof. You can drop by for a Japanese-inspired cocktail after work, settle into the basement izakaya with friends or spend an evening working your way through Suntory's different drinks and the food on offer.
Suntory House is at Sakura House, 82–88 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, until Saturday, October 3. It's walk-ins only, so you can simply head in and see where the night takes you.
Images: Supplied
