THE STORY BEHIND THE COCKTAIL NAME

This intimate cocktail is a toast to Minami Seki, a very good friend of mine from Saitama, Japan.

Minami and I met six years ago on her student exchange to a very hot Australian summer, and despite an enormous language barrier we quickly became close.

Roku Gin is the exceptional hero spirit of my creation, of which I crafted to have lifted and aromatic qualities whilst maintaining the earthy and herbal character of Roku.

I foraged the gloriously aromatic Australian native lemon myrtle to integrate a slightly herbal note from our own outback, in a method traditionelle French sparkling reduction. I specifically selected this sparkling for its blossom, white fruit, and citrus qualities that harmonize perfectly with the bright profile of Roku. To really make this tipple burst with a white garden aroma and provide an effervescent and delightful mouthfeel, the drink was topped with a homemade yuzu soda, highlighting one of my favourite traditional Japanese botanicals of the Gin.

The final product is what I believe to be a delicate, refined drink that heroes not only the flavours of two nations but captures the beauty of the relationship I have with a friend close to my heart but half a world away.

This drink is a celebration of a friendship built on confused looks, broken language, unbearable heat, and a lot of laughter. To this day, Minami and I continue to write monthly letters to each other, ending each one with the words “see you again.”

“Saikai” is the Japanese word for reunion.

A toast to you, Minami!