Sip Japanese Gin At This Spring Garden Pop-Up In Mission Bay

Nature is waking up as the season of new beginnings starts. With it, we’re treated to longer daylight, blossoming flowers, and balmy weather allowing us to be out and about. And there’s no better way to celebrate the magic of Spring than a lush garden pop-up at Azabu Mission Bay.

The beachside eatery has joined forces with Roku Gin to host a modern take on Hanami. The traditional Japanese festival sees people welcoming spring and its transient beauty. In this vibrant interpretation, we’re treated to an immersive experience to delight and engage the senses.

Roku Presents Hanami is taking over the ever-popular venue from now until the end of November. A thoughtfully curated menu has been rolled out for the occasion with a cocktail list featuring the distinctive botanicals of Roku Gin. The tipples are appropriately paired with delectable dishes from Azabu’s innovative spring menu.

Time your visit for a Sunday and the scene is set for a kicked-back al fresco afternoon in the beautiful courtyard. Tunes are provided by a guest DJ, while the seasonal Roku cocktails are shaken and stirred to perfection.

Choose from the invigorating Roku & Sonic with fresh ginger or opt for the zesty grapefruit and yuzu Rosa Dulce. Negroni lovers will appreciate the shiso number with sour rhubarb and sweet vermouth. There’s also the Murasaki (or “purple”) that pairs beetroot with lemon, egg white, pepper, and blood orange. 

It’s the perfect opportunity to cement your love of Roku Gin or, if you’re unacquainted, explore what the craft gin has to offer. Roku—aptly translating to “six”—showcases six delicate Japanese botanicals: sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, and sansho pepper. 

When crafted, the traditional concept of shun (pronounced “shoon”) is embraced. Sourced over the four seasons, each botanical is attentively harvested at its peak. The result? Each flavour is captured at its height of taste and freshness. It’s the seasons in a bottle.

It’s a refreshing change of programming from the conventional London Dry gin your taste buds might be used to. In its place, the distinctive Japanese botanicals magically transport you to the streets of Osaka.

So, welcome spring with a very fitting toast at Roku’s Hanami celebrations at Azabu. Exquisite flavours poured and plated plus the promise of good times aplenty. We’ll see you there!

The Details

What: Roku presents Hanami at Azabu Mission Bay
When: Friday, October 20 to Thursday, November 30
Where: Azabu Mission Bay, 44 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Roku Gin and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.