RECAP: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Event at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Nestled within the lush foliage of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a delightful collision of Gin and Shrub Syrups unfolded at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. "ORI-GIN STORY: The Garden in Your Glass" offered attendees an exclusive opportunity to experience the collaborative creations of Geelong-based artisans, Anther Spirits and The Curious Cabinet, in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Alcohol-free Pink Grapefruit Spritz. Made with Grapefruit, Rosemary & Lemon Myrtle Shrub Syrup.
The event, which took place against the backdrop of the Gardens' verdant beauty, showcased a unique fusion of flavors featuring Anther's Fluroscence Gin and The Curious Cabinet's Pink Grapefruit Shrub Syrup with Rosemary & Lemon Myrtle, as well as Boysenberry Shrub Syrup with Bay Leaf. Featuring Anther's Fluroescence Gin, they served up two delicious cocktails Florescence Boysenberry Spritz and The Shrubbery which also featured The Curious Cabinet's Shrub Syrups. Focused on creating delicious alcohol-free drinks, The Curious Cabinet served up two mocktails, Blushing Garden Spritz and Boysenberry & Bay Tea-Ni. Each drink was carefully crafted to highlight the beautiful wonders within the gardens including garnishes of River Mint, Cucamelon, Rosemary, Lemon Verbena and Bay Laruel.
Anther Distillery’s Cocktail “The Shrubbery” featuring Floresence Gin, Grapefruit with Rosemary and Lemon Myrtle Shrub Syrup and Elderflower Liquor.
Guided by Royal Botanic Garden Melbourne's resident horticulturist, Jenny Bell, attendees were treated to an immersive journey into the stories behind the botanicals and plants that inspired these innovative products. As participants got to stroll through the gardens and sip on their beverages, they were able to touch, smell and see the Botanics that have been distilled in Anther's and The Curious Cabinet's products. Participants also had the opportunity to indulge in a sensory journey, tasting intriguing delights such as cucamelon, finger limes, and Buddha's hand.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Horticulturist Jenny Bell, showing off some of the Gardens’ beautiful herbs from the Children’s Garden.
"ORI-GIN STORY: The Garden in Your Glass" encapsulated the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and appreciation for nature's bounty. By bringing together the expertise of Anther Spirits, The Curious Cabinet, and the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the event offered a truly unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Left - Right: The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Horticulturalist Jenny Bell, The Curious Cabinet Founder Pia Cook, Anther Distillery Founder Dr Dervilla McGowan.
Special thanks to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for supplying these photographs of the event.