Inspiration

The first time Damien encountered King Island Coastal Gin; he was instantly transported back to his local beach in Victoria. The gin’s unique notes of kelp, citrus, and sea salt evoked memories of summer afternoons and inspired Damien to create a cocktail representative of the spirit's coastal character.

Grapefruit juice - a summer staple, felt like a natural fit, but he wanted something deeper and more complex to do the gin justice. So, he fermented grapefruit with a touch of salt for two weeks, allowing it to develop a rich, layered flavour.

The result was a perfectly balanced, clarified grapefruit base that brought out the King Island Coastal Gin saline and citrus qualities. To add depth, Damien infused a tincture of nori and rosemary, complementing the bull kelp and native herbs in the gin with a hint of umami.

For the finishing touch, Damien created a visual tribute to the King Island coastline, crafting a coconut air that floats atop the cocktail, reminiscent of sunscreen and summer. Finally, a sprinkle of edible sand on the glass captures the magic of where waves meet the land.