Big River Distilling Co collaborates with Lotus Dining Group for a signature gin

A staple of Australian school lunches, the sweet little orange fruit is also considered a traditional symbol of abundance and good fortune during Chinese New Year.

It was this crossover that led to a collaboration between the Fyshwick distillery and Sydney's Lotus Dining Group, in charge of some of the city's finest Chinese restaurants, including Lotus Barangaroo, Lotus The Galeries and The Gardens by Lotus.

"They'd done a beer with White Bay Beer Co and they were looking to do something in the gin space and we started talking," Morton said.

"They had a clear vision to create a unique Chinese-inspired gin to serve at their seven Sydney venues, and when I tasted the first batch I pictured myself standing in a Chinese kitchen."

The Mandarin Gin's dominant flavour is fresh mandarin peel which marries perfectly to the five spices of Chinese cuisine - szechuan pepper, star anise, fennel, cinnamon and clove - that round out the blend.

"Individually they're all strong spices," says Morton.

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"So we spent a bit of time making sure to get the balance right.

"But they really complement the citrus character, the star anise gives you an apparent sweetness, the pepper gets the taste buds going, they all work well with the gin over a juniper base, so we're very, very happy with the result."

Lotus Dining Group beverage manager Matthew Stewart said the gin would pair well with Peking duck, xiao long bao and siu mai.

"As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are excited to make something special that celebrates Lotus' values," he said.

"The creation of our very own Mandarin Gin with Big River Distilling Co is a continuation of our journey collaborating with independent, local producers, to constantly innovate our beverage program across our venues."

Morton suggests serving it on mandarin or blood orange juice, and there's a salt and citrus tonic on the market it also pairs well with.

Canberra gin aficionados can sample Lotus Dining Group's Mandarin Gin and purchase directly at Big River Distilling Co.'s cellar door or online at bigriverdistilling.com.au

Or when you're next visiting Sydney, Mandarin Gin is poured at all seven Lotus Dining Group venues.