Need another reason to be excited for spring? A botanical-themed spirit and food festival is coming to the National Botanic Gardens
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A G&T in the National Botanic Gardens anyone?
If your idea of a weekend well spent is with a glass of something delicious (and botanically infused) in hand, you might want to know about Canberra’s newest spirit and food festival—Botanica.
Bringing over 20 distillers and crafters together to help you taste, smell, and learn about the botanicals that are expertly crafted into some of our favourite tipples (including award-winning gins and spirits), from Saturday 2 until Sunday 3 September the team behind the popular Sunset Cinema will transform the Australian National Botanic Gardens into an immersive—and delicious—celebration of all things sensory.
That’s right—we’re talking four hours of sampling gin and spirits, eating at a variety of food trucks, shopping botanical ingredients, and purchasing plenty of full-sized products to take home (did we mention you’ll also get free a goodie bag and tasting glass?).
With plenty to explore (and taste), here are four things not to miss during Botanica: Spirits & Food Festival.
The tastings
With your choice in tastings of over 75 craft gins and spirits included in your ticket price (you read that right, we’re talking UNLIMITED access to distillers), you’ll need to take your time to truly enjoy this experience.
From Antipodes Gin Co to Hickson House Distilling Co, Hold Fast Distillery, Karu Distillery and Ladbroken Distilling Co (as well as local spirits maestros like Ambrosia), you’ll be treated to an immersive experience where you can learn about the distilling process, and the history of the brand as you sample the product.
And if you decide to take a bottle or two home (which… let’s, be honest, you will) there will also be a special ‘purchase cloak room’ so you can store your goodies while you continue browsing, shopping, and enjoying everything Botanica has to offer. Just make sure to pick them up on your way out!
The food
With four hours to explore, taste and play, stopping off at one of the food trucks to fuel up is a must. They’ll be serving up your favourite meals or snacks so grab a chair and relax as you enjoy a break from spirit tastings in the sun—we promise it’ll be a feast for the tastebuds.
Think: local legends The Hungry Brown Cow, handmade chocolates from Studio Cocoa, tasty BBQ chicken tikka from Tikka Stand, goodies from the Botanic Gardens’ own Pollen Café, gluten-free doughnuts from OMG Decadent Doughnuts and more.
Don’t forget to check out the stalls featuring native ingredients and goods as well (Melaney & Co, Bentshed Produce, Boozy Candles, and Alchemy Tea just to name a few)—there’s sure to be a tasty treat in there!
The bar
Enjoying the day but looking for a drink that’s slightly more…curated? The Archie Rose Garden Bar will be serving up some of the finest full-serve drinks.
Treat yourself to a botanically-infused cocktail (like the Red Centre Negroni or Eucalypt Mule) or a beer to sip away on while enjoying the unique outdoor experience. And with the live stage close by the bar, it’s the perfect opportunity to settle down for a relaxing afternoon listening to industry professionals.
The talks
Once you’ve explored the stalls—and have a drink in hand—head to the stage. From a Martini Masterclass and live cooking demonstration to whisky education, foraging, and sustainability talks, a women in the industry talk, cooking with a natives masterclass, and much more, the full program features distillers, bartenders, and industry professionals exploring the topics they’re passionate about.
Our picks? Look out for the Martini Masterclass hosted by SoHi Spirits and the cooking with natives’ demonstration from Bentshed Produce. As well as having fun, you’ll be sure to learn something new—including handy tips on how to make an exceptional gin cocktail at home.
Just in time for the warmer weather (and Father’s Day—perfect for spending an extra special day with the father figure in your life), tickets are now on sale for the Botanica: Spirits & Food Festival.
No matter if you’re a connoisseur seeking to expand your palate, or a curious explorer looking to discover new tastes and flavours, Botanica is the event to attend this September. Celebrating a fusion of nature, craft, and community, run, don’t walk (or drive).
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Botanica: Spirits & Food Festival.
When: Saturday 2 until Sunday 3 September, 1 pm – 5 pm.
Where: The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton.
Tickets + more information: botanicafestival.com.au
Images supplied.
