Australian distillers Hickson House have produced an ode to the Australian summertime with the release of its Hickson Rd. Wild Rosé Summer Cup.
Produced in collaboration with Regal Rogue Vermouth, the expression is an all-Australian, hand-crafted iteration of the classic British Fruit Cup.
Barrelhouse Group co-founder Mikey Enright says, “Summer Cup is perfect for aperitivo hour to celebrate Hickson House’s upcoming first birthday and our great Australian Summer. This collaboration with my good friend Mark Ward’s Regal Rogue has been six months in the making.
“Julian (Train), Tim (Stones) and I are thrilled to introduce Summer Cup to the Hickson Rd. family,” Enright continued. “Looking forward, 2023 will see new liquids, new cocktails and a new menu as The Rocks revival gathers pace.”
Gin-based, with a dry, tropical fruit aroma, the Summer Cup embraces hints of citrus, vanilla and dried fruit, complementing the unmistakable juniper notes.
Light and refreshing, the expression provides a versatile base for a range of lower-ABV cocktails and more sophisticated serves. The liquid is also designed to inspire customers’ and bartenders’ creativity, encouraging experimentation with their favourite flavours.
After blending the Hickson Rd. Australian Dry Gin with Regal Rogue’s organic Wild Rosé Vermouth, Hickson House head distiller Tim Stones adds a variety of botanicals into the mix.
Fresh muntrie berries are steeped for five days to build the fruity character of the vermouth and enhance the distinctive, vibrant rosé colour. Additionally, he delicately blends tonka bean and bush tomato distillate from a 70L copper still to balance the liquid.
For more information, go to hicksonhouse.com.au