A Japanese gin interpretation of a modified Aviation variation, featuring Roku gin’s unique botanical profile. This recipe can be prepared using three different methods, each highlighting different aspects of the spirits involved.

Core Ingredients:

• 2¼ oz (67 ml) Roku Japanese Craft Gin
• 1 oz (30 ml) maraschino liqueur
• 1 oz (30 ml) crème de violette
• 1 dash grapefruit bitters
• 1 dash cardamom bitters

Classic Method

For a refined, sakura-forward service

Additional Ingredients:

• ¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice

Equipment Needed:

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine mesh strainer
• Coupe or Nick & Nora glass

Instructions:

1. Fill shaker with ice
2. Add all ingredients including fresh lemon juice
3. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds (slightly longer than with London Dry to account for Roku’s delicate botanicals)
4. Double strain into chilled glass
5. Garnish with fresh cherry blossom (in season) or dried sakura flower

Desiccated Method

For a tea-forward concentrated flavor

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 sachet desiccated grapefruit pulp

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Julep strainer
• Coupe or Nick & Nora glass

Instructions:

1. Add all liquid ingredients to mixing glass
2. Add desiccated grapefruit sachet
3. Fill with ice
4. Stir gently for 45 seconds (longer than with London Dry to allow tea botanicals to open up)
5. Strain into chilled glass
6. Garnish with dried yuzu peel if available, or dried grapefruit wheel

Mason Jar Method

For casual service and extended sipping

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 sachet desiccated grapefruit pulp
• Ice cubes

Equipment Needed:

• 16 oz mason jar with lid

Instructions:

1. Add all liquid ingredients to mason jar
2. Drop in grapefruit pulp sachet
3. Fill jar about ⅔ with ice
4. Secure lid and shake briefly
5. Drink directly from jar, reshaking as needed

Tasting Notes

Each preparation method highlights different aspects of the drink:

• Classic: Floral-forward with yuzu brightness and sakura finish
• Desiccated: Complex tea and citrus notes, with lingering sansho pepper
• Mason Jar: Evolves from floral to tea-forward as it dilutes

Tips for Best Results

• Roku’s lower proof (43% ABV) and complex botanicals benefit from the increased pour
• The green tea botanicals in Roku will become more pronounced as the drink dilutes
• Consider chilling the Roku in advance for the mason jar version
• The sansho pepper notes can intensify over time, adding a pleasant complexity

This version highlights Roku’s Japanese botanicals while maintaining the drink’s violet-forward profile. The yuzu and sakura elements create a natural bridge between the gin and the violet liqueur.