Botanist Gin Van: Salty caravan collaboration story

As the mercury drops in other states, the Sunshine State will be home to Queensland’s first dedicated gin caravan, created by The Botanist Gin and Camplify, to offer cocktail lovers the ultimate overnight accommodation experience!

From the 9th of April until the end of June, travellers who book a long weekend (Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday) in the refurbished vintage caravan ‘Salty’, The Botanist’s exclusive caravan, will be treated to a gin lovers delight. The van, available to book on Camplify, will be kitted out with a complimentary 700ml bottle of The Botanist gin, a 4 x pack of Fever Tree Tonic Water in their new recyclable cans, and other preserved ingredients to create some beautiful gin cocktails for every weekend stay in The Botanist caravan.

The Botanist Van (aka Salty the Caravan) is a vintage viscount caravan that has been brought back to life. With a cosy coastal vibe, The Botanist Van is destined for beachside holidays. Spend time with your family and loved ones exploring what the Queensland coast has to offer. For those who haven’t towed a caravan before, The Botanist Van can be towed and set up for travellers headed to any destination within 50km of Tugun.

“We love our yearly trip to Tallebudgera Creek Tourist park where we can stay waterside on the crystal clear creek. Sandstone Holiday Resort at Bribie Island is also a must with a water park, jumping pillow and so much more.

Jenna Rogers, owner of Salty the Caravan told us of her favourite hidden gems in Queensland. "Another popular destination for those hiring the van is Kookaburra Park on the Sunshine Coast, which has a farm stay feel without the crowds”.

The Botanist Gin also features sweet and earthy flavours combined with delicate floral and herbal notes of the 22 botanicals of Islay. Each sip of this gin reveals deeper layers and more complex combinations of delicate flavours. The Botanist Gin boasts a rich and mellow taste that is cool on entry then warming across the palate, stimulating the taste buds with a round mouthfeel and citrus freshness. The balance and complexity are distinctive.

Just some of the suggested delights you could be treating yourself to:

The Gulliver’s Collins, providing the ultimate refreshment.

Ingredients:

• 60ml The Botanist Gin

• 30ml Lemon Juice

• 15ml Sugar Syrup

• Top with Soda Water

• Lemon Wheel for garnish

The Botanist G&T is a classic that never goes out of style, with rosemary and orange as a garnish.

Ingredients:

• 30ml The Botanist Gin

• Top with Fever Tree Tonic Water

• Rosemary & Orange for garnish

Method: Build in glass and stir. Garnish with rosemary and orange.

Betty’s Summer Cup is a fuss-free version of a summer favourite.

Ingredients:

• 40ml The Botanist

• 30ml Pimms

• 30ml lime juice

• 15ml sugar syrup

• 4-5 mint leaves

Method: Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake well. Fine strain into a cocktail glass then garnish with a mint leaf.

The Mint Seventy Five, a unique twist to a champagne cocktail.

Ingredients

• 40ml The Botanist

• 20ml fresh orange juice

• 15ml mint sugar syrup

• Sparkling wine

• Orange zest

Method: Shake The Botanist, orange juice and mint syrup together and top up with sparkling wine. Serve in a flute garnished with orange zest.

To book The Botanist’s dedicated caravan, from $100 per day, head here. For more information on The Botanist gin and cocktails, visit www.thebotanist.com.