Distillery Botanica and Mr Goaty Gelato in Erina tourism site

A GIN, coffee liqueur and goat’s milk gelato oasis is emerging in Erina, giving a boost to one of the Central Coast’s oldest tourism sites.

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A GIN, coffee liqueur and goat’s milk gelato oasis is emerging on the Central Coast.

Two local businesses have breathed life, as well as delicious fresh flavours, into their home at The Fragrant Garden in Erina.

Distillery Botanica and Mr Goaty Gelato are expanding their businesses, and turning their fragrant hub into a Central Coast tourism destination — and yes there are some boozy gelato flavours on the cards!

In the first week of January 2019, Mr Goaty Gelato is opening a gelato coffee shop which is set to include 14 flavours of gelato and some of the best coffee on the Coast.

Mr Goaty Gelato is opening a gelato and coffee cafe in six weeks

Owner Dan Hughes, who served up Australia’s first premium goat’s milk gelato in 2015, said production has doubled in the last year. The father of two makes the award-winning gelato on site and is looking forward to opening the cafe.

“We get out into the community and do a lot of events and local weddings,” he said.

“Having the opportunity to now open a shop front is incredible.”

The business uses ingredients from the garden to make some of the most unique gelato flavours including lavender and honeycomb, banana cinnamon caramel and turmeric and orange.

The gelato has won Gold and Silver Medals in Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards

Mr Hughes said he was also working with Distillery Britanica’s master distiller Philip Moore for a gin and tonic gelato.

“We have the opportunity here to collaborate with Phil and do some boozy gelato,” he said. “We already do a whisky, black tea and orange flavour.”

Distillery Botanica has been at the site since 2005, and is home to award-winning tipples including Moore’s Dry Gin, Distillery Botanica Gin and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur which is doing well over in the US and UK.

Mr Moore said the business was planning to introduce a gin visitor’s centre and a gin botanic gardens, educating and showing visitors how gin is made.

Master Distiller Philip Moore. Picture by Mark Scott

Visitors will soon be able to make their own gin

“We’ll also be inviting people to make their own gin,” he said.

He said Distillery Botanica was also one of four businesses set to launch Central Coast Scenic Sips, a local gin/wine/beer trail. The other businesses on the trail are Firescreek Winery in Holgate, Six String Brewing Company in Erina and Block ‘n Tackle Brewery in Kincumber.

Mr Moore said people from Sydney can be on the Coast within an hour for the Scenic Sips tour.

“It will encourage people to do the four facilities in a day,” he said.

It's all happening at The Fragrant Garden site in Erina

TAX CUTS SUPPORT BUSINESS

Assistant Minister for Treasury and Finance Zed Seselja visited both businesses today, and was thrilled to hear about the expansion plans.

Mr Seselja said the businesses were able to pay less tax and invest back into their businesses with the Federal Government’s legislated tax cuts for small and medium business.

“It’s about employing more people on the Central Coast and supporting small businesses,” he said.

“Government living within its means is our economic plan, guaranteeing essential services to those here on the Central Coast, and across the country.”

Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks, and the Assistant Minister for Treasury and Finance Zed Seselja sample the gelato

Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks said the site on Portsmouth Rd was a special place for Coasties.

“Those who knew it as children can now explore it as adults in a different way,” she said.

“These are two people giving it a go, funding a niche in the market and putting the Central Coast on the food map.

“Our plan to back small business is giving businesses like Mr Goaty Gelato and Distillery Botanica the confidence to grow their businesses and employ more staff.”