Behind The Story

Having spent two years at ABODE Bistro. Bar, Lucas naturally found his place behind the bar. What started as part of his role quickly became where he felt most at home - experimenting with flavours, crafting cocktails on the spot, and surprising diners with drinks created straight from his travel experience and imagination.

Known among the team for his passion and creativity, Lucas was encouraged by his colleagues to enter the PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts NSW 2025 Cocktail Competition. Competing alongside fellow cocktail enthusiasts from ABODE Bistro. Bar and BAR30 & Bistro, he brought his love for storytelling through flavour and vibrant colours to the stage.

All he needed was a push of confidence, and today, his winning cocktail is proudly being served across both venues.

Slide on to discover the story behind the drinks.

Shiso Lovely

Isn't Shiso Lovely? Shiso Lovely was born from a memory Lucas brought home after travelling through Japan earlier in 2025 where he discovered shiso-infused cocktails and fell in love with the herb’s unexpected character - refreshing like mint, yet subtly spicy and earthy. 

Wanting to recreate that moment behind the bar, he built the cocktail around premium vodka, layering in floral lychee, warm Dom Benedictine and a bright squeeze of lime, before finishing it with butterfly pea tea soda for a gentle fizz and striking colour shift. 

The result is a playful, aromatic cocktail that feels light, vibrant and made for summer - a Japanese-inspired flavour reimagined with a modern Australian twist, and one that’s dangerously easy to sip.

The Best Pairing

Shiso Lovely shines alongside rich, savoury dishes, where its bright acidity and herbal notes lift and balance each bite. 

Paired with our fried bar snacks, the contrast between soft textures and crisp acidity feels effortless, and with seafood such as octopus, the drink amplifies minerality and freshness. 

Overall, Shiso Lovely is a natural match for fatty, herbaceous and gently umami-driven dishes, making it an easy yet thoughtful pairing across the menu.

Available in ABODE Bistro. Bar and BAR30 & Bistro. Limited time only.