CRAYON Hi-Fi @ BEAD AD
April 2024
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Last April, we had the exciting opportunity to bring something fresh and bold to the BRED Street Art & Music Festival in Abu Dhabi – our very own pop-up bar, Crayon Hi-Fi.
The concept was a perfect match for the festival’s vibrant, eclectic energy. Nestled in a prime rooftop location with an unbeatable view of the artist’s stage, we crafted a cocktail bar that was not only visually striking but also built to withstand high volumes of guests. From the beginning, we knew the vibe had to be as colorful and dynamic as the event itself.
Inspired by the Japanese listening bars, our vision was to create a warm, welcoming space with a nostalgic nod to classic design—think primary colors like vibrant blues, reds, and yellows, along with the rich warmth of wood and bold accents. The mood board was our first step in defining the atmosphere we wanted: fun, interactive, and, most importantly, approachable.
One of the showstoppers was our White Board, strategically placed next to the DJ booth. Equipped with a large set of colorful markers, it became an instant hit. Guests eagerly left their mark—whether it was a quote, a doodle, or a signature—creating a living, evolving piece of art that gave the bar a sense of connection with everyone who came through.
We kept the decor playful and minimalistic—vinyl displays, leather sofas by the balcony, high tables near the bar, and strategically placed plants. It was all about creating a laid-back atmosphere while still maintaining that edgy, artsy vibe the festival is known for.
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The Challenge
With a lineup of 8 signature cocktails and 1 non-alcoholic option, managing a high-output pop-up bar for a five-day festival was a challenge—but one we were ready for. With only two of us running the show, we needed to be quick, efficient, and always on top of our game.
We had to keep our cocktails both creative and practical. Flavors that pleased the crowd, ingredients that could be easily replicated, and a service style that matched the fast pace of the event—everything had to be top-notch, no exceptions.
Luckily, we had some support from a nearby venue that handled our market lists and allowed us to prep ingredients up to two days before the event. This partnership was a huge lifesaver!
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Menu Design
The menu design was a creative high point for us. We loved creating a visual identity for each drink, highlighting its inspiration and flavor profile. For example, our Spicy-Ta cocktail, a play on the classic Margarita, was presented with an image of an orange margarita glass, complete with a chili beside it. This playful, yet informative, visual style was echoed across posters and standing foam boards behind the bar, making it easy for guests to pick their next drink.
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The Cocktails
Here’s where things got fun—our cocktail list was quirky, inventive, and absolutely festival-friendly. Here’s a taste of what we served up:
Fish in a Bag 🐠
Gin, dry botanicals, tonic, and… a fish sticker.
Remember those plastic bags at the fairgrounds holding a little fish? We recreated the experience! This drink was served in a sandwich bag, sealed with a rubber band—complete with a straw. It was a conversation starter, and a crowd favourite.
No Pain No Gain 🥥
Rum blend, pineapple, orange, yuzu, coconut, and blue matcha.
A frozen slushy-style cocktail perfect for the heat of the Middle East. Think mix and natch of Painkiller and Piña Colada cocktails ...with a cool, matcha twist!
Cast Away 🍍
Rum blend, signature cereal milk, pineapple, marshmallow banana, lime, and clarified, burned marshmallows.
A rum punch like no other—clarified milk meets childhood nostalgia in a drink that was as fun as it was delicious.
Spicy-Ta 🌶
Tequila, passion fruit, vanilla agave, chili, lime, and togarashi powder.
Spicy, fruity, and served frozen—it was a Mexican margarita with a fiery kick.
Tsubukai Negroni 🍊
Gin, vermouth, umeshu, and Campari.
A mellower twist on the classic Negroni, served from a “Negroni fountain.” The show was as much about the spectacle as the drink itself.
Wa-Basil Mule 🌿
Vodka, basil, wasabi, lime, ginger ale, basil leaf, and salt.
A unique mule that packs a subtle wasabi heat, perfect for a refreshing, aromatic drink.
Smoky Paloma 🕊
Tequila, mezcal, yuzu hibiscus cordial, grapefruit, soda, and charred grapefruit.
A smoky twist on the classic Paloma, elevated with a grilled citrus slice for extra depth.
Crayon Express ☕️
Vodka, white chocolate, cherry cold-brewed coffee, and a pretzel stick with white chocolate chips.
This was a crowd-pleaser, and when it ran out on the final day, we had to serve it in the slushy machine to keep up with demand!
Angel’s Collins 👼
Homemade grapefruit & chili shrub, tonic, fresh grapefruit slice.
Simple, refreshing, and just the right amount of heat... felling in love with its heavenly delicious simplicity.
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The Outcome
Our bold, crafted cocktails were more than just drinks—they became a conversation starter and a part of the festival experience. Every drink had its own personality, from playful presentations to quirky flavor profiles, and we’re proud to say the Crayon Hi-Fi bar was a hit.
Whether it was the wild Fish in a Bag or the smooth, smoky Paloma, guests walked away with not just a drink, but a story. And that’s what we’re all about—creating experiences that are unforgettable.
From the unique concept and the fast-paced service to the interactive design elements and the unforgettable cocktails, Crayon Hi-Fi became a key part of the BRED festival experience. And with a few more pop-up adventures ahead, we can’t wait to keep pushing the boundaries of what a festival bar can be.
