EVERYONE'S LOVES NEGRONI!!

Italians do it ... Bitter!

Let’s be honest, we don’t come into this world loving bitter tastes. Our palates develop over time, and we learn to appreciate complexity and depth. But, in nature, the bitter taste is a warning. Animals often associate bitterness with poison, which is why it’s a bit of an acquired taste for humans.

Do you remember the first time you tasted a Negroni? Was it love at first sip? Well, maybe if you were already into bittersweet drinks like an Aperol Spritz or Americano, or if you’re one of those coffee-and-tea-without-sugar people (or if you’re from South America and already know 'mate'!) But if you weren’t used to bitter flavours, I’m guessing it wasn’t an instant romance.

But guess what? Over time, the Negroni has conquered the globe. It’s now one of the most popular and recognisable cocktails in the world! According to Drinks International 2024, it’s ranked #1 (non-mover) among the top 100 cocktails in terms of consumption trends!


Negroni Tales

In our consultancy work, we had the pleasure of helping a big Negroni fan create some signature options for his bar menu. His venue "Daikan Izakaya" is a Japanese Izakaya-style spot, cozy but modern, with a pop of contemporary design. While working on crafting a new cocktail list for him, he mentioned how he was captivated by the Japanese cultural phenomenon of "karoshi" – which translates to “death by overwork.” We all know it’s often humorously associated with the image of “drunk Japanese businessmen sleeping on the street.”

With this somewhat dark, yet fascinating concept in mind, we found the perfect fit for a new Negroni twist. We named it “Sin City Negroni Tales,” drawing a parallel to Dubai’s own excesses of glitter and glam – a true city of sins.


“Those who are able to see beyond the shadows and lies of their culture will never be understood, let alone believed, by the masses.” – Plato   


This new menu embraces a distinctly Japanese influence, with each Negroni variation offering a unique twist. The names and ingredients are carefully crafted to tell a story, with pre-batched drinks in bottles featuring custom labels inspired by the 'Karoshi' concept and visually striking coasters, bringing the narrative to life through both flavour and design.


SIN CITY NEGRONI TALES 

Fuji Tive

Nashi Pear Campari, Sweet Red Vermouths Blend, Fuji Apple Sparkling Sake


Melon Crime

Melon Campari, Sweet Red Vermouths Blend, Gin, Shiso Shōchū


Indigo Prints

Watermelon Suze, St-Germain, Gin, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, coloured with Indigo


SHŌCHŪ HIGHBALLS

Yuzu / Passion Fruit / Peach & Litchi

DAIKAN SIGNATURES:

Momo Bellini
Peach, Calpico, Yuzu, Prosecco

Litchi Paloma

Tequila, Caramelised Peach-Litchi & Yuzu Cordial, Grapefruit, Lime, Salt

Break Yu Martini

Yuzu Marmalade, Gin, Orange Liqueur, Lemon, Yuzu, Katzu Toast

Tokyo Express

Vodka, Guinness - Caramel & White Miso Sauce, Coffee, Matcha

Natsu Martini

Vodka, strawberry, Shiso Shōchū, Watermelon, Citrus

Mitsubachi Sour

Whisky, Hojicha & Cacao Nibs Honey, Lemon, Egg White, Bittes

Spicy Basil Smash

Wasabi & Cucumber Cordial, Gin, Fresh Basil, Yuzu, Sugar


NON-AKU KUBIN
(Non-alcoholic feeling)

Nihon Collins

Tanqueray 0.0, Grapefruit & Chili Shrub, Tonic

Flamingo Fizz

Tanqueray 0.0, Strawberry & Rose Shrub, Tonic

No-Groni

Tanqueray 0.0, BTTR, Conviv Blend, Raspberry 


PHOTO GALLERY