One of Rome’s most popular and unique cocktail bars, DRINK KONG BAR, combining 1970s futurism, King Kong and Japanese motifs in a black, neon-lit, nightclub-like space, is a true “instinct bar” where instead of choosing cocktail names you have to think about the flavours, aromas and sensations you want to experience here.
With its psychedelic and eclectic décor and talented team, DRINK KONG BAR immediately gained such huge popularity from the moment it opened, that it was honoured the Campari One To Watch 2019 award in the same year. And in 2023, it was ranked 21st in The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Headed by one of the best bartenders in the city, Patrick Pistolesi (while this is his first solo project), the place attracts mixology enthusiasts with the most progressive cocktails in the city and the most minimalistic menu, which shows the name of the drink and the main alcohol. Although it’s a bit like “ordering blind”, you won’t go wrong and any drink will be a real pleasure — thus the bar has earned the trust of its customers and there is always a full house here.
DRINK KONG occupies four rooms, each with its own unique atmosphere: from the smoky and neon-dark metropolis inspired by the film Blade Runner to the Japanese design of the Ginza Room — a cherry wood-trimmed room with huge graffiti depicting Japanese fighters. The third room is dedicated to music, while the fourth is a tribute to 80s video games.
The elegant and slightly intimate, carefully designed lighting is perfect for leisurely sipping mysterious cocktails in a fun company whenever you come in.
Patrick Pistolesi’s new menu is called Perimetro E Forma and continues the bar’s tradition. According to him, a drink is like a polygon — changing one or more sides changes its shape, reforms it, defining a new perimeter. In this way, the reorganisation and combination of several shapes opens new boundaries, creating “short-circuits” in taste and opening up endless possibilities.
The intrigue of choosing cocktails was immense, but the combinations we chose were all absolute top picks.
Starting with Signature cocktails, which have already become a permanent classic of the place:
CANOVA — Ford’s Gin, Thyme, Rosemary, Basil, Black Olives Cordial, Vinegar (16€)
A gimlet based gin, with the citrus notes of Yuzu, the botanical that DRINK KONG has included in the collaboration with the brand for its Limited edition. The drink evokes Mediterranean flavours thanks to a homemade cordial of aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, basil and black olives.
GA-RI-BAWL-DEE — Distilled Campari Bitter, Orange Cordial, Distilled Campari Left Over (15€)
This cocktail has been given an international and modern look by the bar team to specifically emphasise in the Campari gem that has brought the bar good fortune in ascending within 50 Best Bars rating.
The next blend, CODEX, rounded and complex, will clearly appeal to “daring” drinkers — with deep bold bitter notes, redistilled with aubergine to give vegetable notes on the very finish.
CODEX — Eggplant Redistilled Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Bobby’s Gin, Savoia, Mancino Rosso Amaranto Bitter, Cacao White Liqueur (17€)
And a cocktail that has become our absolute favorite:
GAIJIN — Nikka Coffey Grain, Miso, Milk, Pineapple (20€)
A mix based on coffee bean to enhance notes of corn, citrus and tropical fruits. It is a distillate-based milk punch and cordial made from pineapple and miso to give a light touch of umami. Served in a special ceramic glass that should be held with two hands, and by bringing it closer to your face, you will be able to recognise all the nuances of flavour before tasting.
Drink Kong
Address: Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti 8, 00184 Rome Italy
Opening hours: MON—SUN: 6:30 pm—2:00 am
Instagram: @drinkkongbar
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
