One of Norway’s most famous and progressive bars, HIMKOK has quickly conquered the global cocktail scene. As a proud representative of many international rankings, the bar team showcases a memorable and sophisticated experience that sets them apart from others.
Opened its doors in 2014, HIMKOK, the founder of Scandinavian cocktail culture, has risen over the past 6 years to an honorable 10th row on the The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 edition.
Indeed, such accolades do not come easy. Bar owner Erk Potur and his brilliant team strive to enhance the guest experience and capture the essence of Norwegian culture, tradition and nature, with typically Scandinavian flavors — cloudberry, seabuckthorn, birch, by creating unique cocktails and distilling spirits while keeping the environment authentic and accessible.
Located in one of Oslo’s old brick buildings, HIMKOK (translated as “Moonlight”) is often referred to as a bartender’s paradise. Almost all of the drinks that are made at the bar are developed on site.
When you enter the main area, the immediate thing that catches your eye is the distillery, where own gin, aquavit and vodka are made. The backyard is a more casual space — local ciders and beers are on demand, while the second floor serves classic cocktails on tap, and the speakeasy — the heart of HIMKOK — is on the first floor where you can observe the distillery over a cocktail.
However, the in-house production doesn’t end with the drinks — all the herbs for the bar are grown in a purpose-built greenhouse. HIMKOK is a multitude of bars, laboratories and cozy corners, disposing to leisured relaxation with inspiring Scandinavian motifs and cocktails.
In September 2024, HIMKOK introduced a new BEATS & SIPS menu in collaboration with Sony Music Norway, featuring top Norwegian artists presenting songs inspired by 13 new signature cocktails. The concept is designed to enhance the traditional drink experience by harmonizing the synergy of sound and taste.
Led by the head of research and development Paul Aguilar, bar manager Maroš Dzurus and senior
bartender Sebastian Sandvik, the HIMKOK team has developed a menu that continues to spotlight the rich cultural heritage of Norway. As with the bar’s previous menus, the cocktails are centered around one ingredient and use in-house spirits including Aquavits, Gins and distillates.
All songs will be featured on the menu with a QR code that will direct guests to Spotify, also all songs are included on the bar’s playlists.
As the bartenders themselves say: “A cocktail is an ode to good times, capturing joyful moments and the spirit of togetherness.”
We were among the first ones to test a few new drinks:
Seabuckthorn — Buffalo Trace bourbon, Cocchi Americano vermouth, sea buckthorn berry cordial — sweet, sour and fruity. Its tartness and vibrant colour capture the enduring spirit of the Norwegian people and their connection to the land.
Thyme — tequila, Himkok gin, Italicus liqueur, thyme. A bright, herbaceous highball that epitomizes the refreshing, pristine nature of the Norwegian mountains and fjords.
Quince is a newly released HIMKOK x LINIE (Himkok Aquavit aged in LINIE’s carefully selected oak sherry casks), a limited edition collection, inspired by the sweet and earthy notes of Norwegian autumn.
Smoked Malt Cocktail — earthy tastes meet the art of distillation. Infused with birch sap and a touch of smoked alder, each sip is a journey through the country’s wild landscapes and cultural heritage.
Do you want to relax in a quiet environment or have a party with friends while enjoying good drinks? The HIMKOK team has taken care of that too, launching the “Ready to drink” series of canned cocktails — high-quality ingredients, well-balanced, exceptional taste in every can, suitable for various occasions — from quiet evenings at home to social gatherings and celebrations.
HIMKOK Bar Oslo
Address: Storgata 27, 0184 Oslo, Norway
Instagram: @himkok.oslo
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
