DRINK KONG, ROME
This month we're heading to the heart of Rome to visit one of Europe's most celebrated cocktail destinations. Regularly featured on The World's 50 Best Bars list, Drink Kong is renowned for its bold creativity, striking atmosphere and world-class cocktails.
LOW TIDE NEGRONI
This month's cocktail is the Low Tide Negroni, a distinctive signature serve from Drink Kong that captures the bar's innovative approach to modern classics.
Built around a familiar Negroni foundation of gin, Campari and Asterley Bros Estate English Vermouth, the drink is elevated with dry Amontillado Sherry, savoury black olive brine, a touch of coffee amaro and just a few drops of vanilla liqueur. The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail that is rich, complex and unmistakably Mediterranean, proving that even a timeless classic can still surprise.
DRINK KONG
Located in Rome's vibrant Monti district, Drink Kong has become one of Italy's most internationally acclaimed cocktail bars. Founded by renowned bartender Patrick Pistolesi, the bar combines Japanese-inspired design, retro-futuristic interiors and exceptional hospitality to create an unforgettable drinking experience.
Known for its creativity and technical precision, Drink Kong continues to push cocktail culture forward while remaining approachable and welcoming. Its latest menu, Flux, reflects this philosophy, encouraging guests to explore flavour through curiosity and balance.
Currently ranked No. 40 in The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 and No. 32 in Europe's 50 Best Bars 2026, Drink Kong has firmly established itself as one of Europe's must-visit bars.
THE DRINK
The Low Tide Negroni offers a savoury twist on a beloved classic. Bright citrus and bittersweet notes are complemented by the nutty complexity of Amontillado Sherry, while black olive brine brings a subtle saline character that gives the cocktail its name. Gentle hints of coffee and vanilla round everything out, creating a smooth, layered Negroni with remarkable depth and balance.
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TO SERVE YOUR LOW TIDE NEGRONI
- Pop the pouch in the freezer for 40 minutes until nicely chilled.
- Pour into an ice-filled tumbler or old-fashioned glass.
- Garnish with a slice of orange, slipped into the glass
DRINK!
THE RECIPE
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Gin 20 ml
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Asterley Bros Estate English vermouth 20 ml
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Ammontillado Sherry 20 ml
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Campari 30 ml
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Leccino Olive Brine 5 ml
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Amaro al Caffè 1.25 ml (Easily available alternative: Mr Black Coffee Amaro)
- Liquore Vaniglia - 3 drops (Easily available alternative: Giffard Vanille de Madagascar)
To recreate this delightful Negroni variation, simply follow the instructions below:
- Add the ingredients above to an ice-filled cocktail shaker and stir for 60 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
- Pour into an ice-filled tumbler or old-fashioned glass.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and serve
- If you want to prebatch your drinks to serve quickly later, just add another 10ml water to the ingredients above, to ‘pre-dilute’ the blend