32

Drink Kong

Rome

Complex drinks delivered simply with style

Don't expect anything remotely close to a traditional Roman aperitivo bar at Drink Kong. Rather, stepping through the doors feels like descending into a Blade Runner noir landscape. Opened in 2018 and orchestrated by the enigmatic Patrick Pistolesi, the space is a sprawling, multi-room labyrinth of neon signage, dark wood and minimalist Japanese aesthetics. It is a venue defined by 'instinct': a philosophy that encourages guests to choose their drinks based on flavour profiles and moods rather than specific spirits or complex ingredient lists.

The drinks in the Flux menu are lean, ice-focused and often crystal clear, hiding layers of complexity behind a veil of simplicity. Its aesthetic mirrors the visual identity of the bar, with abstract imagery and geometric lines drawing thirsty eyes towards Pistolesi's collection of 29 intricate creations, split across three sections. In the Fundamental-Source category, expect drinks like the Sintesi, made with bourbon, amaro, passion fruit and saffron honey. Further down the list in Transcendent-Crossover, the Gaijin 外人 combines Nikka whisky with miso, milk and pineapple for a silky sip imbued with Japanese ingredients.

Pistolesi's love for Japan is especially evident in the Ukiyo room, a private tasting space where the focus shifts toward rare spirits and omakase-style service. By stripping away the pretension of the traditional cocktail menu, Drink Kong has created a futuristic temple of hospitality that has helped place Rome at the centre of the global cocktail conversation.

Contact