Review: Tjing Tjing Launches Bold New Cocktail Menu
Cape Town’s ‘underground’ nightlife scene can be exciting, to say the least. But, eventually, the novelty of entry-by-password speakeasy-themed hideouts, wine tasting in a 160-year-old tunnel, and secret gin bars (the actual underground) can wear off. Sometimes you want to soar above it all, sipping effervescent thirst quenchers in the clouds like some kind of fancy bird with an expense account. You want to feel like you’re being uplifted. Fortunately, Cape Town has no shortage of rooftop bars where you can indulge in elevated libations, but if you’re truly after the best, then you’ll want to head straight for Tjing Tjing.
One of the city’s best rooftop bars, Tjing Tjing is by no means a new spot on Cape Town’s bar scene, but this old favourite is breaking new ground with an exciting new cocktail menu created by a true mixology artiste.
Crafted by bar manager, Phil Burrows, the new cocktail menu puts a Japanese twist on much-loved classic cocktails to create flavour bombs you’ll want to write home about. Whatever you do, don’t discount these cocktails as just run-of-the-mill drinks with a cutesy twist for novelty’s sake. Each creation is hand-crafted and brilliantly executed to serve customers something truly exceptional in a glass.
The epitome of Japanese elegance, the interior and decor at Tjing Tjing’s rooftop bar mirrors the unique cocktail experience found on the bar menu. The interior was designed in collaboration with Francois du Plessis and features lounge-style seating, wooden mansards, indigo fabric wallpaper, and a striking shrine-red bar.
From the outset, it’s clear that this isn’t just any old watering hole. Everything at Tjing Tjing is done with intention; from the purposeful small details in the decor to the carefully crafted food and drinks. With the scene perfectly set, it’s time to explore the cocktail menu.
Cocktail lovers are spoiled for choice at Tjing Tjing Rooftop, where every cocktail stands out in its own way. There’s no need to be concerned with order regret here because anything you order will likely be the best version of that classic cocktail you’ve ever sipped on. Creativity and quality are at the forefront of each cocktail creation, and with so many Cape Town spots serving bang-average cocktails at sky-high prices, it’s refreshing to see something exceptional for a change.
The Show Me Negroni (which takes four days to make thanks to its cocoa nibs and hazelnut infusions) is a true bitter-sweet revelation that made me fall head-over-heels in love with Negronis. I’ve never really been a whiskey gal, but this cocktail has changed my perception of whiskey cocktails and if you love sour, bitter flavour combinations then you’ll want to put this concoction at the top of your list to try.
Rum fanatics will love the Murasaki Mojito with fresh mint, lime juice, citrus syrup and soda, with butterfly pea-infused Bacardi Carta Blanca rum. The zesty and refreshing Murasaki Mojito is made how a Mojito should be (a triumph all on its own) yet its flavours and appearance still manage to surprise you thanks to a pretty tinge of violet from the butterfly pea flower. Floated to resemble a purple sunset, this cocktail is as exciting to look at as it is to drink.
Or, for something a little more colourful, try the Mai Tai Yokai, a tiki-inspired mix of Bacardi Anejo Cuatro 4-year rum, Cointreau liqueur and Jagermeister, balanced with macadamia, pineapple and lime. Served in a Tiki glass, this cocktail is equal parts fun and delicious.
The aptly named, The Last Old Fashioned is a nod to ‘The Last Samurai’. The last word in Old Fashions, this cocktail is made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon infused with smoked and braaied sweet potatoes, complemented by black sesame and honey.
If you’ve grown tired of the classic G&T (haven’t we all?) but still have a soft spot for the Queen’s tipple, then you’re going to adore the Beetle Basil Smash. Roku gin, basil, thyme, lavender, lemon, and shiso, topped with tonic come together to astound your taste buds and reignite your passion for Mother’s Ruin. You’ve never had a G&T quite like this, so prepare your credit card because you’ll be ordering these all night long (tissues for your impending gin-induced emotional breakdown not included).
I tend to steer clear of tequila and tequila-based drinks so I was reluctant to try the Maeki-Neko margarita, but I’m so glad I did. This cocktail, with Cazadores Blanco Tequila, lime, grapefruit and yuzu koshō, with a togarashi and sea salt rim is as exciting as they come.
For those who don’t like the sound of the above, there are plenty of other choices to wet your whistle. Additional options on the inimitable cocktail menu include the Maneki-Neko Margarita, Kon Kon Toki Sour, Southside Kodama and a bevvy of other character-filled cocktails, each packing the perfect flavour punch.
If choosing between the endless cocktail options becomes a burden too great to handle, then I suggest making your selection based on one of the beautiful accompanying illustrations on the menu (what could go wrong?).
Finally, if you’re peckish and looking for a nibble, then be sure to check out the food menu for some delicious bar snacks, or ‘otsumami’ as they say in Japan. Classic bar snacks on the menu include spiced nuts, a plate of pickles, crispy rice balls and more. A shared plates menu is also available and features a range of options, including deep-fried chicken wings (Tebasaki), steamed buns (Hirata), grilled skewers (Yakitori), pan-fried dumplings (Gyoza) and much more.
Tjing Tjing Rooftop is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 4pm to close. For more information visit the Tjing Tjing website here.
