"A bar is a refuge. It's a place where people can be themselves, meet friends, and create memories. And we, bartenders, are ambassadors of human nature," says Patrick Pistolesi of Drink Kong, ranked 40th among the world's best bars. During his unique guest shift at Prague's Forbína, Patrick created an evening that combined precise technique, creative cocktails, and a truly authentic atmosphere.
A bar is more than a place; it's an experience
Patrick Pistolesi, founder of Rome's Drink Kong, brought not only his experience from the global bar scene to Prague, but also four original cocktails that perfectly capture his approach to bar culture. Prague's Forbína bar was the perfect setting for the evening. Drink Kong is a concept that combines retro-futuristic design with innovative mixology—a space reminiscent of a futuristic arcade with neon lights, dark aesthetics, and several rooms full of creative impulses, serving as the backdrop for a highly personalised cocktail experience.
Patrick brought the Canova cocktail to Forbína, based on Malfy Originals and a Mediterranean cordial—a slightly herbal, citrusy, fresh, and elegant drink. The second item on the evening's menu was Vida Loca, featuring Del Maguey Vida, Strega, Tio Pepe Fino, and a red pepper–mint cordial—a spicy, delicately sweet-and-sour cocktail with smoky notes of agave. This was followed by Japanegroni, in which Ki No Bi, Campari, Lillet Blanc, and Suze create a bittersweet composition with a distinctive herbal character. The evening ended with the Red Passion cocktail, based on Havana 7 rum and complemented by Lillet Blanc, Ancho Verde, and a tomato–passion fruit cordial—the result was a fruity-spicy, complex drink with a delicate sweetness.
Patrick's approach is based on a balance between technical precision and human experience. "You have to approach each guest individually. If everyone is satisfied—which is, of course, very difficult—things will turn out well," he says in an interview with VisitChef magazine, emphasising that quality bar service is not about showmanship, but about the relationship with the guest.
Precision, authenticity and connection with guests
The entire evening showed why the bar is more than just a job for Patrick—it is a philosophy of life. Guests watched not only his cocktail-mixing technique, but also the way he communicates with and inspires his fellow bartenders: how he guides them to perceive taste, the rhythm of service, and respect for tradition. His approach combines high quality with personal creativity—as he himself says, every detail, from the lighting to the bar counter to the selection of ingredients, is part of the overall experience.
At Drink Kong, guests can enjoy both modern creations and classic drinks such as martinis and gin and tonics. According to Patrick, these prove that a cocktail does not have to be complicated to be unforgettable. "It's about people taking away a memory—whether it's a simple drink or a complex cocktail," he adds, pointing out that Drink Kong is not just about technique, but above all about the atmosphere that brings people together and creates stories.
Whether it was the striking flavour contrasts of the four original cocktails or the personal interaction between the bartender and the guest, the evening at Forbín proved that European bar culture can combine technique, taste, and authenticity to create a space where every cocktail, every detail, and every guest has its place. Guests left not only with exceptional drinks, but also with the feeling that they were part of a lively, fascinating, and truly authentic bar experience.
