Few bartenders boast the global reach that Shingo Gokan has built over the decade-plus history of SG Group, which includes concepts like Speak Low in Shanghai, Sip & Guzzle in New York City and, as of last year, Gokan in Hong Kong. His ability to build winning concepts across different cities and locales speaks to his understanding of local tastes and trends. But what is core to Gokan’s appeal is Shingo Gokan’s modern, flavour-focused approach to mixology.
As an example, the Tomatoberry Tree is a cocktail served exclusively at Hong Kong’s Gokan, but its template is one of the few styles of drinks adapted and served across all SG Group venues (see the Green Tomato Tree from Speak Low or the Tomato Tree from Sip & Guzzle).
“The story begins 15 years ago,” Gokan says, “when I learnt the technique of making clarified tomato water from a Japanese chef. Back then, no one really used tomato water – clear tomato was a sensational ingredient.”
