Live Twice isn’t just your typical Japanese bar wannabe. The tasteful mid-century modern decor takes a page off a bygone era in Japan and shakes up tipples that go against the traditional purist ideals of how a Japanese bar should be. As you walk by the narrow passageway, the space beckons you in with an alluring amber glow and luxurious furniture – we’re talking $3000 Falcon armchairs – as well as an oddly shaped communal table right next to where the magic happens.
At its head is David Kim, a Diageo World Class finalist who steadily held rank since joining the group at the start of 2022. The South Korean bartender stirs up drinks that are fresh, polished and playfully experimental without all the bells and whistles. Garnishes are kept simple – if they appear at all – and the cocktails’ crystalline clarity is emphasised by elegant Kimura glassware.
There are 14 drinks on the menu, with the first half inspired by classics you’d find in a Japanese craft cocktail bar. The latest take on the classic bamboo ($26) features the clever use of fino sherry and palo-santo-infused vodka. It arrives unassumingly simple but conceals a superb balance of woody and umami notes that screams finesse.
On the other side of the menu are creations named after geisha. The rather auspicious Flourishing Youth ($26) arrives as a tall drink with a blend of Roku Gin, Kayuki Ume Spirit, Merlet Apricot Liqueur and Bi Luo Chun tea – a refreshingly clean balance of fruity and floral flavours with a dry tannic finish.
There is also a seasonal selection now, starring three curated tipples at each time. Our pick is the Solaris ($28) which encapsulates summer in pleasant sips that tease the taste buds. The initial sip brings forth savoury and earthy flavours while the garnish of mini tomatoes helps lift the palate with short bursts of sweet and tart sensations.
But if you’re a stickler for stiffers, the dangerously deceptive Vesper ($26) is definitely of James Bond. The class act combines Tempus Fugit Kina L'Aero D'Or (a fortified Cortese wine because the original Kina Lillet is no longer in production), Ki No Bi Sei Navy Strength Gin and Ketel One Vodka. The aggressive shake results in thin ice shards ice breaking off, adding texture to the lethal concoction that’s otherwise as smooth as an assassin.
You should also order the food here. The real stars are the sandos. The highly raved-about wagyu katsu sando ($44) slathered in tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayonnaise, lives up to the hype. The tamago sando ($24) is another worthy contender. Light bites such as stingray fin with kosho aioli ($16) and the smoked daikon and trout roe dip ($14) serve well as accompaniments for the peckish.
Happy hour runs daily from 6pm to 8pm with a selection of four quality tipples priced at $16
