Himkok menu imagines cocktail as a lamp
Oslo cocktail bar Himkok has created a new menu that reimagines each drink as a series of design objects.
Titled ‘Designed by Sipping’, the new menu was created in partnership with Norwegian design duo Studio Sløyd and creative agency 2.edition.
The menu is said to blend Himkok’s ‘locally rooted cocktail craftsmanship’ with contemporary Scandinavian design.
Mikkel Jøraandstad and Herman Ødegaard founded Studio Sløyd as a tribute to the Scandinavian “sløyd” tradition, a hands-on education in material exploration taught in Nordic primary schools.
‘Designed by Sipping’ features 13 cocktails, with each reimagined by Studio Sløyd into a one-of-kind art piece using glass, ceramics, textiles, and wood from local artisans.
The idea is to create a multi-sensory journey where ‘taste, texture, and visual artistry come together seamlessly’.
For instance, Softis is a creamy, dessert-inspired cocktail that is represented by a sculptural clock, which is intended to ‘reflect the swirling form and fleeting temporality of melting ice cream’. The drink itself features Linie Aquavit, Diplom-Is ice cream, Disaronno, white cacao liqueur and fino Sherry.
Himkok’s bar manager Maroš Dzurus and head of research and development Paul Aguilar said: “We are so inspired by the way Studio Sløyd works, and how their process really reflects our own: experimental, deeply rooted in Nordic heritage, but always curious and forward-thinking.
“This collaboration allowed us to broaden our approach to menu curation, not just something you read or taste, but something you can touch and experience from entirely new angles.”
Other serves on the menu include Cherry, which is a riff on a Manhattan made with Buffalo Trace, Merlet Cherry Liqueur, Carpano Dry, dark chocolate, and a butter-washed finish. The drink is reimagined by a ‘moody’ floor lamp that channels the cocktail’s ‘depth and quiet sophistication’.
Represented by a wooden chair, Cherry Tomato features Himkok x Linie Aquavit, mezcal, green paprika distillate, cherry pepper, and Skott Gård Plum Wine. Meanwhile, Carrot combines Himkok Gin, Martini aperitifs, fresh carrot, Mandarine Napoléon, and a hint of Fireball, adding depth, gentle heat, and a slightly rebellious edge.
Jøraandstad and Ødegaard added: “Translating flavour into form was a completely new challenge for us. Cocktails are ephemeral, fleeting by nature, so we approached each object with the goal of freezing that moment. Just like with good design, it’s about balance, texture, and story. Working with Himkok gave us the chance to explore how taste can live beyond the glass.”
The full collection of cocktails and objects will be showcased in a gallery-style exhibition in Oslo on 11 September. Guests will be able to bid on all 13 design items through the Énuke auction website.
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