He may be from Japan, but Shingo Gokan has had as much influence on the modern U.S. mixology scene as any native-born bartender. After moving to New York City in 2006, he ran the bar program at the Japanese-style speakeasy Angel's Share—widely considered the bar that sparked the cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s—for ten years. During that time, the accolades racked up. In 2012, he won the Bacardi Global Legacy Cocktail Competition, competing against 10,000 bartenders from 26 countries. This win earned him international recognition, taking him to more than 30 countries to teach master classes and guest-bartend at historically renowned venues. In fact, he wasthe first-ever guest bartender at the famed Savoy Hotel in London.
In 2015—while Gokan was still working at Angel's Share and had just opened his own bar, Speak Low, in Shanghai—he caught the eye of the ownership team behind a forthcoming speakeasy in Atlanta called Himitsu. 'They were putting together the concept and flew to New York City to meet me, and we hit it off immediately,' Gokan says. A few weeks later, he was hired as creative director, responsible for crafting all signature and seasonal cocktails and training the staff.
Himitsu, which means 'secret' in Japanese, is a reservations-only speakeasy found behind an unmarked door that requires a passcode to enter. It's connected to and owned by the same team behind Umi, a high-end sushi restaurant and noted celebrity hotspot. Himitsu aims to embody the Japanese art of hospitality called omotenashi, meaning the utmost care is taken to accommodate and serve guests. 'It's all about creating unique, exceptional drinks and providing the best possible service behind the bar,' Gokan says.
Kanpai Creations
In 2015—while Gokan was still working at Angel's Share and had just opened his own bar, Speak Low, in Shanghai—he caught the eye of the ownership team behind a forthcoming speakeasy in Atlanta called Himitsu. 'They were putting together the concept and flew to New York City to meet me, and we hit it off immediately,' Gokan says. A few weeks later, he was hired as creative director, responsible for crafting all signature and seasonal cocktails and training the staff.
Himitsu, which means 'secret' in Japanese, is a reservations-only speakeasy found behind an unmarked door that requires a passcode to enter. It's connected to and owned by the same team behind Umi, a high-end sushi restaurant and noted celebrity hotspot. Himitsu aims to embody the Japanese art of hospitality called omotenashi, meaning the utmost care is taken to accommodate and serve guests. 'It's all about creating unique, exceptional drinks and providing the best possible service behind the bar,' Gokan says.
Kanpai Creations
Gokan's cocktail menu at Himitsu (drinks are $16-$21) comprises revolving seasonal selections and signature drinks that range in style but are all tied together with Japanese ingredients and flavors. Signature drinks include his Yuzu ($17), blending Lunazul Blanco Tequila, light agave syrup, yuzu juice, and shiso leaves, and his Kemuri ($21; recipe below). Though Gokan's attention is now split among several bars around the world—in addition to his role at Himitsu, he owns three bars in Shanghai and one in Tokyo—his commitment to omotenashi is a common link on every menu he touches. 'The classic Japanese approach to bartending, plus my own touch and imagination, together create the Shingo Gokan style,' he says.
Shingo Gokan Bars
354 likes 11 talking about this. He may be from Japan, but Shingo Gokan has had as much influence on the modern U.S. Mixology scene as any native-born bartender. After moving to New York City in 2006, he ran the bar program at the Japanese-style speakeasy Angel's Share—widely considered the bar that sparked the cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s—for ten years.
