Chanfe Tokyo: The New Cocktail Oasis Transforming Tokyo’s Bar Scene

1. A New Star Emerges

In the bustling streets of Tokyo, a new establishment has emerged seemingly out of nowhere. 

Welcome to Chanfe Tokyo, which opened its doors in 2023 as a delightful wine bar known for its exquisite cuisine. With over 70 varieties of wine by the glass, it quickly became a paradise for wine enthusiasts. 

But there's more to this place than just wine; it harbors a secret—or perhaps a second identity—that has captured the attention of many: cocktails.

Chanfe Tokyo / Original Cocktail

As the sun sets, the cozy interior of Chanfe Tokyo lights up, attracting stylish women and international tourists eager to experience its original cocktail creations. 

With only 12 seats, the space fills up quickly, making it a sought-after destination. But how did this Italian restaurant and wine bar become famous for its cocktails? Let's dive into the intriguing story behind this remarkable establishment.

Happy Mango Paradise
A tropical cocktail full of happiness, perfect summer cocktail combining mango with six other fruits

2. The Cocktail Journey Begins 

 So, why did a wine bar decide to venture into cocktails? 

In its early days, Chanfe Tokyo faced challenges; there were times when not a single customer would walk through the door. 

Sean, the owner, recalls, "It was incredibly sad and tough."

The turning point came when a customer asked,
“Do you have gin and tonic?”
When Sean had to admit,
“I’m sorry, we only serve wine,”
the customer left disappointed. This prompted Sean to think,
“If a customer is leaving because we don’t serve gin and tonic, then why not  make it?”

Though he initially wanted to be a wine-only establishment, Sean held onto a belief:

“A business is shaped by its customers and the people working in it.”

With that in mind, he decided to create a cocktail menu, diving into intense study and practice.

Love & Peace
One of the signature cocktail, highlighted by the vibrant tartness of raspberry and lychee

3. The Birth of Original Cocktails

Today, about 90% of Chanfe Tokyo’s cocktails are original creations. At first, Sean incorporated standard cocktails that anyone might find at any bar—like martinis, cosmopolitans, and mojitos. However, he quickly grew tired of these mainstream offerings.

“There’s no artistry in serving cocktails you can find anywhere. I needed a reason for people to come to Chanfe Tokyo,”

he thought, leading him to start crafting his own unique cocktails. 

Fortunately, with the initial slow business, he had plenty of time to experiment and focus on perfecting recipes.

Sean emphasizes three key elements in his cocktail creations:

- Appearance

- Flavor

- Drinkability

He believes that cocktails are akin to culinary dishes; presentation is crucial. “Even the most skillfully prepared dish loses its appeal if served carelessly. 

“We perceive the taste through our eyes first, followed by our palate,” he explains.

At Chanfe Tokyo, you'll find a wide array of creative cocktails that utilize fresh fruits, with a special emphasis on refreshing short cocktails.

Hazel White
Charming cocktail features hazelnuts, oat milk, and white chocolate, favorite among repeat customers, with a hint of cinnamon.

The Creative Process

Curious about how Sean develops his cocktail recipes, here’s a glimpse into his process:

1. Choose a Theme: This could be a specific fruit or a type of liqueur. Sometimes, it even involves tea or juice.

2. Determine the Direction: Decide whether the cocktail will be refreshing, sweet, strong, or tailored for a specific demographic.

3. Gather Ingredients: Based on the theme, collect complementary liqueurs and other ingredients.

4. Trial and Adjustment: This is often the longest phase. Sean experiments with various combinations, testing them repeatedly until he finds the perfect balance. This process can take days or even weeks.

5. Presentation and Glass Selection: Once the flavor is finalized, he focuses on the visual appeal, selecting or even sourcing new glassware if necessary.

6. Menu Inclusion: After a few trial runs with customers and observing their reactions, successful cocktails make it onto the menu. If a drink doesn’t resonate with customes, it won’t stay.

The originality of Chanfe Tokyo's cocktails stems from Sean's relentless curiosity and unique vision.

His goal is not only to create cocktails that he personally enjoys but also to ensure that customers delight in their experience.

Midnight Tea
For your first drink! This slightly creamy cocktail combines yuzu and tea with egg whites for a smooth, refreshing experience.

4. The Buzz Behind Chanfe Tokyo

Sean believes that the key to the buzz surrounding Chanfe Tokyo lies in its visual appeal. 

However, he knows that without great taste, customers won’t return or recommend the bar to friends. 

Nowadays, visitors come not just from Tokyo, but from all over Japan.

Blueberry Cheesecake
A rich and popular dessert cocktail inspired by blueberry cheesecake.

Recently, a customer from Osaka remarked, “I’ve heard amazing things from my friends in Osaka, and I had to come check it out!” 

This level of interest was unfathomable when the restaurant first opened with zero patrons.

Sean’s philosophy in building this restaurant is centered around

 “Why choose us?” 

He asserts, “If I’m offering ordinary food, generic cocktails, and standard service, then what’s the point of creating a new restaurant in this world ?”

At Chanfe Tokyo, patrons encounter experiences and flavors that are truly one-of-a-kind. 

Sean's commitment to delivering exceptional, innovative offerings is not merely a strategy for success; it’s the essence of what makes Chanfe Tokyo special.